Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Berlin and Hamburg?
Tight but doable. 2 nights in Berlin, 1 night in Hamburg, with the ICE journey occupying a few hours of day 3. You'll see the highlights, not the depth. If you can extend to 4 days, split as 2+2. Beyond a week, add Potsdam day trip from Berlin and Lübeck day trip from Hamburg.
How long is the train from Berlin to Hamburg?
Exactly 1 hour 45 minutes on the ICE — Germany's fastest intercity route after Berlin-Leipzig. Trains run roughly every hour from 06:00 to 22:00. Sparpreis (advance) fares are €19-€29 if booked 2-3 months ahead. Day-of flex fares jump to €79.
What's the best time of year for this itinerary?
Late May to early July and September are ideal — long days, pleasant temperatures, manageable crowds. August gets hot in Berlin (inner-city can hit 35°C) and tourist-heavy. November-March means shorter days but Christmas markets (late November-December 23) are magical. Hamburg is walkable year-round; Berlin's outdoor attractions are better in warm months.
Can I do this itinerary with a Deutschlandticket?
No — the Berlin-Hamburg ICE isn't covered. You'd need 8+ hours on regional trains changing at least 3 times. Not worth it for a short trip. Deutschlandticket is for slow regional exploration or monthly city-commute use, not intercity travel. See comparison.
Where should I stay in each city?
Berlin: Mitte (central, historical) or Prenzlauer Berg (hip, residential feel). Kreuzberg for nightlife. Avoid anything too far from an S-Bahn/U-Bahn station. Hamburg: St. Pauli (central, walkable to Reeperbahn and harbour) or Altstadt near Rathausmarkt. Both Hauptbahnhofs are hotel-dense and convenient for arrivals.
How much should I budget for 3 days including hotels?
Mid-range estimate per person: €480-€750. Breakdown: Hotels 2 nights Berlin + 1 Hamburg (3-star): €270-€450. ICE Berlin↔Hamburg: €19-€49. Public transport: 2 x 24h tickets (~€20). Food: €30-€50/day x 3 = €90-€150. Attractions: €30-€60. Add flight/train to get to Berlin on top.