Moving from Berlin to Hamburg

Berlin–Hamburg is one of the shorter long-distance moves. Roadworks and traffic around Hamburg can lengthen the drive, but the day is often decided by the two buildings: how quickly the loading is done in Berlin, and how close the lorry gets to the door in Hamburg.

The route: the A24 through Brandenburg and Mecklenburg

From Berlin the route takes the ring road onto the A24 towards Hamburg, through Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Most of the drive is on the motorway, though extra time can be needed within Hamburg itself. A car needs around three hours without a break, a removal lorry somewhat longer.

Usually one day

With three to four hours of pure driving time for the lorry, a move from Berlin to Hamburg can in many cases be done in one day: loading in the morning, driving at midday, unloading in the afternoon. With a well-planned day, an overnight stay for the moving team may not be needed. It gets tight with large households, old buildings without a lift at both addresses, or a key handover in Hamburg late in the afternoon. Say in your request from when you can get into the new flat.

No-parking zones: two different authorities

In Berlin you apply for a no-parking zone at the district office for your old address. In Hamburg the right place is the traffic authority at the responsible police station. Whether you need one at one address or both depends on whether the lorry can stop there legally and close enough. According to the Hamburg police, the application should arrive at least two weeks before the move, and the signs must be put up at least four days beforehand. So allow enough lead time in both cities; many moving companies handle the applications.

Stairs in Hamburg's old buildings

Many of Hamburg's old buildings have narrow stairwells and high floors, often with a raised ground floor. With large pieces of furniture in particular, it is worth checking the measurements of the stairwell, doors and lift before the move. A furniture lift can save carrying time; give the floor and the stairwell in your request so that companies can plan for one.

What decides the price

Because the distance is shorter than on other long-distance moves, carrying distances, floors and the amount of furniture weigh more. Then come services such as packing, furniture assembly or a furniture lift.

Reformation Day on 31 October is a public holiday in Hamburg but not in Berlin. That can affect scheduling, the availability of public offices and possible driving restrictions. Clarify holiday dates with the moving company in good time.

After moving in, you usually have two weeks to register at a Hamburg customer service centre (Kundenzentrum).