Cologne to Rotterdam train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB)

Fri, 19 Dec
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
National Express
Eurostar
Great Northern
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
National Express
Eurostar
Great Northern
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Rotterdam

Showing times and prices for 20 Dec

Cheapest price

$74

Average price

$110

Fastest journey

2 h 51 m

Average duration

3 h 22 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

204 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $74.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne to Rotterdam you need to make at least one change.

Deutsche Bahn10608 · TCS 22612 · IC 3540 · RE 6442
09:25AM3h42
Cologne Hbf
01:07PMRotterdam Centraal
$741One-way
5 changes
Deutsche Bahn10608 · TCS 22612 · IC 3540 · IC 1140
09:25AM3h49
Cologne Hbf
01:14PMRotterdam Centraal
$741One-way
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 128 · IC 2840
10:49AM2h51
Cologne Hbf
01:40PMRotterdam Centraal
$1001One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 220 · IC 2832
08:49AM2h51
Cologne Hbf
11:40AMRotterdam Centraal
$1191One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 316 · ECD 9543
09:41AM3h36
Cologne Hbf
01:17PMRotterdam Centraal
$1831One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cologne to Rotterdam

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $26.

Distance: 204 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

$73

Average Price

$24

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 37m

Average total duration

5h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Rotterdam train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rotterdam trains for tomorrow, Saturday, 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:56 pm
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 220 · IC 28327:49 am Cologne Hbf
2h51
10:40 am Rotterdam Centraal1 change
deutsche_bahn10608 · TCS 22612 · IC 3540 · RE 64428:25 am Cologne Hbf
3h42
12:07 pm Rotterdam Centraal5 changes
deutsche_bahn10608 · TCS 22612 · IC 3540 · IC 11408:25 am Cologne Hbf
3h49
12:14 pm Rotterdam Centraal3 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 316 · ECD 9543
On time
8:41 am Cologne Hbf
3h36
12:17 pm Rotterdam Centraal
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 128 · IC 2840
On time
9:49 am Cologne Hbf
2h51
12:40 pm Rotterdam Centraal
1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Rotterdam by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sat
20 Dec
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Fri
09 Jan

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Rotterdam is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Rotterdam route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Rotterdam per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Rotterdam.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Rotterdam

GermanyGermany
NetherlandsNetherlands
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Rotterdam run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 but you can travel from only $10 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 44m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $10
Distance
204 km
Average train duration
3h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$26
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 44m
First train
00:04
Last train
23:57
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $10

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, National Express, Eurostar from Cologne to Rotterdam trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, National Express, Eurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Rotterdam from $10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Price
$26
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Eurostar

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Price
$217
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 27m
Cheapest Price
$155
National Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.

FAQs: Cologne to Rotterdam train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Rotterdam by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam can start from as little as $29 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Rotterdam is $79; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cologne to Rotterdam train travel time is 2 h 59 min   for the 203 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cologne to Rotterdam leaves at 5: 02am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cologne to Rotterdam leaves at 9: 15pm.
There are 7 trains a day from Cologne to Rotterdam which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, National Express or Eurostar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Rotterdam. Take the fast train with Eurostar from Cologne to Rotterdam.
The high-speed Eurostar train from Cologne to Rotterdam takes around 3 h 18 min.
For the trip from Cologne to Rotterdam you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn, National Express or Eurostar. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services between Cologne and Rotterdam on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
A trip to Rotterdam from Cologne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 59 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Rotterdam is September.
You have options as you can travel to Rotterdam from Cologne 2 different ways: coach or train.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Rotterdam

Cologne
Rotterdam
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Rotterdam.
Köln HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln Messe/DeutzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Imbiss Athena
  • Arena Grill
  • Cafe Especial
  • Joe Champs
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Helenenwall
  • Zur guten Quelle
  • Zum Goldenen Hut
  • Merlin
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
  • Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps

Most popular train connections from Cologne

More options for your journey from Cologne to Rotterdam

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