The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Cologne
Cheapest price
24S$
Average price
65S$
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
204 km
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 65S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 24S$.
To travel from Rotterdam to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
IC 1171 · IC 3569 · 20097 · ICE 2077:15 PM3h33Rotterdam Centraal10:48 PMCologne Hbf24 S$1One-way3 changes
IC 2835 · IC 3235 · IC 5106+
2002110:20 AM3h50Rotterdam Centraal2:10 PMCologne Hbf24 S$1One-way3 changes
IC 2877 · IC 604038:50 PM2h55Rotterdam Centraal11:45 PMCologne Hbf25 S$1One-way1 change
IC 2059 · ICE 1294:05 PM3h06Rotterdam Centraal7:11 PMCologne Hbf45 S$1One-way1 change
IC 2035 · ICE 12310:05 AM3h06Rotterdam Centraal1:11 PMCologne Hbf50 S$1One-way1 change
IC 2867 · ICE 2216:20 PM2h51Rotterdam Centraal9:11 PMCologne Hbf50 S$1One-way1 change
IC 2877 · IC 604038:50 PM2h55Rotterdam Centraal11:45 PMCologne Hbf25 S$1One-way1 change
IC 2027 · ICE 2258:05 AM3h06Rotterdam Centraal11:11 AMCologne Hbf85 S$1One-way1 change
IC 2043 · ICE 12512:05 PM3h06Rotterdam Centraal3:11 PMCologne Hbf60 S$1One-way1 change
IC 2059 · ICE 1294:05 PM3h06Rotterdam Centraal7:11 PMCologne Hbf45 S$1One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Rotterdam to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 12S$. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. 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 12S$, and a flight costs an average of 433S$.
Distance: 204 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
64S$ Average Price | 19S$ Average Price Cheapest | 646S$ Average Price |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 21m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 tomorrow, Thursday, 25 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2817 · ICE 121 | On time 5:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h21 | 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121 | On time 5:54 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h17 | 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 10615 | 6:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 9:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073 · 10617 | 7:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2027 · ICE 225 | On time 8:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h06 | 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 10619 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2827 · IC 3227+ 20017+ 26814 | 8:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h51 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 9:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 12:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2035 · ICE 123 | On time 10:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h06 | 1:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079 · 10623 | 10:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 1:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2835 · IC 3235+ 20021+ IC 5106 | On time 10:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h50 | 2:10 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ECD 9528 · ICE 315 | 10:42 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h33 | 2:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 10625 | 11:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 2:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2043 · ICE 125 | On time 12:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h06 | 3:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 10627 | 12:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2843 · IC 3243+ 20025+ 26822 | 12:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h51 | 4:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ECD 9536 · ICE 17 | 12:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h33 | 4:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629 | 1:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 4:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2051 · ICE 127 | 2:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h06 | 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 10631 | 2:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 5:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2851 · IC 3251+ 20029+ 26826 | 2:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h51 | 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
ECD 9544 · ICE 317 | 2:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h33 | 6:15 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 · 10633 | 3:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 6:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2059 · ICE 129 | 4:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h06 | 7:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1159 · IC 3557 · 20091 · 10635 | 4:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 7:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2859 · IC 3259+ 20033+ 26830 | 4:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h51 | 8:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 1163 · IC 3561 · 20093 · 10637 | 5:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h20 | 8:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2867 · ICE 221 | On time 6:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h51 | 9:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 1171 · IC 3569 · 20097 · ICE 207 | On time 7:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h33 | 10:48 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2877 · IC 60403 | 8:50 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h55 | 11:45 PM Cologne Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 4074 · IC 579 · IC 3079+ 20043 | 8:54 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 5h17 | 2:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 1181 · IC 2981 · 32589 · Bus RE18 | 9:45 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 6h55 | 4:40 AM Cologne Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 3585 · 20065 · 10609 | 9:56 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 8h39 | 6:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 2 changes | |
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 train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
25 Jun
26 Jun
27 Jun
28 Jun
29 Jun
30 Jun
01 Jul
02 Jul
03 Jul
04 Jul
05 Jul
06 Jul
07 Jul
08 Jul
09 Jul
10 Jul
11 Jul
12 Jul
13 Jul
14 Jul
15 Jul
Why should you book Rotterdam to Cologne trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotterdam to Cologne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Rotterdam to Cologne.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Cologne
Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 23S$ but you can travel from only 12S$ by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 204 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price 23S$ |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:14 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Rotterdam to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Rotterdam and Cologne from 12S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Cologne
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station
- 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
- Smullers
- Albert Heijn to go
- Starbucks
- La Place
- Julia's
- Ekmekci
- LEON
- The Doner Company
- StationsHuiskamer
- De Broodzaak
- & more
- Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance
- Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
- Layin’ Rotterdam Central
- Hostel Ani & Haakien
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
- Located inside the central hall
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with free parking options nearby
- Restaurant Alexander
- Brasserie Waalhaven
- Outside the main entrance
- Ramps
- €0.70
- Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander
- NH Capelle
- Campanile Rotterdam Oost
- Located in the main hall
- 300 places, covered
- SIXT
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for trains to Utrecht and Rotterdam Central
- Hall 2: metro connections
- Metro: Line A, Line B
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- Closed Sunday
- Parking is available near the station with limited spaces
- Outside the main entrance
- Ramps
- €0.50
- 100 places, covered
- Free
- The station has a simple layout with two platforms and a small waiting area.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only
- There are luggage lockers in the station
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected]
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5
- 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
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 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
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Cologne
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