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

Fri, 07 Nov
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Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Eurostar
Frecciarossa
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Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 12 Nov

Cheapest price

$80

Average price

$82

Fastest journey

3 h 7 m

Average duration

3 h 18 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

204 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Rotterdam to Cologne will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $80.

Fast trains

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

Deutsche BahnIC 1123 · IC 3521 · 22609 · RB 10617
07:14AM3h21
Rotterdam Centraal
10:35AMCologne Hbf
$801One-way
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1127 · IC 3525 · RE 20075 · RB 10619
08:14AM3h21
Rotterdam Centraal
11:35AMCologne Hbf
$801One-way
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1119 · IC 3517 · RE 20071 · RB 10615
06:14AM3h21
Rotterdam Centraal
09:35AMCologne Hbf
$801One-way
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1131 · IC 3529 · 22613 · RB 10621
09:14AM3h21
Rotterdam Centraal
12:35PMCologne Hbf
$801One-way
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2027 · ICE 225
08:05AM3h07
Rotterdam Centraal
11:12AMCologne Messe/Deutz
$851One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Rotterdam to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $47.

Distance: 204 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

$74

Average Price

$26

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 36m

Average total duration

5h 6m

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

Rotterdam to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Cologne trains for today, Tuesday, 11 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:55 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnIC 2027 · ICE 225
On time
7:05 am Rotterdam Centraal
3h07
10:12 am Cologne Messe/Deutz		1 change
deutsche_bahnIC 1127 · IC 3525 · RE 20075 · RB 10619
On time
7:14 am Rotterdam Centraal
3h21
10:35 am Cologne Hbf		3 changes
deutsche_bahnIC 1131 · IC 3529 · 22613 · RB 10621
On time
8:14 am Rotterdam Centraal
3h21
11:35 am Cologne Hbf		3 changes
deutsche_bahnIC 2035 · ICE 123
On time
9:05 am Rotterdam Centraal
3h10
12:15 pm Cologne Hbf		1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Cologne by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Tue
11 Nov
Wed
12 Nov
Thu
13 Nov
Fri
14 Nov
Sat
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Sun
16 Nov
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Mon
01 Dec

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

The best time to book your train from Rotterdam to Cologne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Rotterdam to Cologne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Rotterdam to Cologne 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 Rotterdam to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Cologne

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 but you can travel from only $12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 55m.

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 $12
Distance
204 km
Average train duration
3h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$47
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 55m
First train
00:05
Last train
23:14
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 $12

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Rotterdam to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Rotterdam and Cologne from $12. 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
3h 7m
Cheapest Price
$25
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

FAQs: Rotterdam to Cologne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne can start from as little as $30 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Rotterdam to Cologne is $76; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Rotterdam to Cologne train travel time is 2 h 55 min   for the 203 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 6: 05am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 8: 44pm.
There are 5 trains a day from Rotterdam to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn or Eurostar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Cologne. Take the fast train with Eurostar from Rotterdam to Cologne.
The high-speed Eurostar train from Rotterdam to Cologne takes 3 h 17 min   on average.
Take the Rotterdam to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn or Eurostar. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the journey from Rotterdam to Cologne as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
A trip to Cologne from Rotterdam is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 55 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Rotterdam to Cologne is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Cologne including taking a train or coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Cologne

Rotterdam
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Rotterdam is Rotterdam Alexander. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Rotterdam Alexander for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne.
Rotterdam AlexanderWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Kleine Beer 601, Rotterdam, 3067 ZW, Netherlands
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
4
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available with free parking options nearby.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Alexander
  • Brasserie Waalhaven
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.70
Hotel
Hotel
  • Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander
  • NH Capelle
  • Campanile Rotterdam Oost
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 300 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • SIXT
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for trains to Utrecht and Rotterdam Central
  • Hall 2: metro connections
Public transport options for Rotterdam Alexander
  • Metro: Line A, Line B
  • Bus: Several lines available
Rotterdam BlaakWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Blaak 1, 3011 TA Rotterdam, Netherlands
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
4
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at Blaak 1.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Fitzgerald
  • Markthal Rotterdam
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.70
Hotel
Hotel
  • Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak
  • citizenM Rotterdam
  • Ibis Rotterdam City Centre
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 120 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains and metro services
  • Hall 2: access to tram and bus connections
Public transport options for Rotterdam Blaak
  • Metro: Line A, Line B, Line C
  • Tram: Line 21, Line 24
  • Bus: Several lines available
Rotterdam CentraalWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Stationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage lockers are located at the north side of the station, next to the escalator to Platform 15. A small safe costs €6.00 and a large safe costs €9.00 for 24 hours.
Dining
Dining
  • Smullers
  • Albert Heijn to go
  • Starbucks
  • La Place
  • Julia's
  • Ekmekci
  • LEON
  • The Doner Company
  • StationsHuiskamer
  • De Broodzaak
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
  • Layin’ Rotterdam Central
  • Hostel Ani & Haakien
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located inside the central hall.
Public transport options for Rotterdam Centraal
  • Subway lines: D, E
  • Bus lines: 33, 34, 38, 39, 40, 44, 48
  • Tram lines: 4, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25
  • Train lines: NS Intercity, NS Intercity Direct, NS Sprinter, NS Nachtnet, Thalys, Eurostar
Rotterdam NoordParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Bergweg 273, 3037 EM Rotterdam, Netherlands
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
  • Closed Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available near the station with limited spaces.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.50
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 100 places, covered
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a simple layout with two platforms and a small waiting area.
Public transport options for Rotterdam Noord
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Tram: Line 4
Rotterdam ZuidWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Annie M.G. Schmidtplein 20, 3083 NZ Rotterdam, Netherlands
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 24/7 with access from Annie M.G. Schmidtplein.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant De Hef
  • Restaurant Fenix Food Factory
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
WC
WC
  • €0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid
  • Art Hotel Rotterdam
  • Hotel New York
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 604 places, covered
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for local and regional trains
  • Hall 2: metro connections
Public transport options for Rotterdam Zuid
  • Metro: Line D
  • Bus: Lines 66, 77
Rotterdam LombardijenWifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Spinozaweg 1, 3079 DZ Rotterdam, Netherlands
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available near the station, with several spaces for cars.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.70
Hotel
Hotel
  • Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid
  • Art Hotel Rotterdam
  • Van der Valk Hotel Ridderkerk
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 152 places, covered
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a simple layout with two platforms accessible via a pedestrian bridge.
Public transport options for Rotterdam Lombardijen
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Tram: Line 2

More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Cologne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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