Hamburg
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
Section titled “Hamburg Hauptbahnhof”Hamburg Hauptbahnhof is the main station of Hamburg and one of the busiest stations in Europe, only second to ‘Paris Gare du Nord’. Open 24/7.
The station was built between 1902 and 1906, and took inspiration from the great iron-and-glass ‘Galerie des Machines’ of the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.
It has 14 tracks, numbered 1-14, served by eight island platforms. Two footbridges cross over the tracks, connecting all the platforms.
Station layout
Section titled “Station layout”Hamburg Hauptbahnhof is a through station. Trains from Denmark, Sweden and Hamburg Altona enter from the north. Trains from Berlin, Amsterdam, Hamburg Harburg Switzerland etc enter from the south.
The western exits get you close to the city centre, towards Mönckebergstraße (main shopping street), the city hall (Rathaus) and Kunsthalle art museum.
The eastern exits get you towards Kirchenalle with it’s many hotels and the St. Georg district.
Nordsteg
Section titled “Nordsteg”The north footbridge is called Nordsteg. It is the main one, with stairs and escalators down to every platform and lifts for step-free access. It has exits at both the western and eastern end.
Wandelhalle
Section titled “Wandelhalle”Alongside the Nordsteg runs the Wandelhalle shopping gallery, including a Supermarket (Edeka), Apothecary and Drugstore (ROSSMANN). Most stores are opened between 07:00-23:00 every day, including sundays and holidays.
Südsteg
Section titled “Südsteg”The south footbridge is called Südsteg. It is smaller and quieter. Great for quick platform changes. Does not have lifts. It has exits at both the western and eastern end.
Tickets
Section titled “Tickets”DB Reisezentrum
Section titled “DB Reisezentrum”You can buy tickets at the DB Reisezentrum that is located on the east side of the Wandelhalle. Opening times:
- Mon - Fri 06:00-21:00
- Sat - Sun 08:00-20:15
Red DB ticket machine
Section titled “Red DB ticket machine”Red DB ticket machines dotted throughout the station (cards accepted)
Online
Section titled “Online”You can buy tickets on the DB website or the DB Navigator app.
Food & drinks
Section titled “Food & drinks”Wandelhalle at the northern footbridge has a big selection of restaurants. Everything from baked goods, japanese, italian to german food. Also established chains like Subway, McDonalds & KFC.
The supermarket Edeka inside Wandelhalle can supply you with food, snacks & drinks.
A recommendation is Chay Vegan just outside the western exits. Tasty and good value ‘pan-asian cuisine’ like sushi, bowls & stir-fries.
Facilities
Section titled “Facilities”Luggage Lockers
Section titled “Luggage Lockers”There are three different locations for Luggage lockers in Wandelhalle & Nordsteg.
- Near platform 13/14
- Near platform 7/8 and 5/6
- DB Reisezentrum
If you want to book storage in advance, several bag-storage services have locations near the station.
- Bounce
- Radical Storage
- Stasher
Toilets
Section titled “Toilets”Toilets are located in the Nordsteg at platform 13/14. Barrier-free/accessable toilets are located at the Hachmannplatz/Kirchenallee exit in the Wandelhalle.
Reisebank with currency exchange and ATMs are located in the Wandelhalle.
Late at night
Section titled “Late at night”Wandelhalle is opened until 23:00 most nights. McDonalds is open 24/7.
Stores
Section titled “Stores”Supermarket
Section titled “Supermarket”- Edeka inside Wandelhalle
Pharmacy
Section titled “Pharmacy”- Apotheke inside Wandelhalle
- Reisebank inside Wandelhalle
Drugstore
Section titled “Drugstore”- ROSSMANN inside Wandelhalle
- DM-drogerie markt south-west of Südsteg.
Hotels
Section titled “Hotels”Outside the eastern exit lies Kirchenallee, home to many good hotels.
Some options are 4-star Reichshof Hotel right across the street. The 3-star Hotel Continental next door. Or maybe the 4-star Novotel southwest of the Südsteg.
Public transport
Section titled “Public transport”Metro, train & bus
Section titled “Metro, train & bus”As in most german cities you have:
- U-bahn (metro)
- S-bahn (local trains)
- Bus
Public transportation in the Hamburg area is run by hvv.
You can buy tickets from ticket machines at the stations or using one of their two mobile apps
- hvv
- hvv switch - also have e-scooters and car sharing
The city of Hamburg has rather strict laws for taxi services. You can recognise the taxis by their ivory color and a taxi sign on the roof of the car. They operate with fixed, metered fares and you can use a tool to calculate what you will pay for your ride.
There are two taxistands outside the station, one outside the western exit and one outside the eastern exit.