The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Rotterdam
Cheapest price
€13
Average price
€51
Fastest journey
4 h 10 m
Average duration
4 h 38 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
204 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam will cost around €51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €13.
Of the 12 buses that leave Cologne for Rotterdam on Sun, May 17, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct buses cover the 204 km distance in an average of 4 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest buses will take 4 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
1:30 PM6h15Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)7:45 PMRotterdam, Centraal Station€131One-way0 transfers
(Prague -> Amsterdam)8:05 AM4h10Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)12:15 PMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€171One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:00 AM5h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)4:40 PMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€351One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain+
FlixBus9:01 AM6h04Cologne Hbf3:05 PMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€371One-way1 transfer
FlixBus6:10 AM4h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)11:05 AMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€411One-way0 transfers
(Prague -> Amsterdam)8:05 AM4h10Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)12:15 PMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€171One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain+
FlixBus5:01 PM4h29Cologne Hbf9:30 PMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€631One-way1 transfer
FlixTrain+
FlixBus4:14 PM4h41Cologne Hbf8:55 PMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€461One-way1 transfer
FlixBus4:35 PM4h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:30 PMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€571One-way0 transfers
FlixBus6:10 AM4h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)11:05 AMRotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)€411One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 48m. 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 bus costs an average of €12, and a train costs an average of €21.
Distance: 204 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€19 Average price Cheapest | €62 Average price |
5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Rotterdam bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rotterdam buses for tomorrow, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 4h55 | 11:05 AM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Prague -> Amsterdam) | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 4h10 | 12:15 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 9:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h04 | 3:05 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
50457 · 1663 | 9:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 9h30 | 6:55 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 5h40 | 4:40 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
50429 · 83134 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 10h25 | 10:20 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 6h05 | 6:50 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:30 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 6h15 | 7:45 PM Rotterdam, Centraal Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:00 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 5h10 | 8:10 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h41 | 8:55 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 4h55 | 9:30 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 5:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h29 | 9:30 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Rotterdam by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
May 17
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May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Why should you book Cologne to Rotterdam buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Rotterdam.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Rotterdam.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Union Ivkoni International or Union Ivkoni to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Rotterdam.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Rotterdam.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Rotterdam
Buses from Cologne to Rotterdam run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €12 if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 204 km distance in 4h 10m.
Distance 204 km |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price €12 |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, Union Ivkoni from Cologne to RotterdamYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Rotterdam with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, Union Ivkoni for as low as €12. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Union Ivkoni International
Union Ivkoni
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Rotterdam by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Union Ivkoni International
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Service animals allowed.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Union Ivkoni International
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a full refund in the form of a travel credit.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Union Ivkoni International
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs and one checked bag up to 50 lbs.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Union Ivkoni International
- 10 USD per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cologne to Rotterdam
- Free Wi-Fi
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station)
- McDonald's (0.2 km)
- Vapiano (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 132, 133, 250 Metro: U5, U18 Train: S6, S11, S12
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Centraal (in the station)
- Dutch Delights (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 33, 38, 44 Metro: D, E Train: Intercity, Sprinter
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Rotterdam
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