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

Thu, 25 Jun
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 25 Jun

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

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 65S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 24S$.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnIC 1171 · IC 3569 · 20097 · ICE 207
    7:15 PM3h33
    Rotterdam Centraal
    10:48 PMCologne Hbf
    24 S$1One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2835 · IC 3235 · IC 5106+VIAS Rail GmbH20021
    10:20 AM3h50
    Rotterdam Centraal
    2:10 PMCologne Hbf
    24 S$1One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2877 · IC 60403
    8:50 PM2h55
    Rotterdam Centraal
    11:45 PMCologne Hbf
    25 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2059 · ICE 129
    4:05 PM3h06
    Rotterdam Centraal
    7:11 PMCologne Hbf
    45 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2035 · ICE 123
    10:05 AM3h06
    Rotterdam Centraal
    1:11 PMCologne Hbf
    50 S$1One-way
    1 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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 2817 · ICE 121
On time
5:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h21
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121
On time
5:54 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h17
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 106156:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
9:35 AM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073 · 106177:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
10:35 AM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2027 · ICE 225
On time
8:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h06
11:11 AM Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 106198:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
11:35 AM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2827 · IC 3227+VIAS Rail GmbH20017+Deutsche Bahn268148:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h51
12:11 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 106219:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
12:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2035 · ICE 123
On time
10:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h06
1:11 PM Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079 · 1062310:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
1:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2835 · IC 3235+VIAS Rail GmbH20021+Deutsche BahnIC 5106
On time
10:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h50
2:10 PM Cologne Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnECD 9528 · ICE 31510:42 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h33
2:15 PM Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 1062511:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
2:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2043 · ICE 125
On time
12:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h06
3:11 PM Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 1062712:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
3:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2843 · IC 3243+VIAS Rail GmbH20025+Deutsche Bahn2682212:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h51
4:11 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnECD 9536 · ICE 1712:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h33
4:15 PM Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 106291:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
4:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2051 · ICE 1272:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h06
5:11 PM Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 106312:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
5:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2851 · IC 3251+VIAS Rail GmbH20029+Deutsche Bahn268262:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h51
6:11 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnECD 9544 · ICE 3172:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h33
6:15 PM Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 · 106333:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
6:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2059 · ICE 1294:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h06
7:11 PM Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1159 · IC 3557 · 20091 · 106354:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
7:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2859 · IC 3259+VIAS Rail GmbH20033+Deutsche Bahn268304:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h51
8:11 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1163 · IC 3561 · 20093 · 106375:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
8:35 PM Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2867 · ICE 221
On time
6:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal
2h51
9:11 PM Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1171 · IC 3569 · 20097 · ICE 207
On time
7:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal
3h33
10:48 PM Cologne Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2877 · IC 604038:50 PM Rotterdam Centraal
2h55
11:45 PM Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 4074 · IC 579 · IC 3079+VIAS Rail GmbH200438:54 PM Rotterdam Centraal
5h17
2:11 AM Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1181 · IC 2981 · 32589 · Bus RE189:45 PM Rotterdam Centraal
6h55
4:40 AM Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 3585 · 20065 · 106099:56 PM Rotterdam Centraal
8h39
6:35 AM Cologne Hbf2 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.

Thu
25 Jun
Fri
26 Jun
Sat
27 Jun
Sun
28 Jun
Mon
29 Jun
Tue
30 Jun
Wed
01 Jul
Thu
02 Jul
Fri
03 Jul
Sat
04 Jul
Sun
05 Jul
Mon
06 Jul
Tue
07 Jul
Wed
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul

Why should you book Rotterdam to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Rotterdam to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rotterdam to Cologne.

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?

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 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.

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 12S$
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
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 12S$

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

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 51m
Cheapest Price
23S$
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

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 23m
Cheapest Price
106S$
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

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 23S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Rotterdam to Cologne is 64S$; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Rotterdam to Cologne is 2h 51m to travel the 204 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 12:05 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 11:14 pm.
There are 5 trains a day from Rotterdam to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Rotterdam to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Rotterdam and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cologne from Rotterdam is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 51m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Rotterdam to Cologne is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Cologne including taking a train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Cologne

Rotterdam
Cologne
The major train station for departures in Rotterdam is Rotterdam Centraal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Rotterdam Centraal for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne.
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
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 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
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 NoordParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
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

More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Cologne

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

Most popular train connections to Cologne

HomeTrainsRotterdam to Cologne train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone