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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Rotterdam
Cheapest price
€36
Average price
€74
Fastest journey
2 h 53 m
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
204 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam will cost around €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €36.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Rotterdam without transferring at least once.
IC 60402 · IC 40622 · RE 40295:47 AM3h51Cologne Hbf9:38 AMRotterdam Centraal€361One-way2 transfers- 10608 · 20070 · 32233 · IC 35429:25 AM4h12Cologne Hbf1:37 PMRotterdam Centraal€591One-way5 transfers
- 10616 · 20078 · 32249 · IC 35581:25 PM4h12Cologne Hbf5:37 PMRotterdam Centraal€591One-way5 transfers
- 10620 · 20082 · 32257 · IC 35663:25 PM4h12Cologne Hbf7:37 PMRotterdam Centraal€591One-way5 transfers
- 10612 · 20074 · 32241 · IC 355011:25 AM4h12Cologne Hbf3:37 PMRotterdam Centraal€591One-way5 transfers
- ICE 220 · IC 28328:49 AM2h53Cologne Hbf11:42 AMRotterdam Centraal€1281One-way1 transfer
- ICE 128 · IC 284010:49 AM2h53Cologne Hbf1:42 PMRotterdam Centraal€1341One-way1 transfer
- ICE 122 · IC 28644:49 PM2h53Cologne Hbf7:42 PMRotterdam Centraal€851One-way1 transfer
- ICE 222 · IC 28246:49 AM2h53Cologne Hbf9:42 AMRotterdam Centraal€671One-way1 transfer
- IC 60402 · IC 40622 · RE 40295:47 AM3h51Cologne Hbf9:38 AMRotterdam Centraal€361One-way2 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 train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€62 Average price | €19 Average price Cheapest |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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 today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 224 · IC 2872 | Delayed 6:37 PM 6:49 PMCologne Hbf | 2h53 | 9:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 224 · IC 2878 | Delayed 6:37 PM 6:49 PMCologne Hbf | 4h23 | 11:12 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
| 10832 · 26430 · 18966 · IC 2980 | 6:59 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h15 | 11:14 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
28532 · IC 3084 · IC 2886+ 20038 | 8:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h41 | 1:12 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 120 · IC 2880 | On time 8:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 11:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
| 10632 · 20094 · Bus 34310 · IC 21412 | 9:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h26 | 1:51 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
| 26837 · IC 21436 · Bus 28596 · IC 1413 | 9:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 7h47 | 5:36 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
| 26837 · IC 21432 · IC 1409 · Bus 28594 | 9:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 6h43 | 4:32 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 5 transfers | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
| ICE 222 · IC 2824 | On time 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 9:42 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
| 10648 · 20066 · 32225 · IC 3534 | 7:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 11:37 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 5 transfers | |
| ICE 220 · IC 2832 | On time 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 11:42 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
| 10608 · 20070 · 32233 · IC 3542 | 9:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 1:37 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 5 transfers | |
| ICE 128 · IC 2840 | On time 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 1:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
| 10612 · 20074 · 32241 · IC 3550 | 11:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 3:37 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 5 transfers | |
| 10616 · 20078 · 32249 · IC 3558 | 1:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 5:37 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 5 transfers | |
| 10620 · 20082 · 32257 · IC 3566 | 3:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 4h12 | 7:37 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 5 transfers | |
| ICE 122 · IC 2864 | On time 4:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 2h53 | 7:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
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Why should you book Cologne to Rotterdam 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 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 Deutsche Bahn 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 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 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Rotterdam
Germany
Netherlands
Trains from Cologne to Rotterdam run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 but you can travel from only €12 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 204 km |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Cologne to Rotterdam trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Cologne and Rotterdam from €12. 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: Trains from Cologne to Rotterdam
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Rotterdam
Most Cologne to Rotterdam trains use the Köln Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Rotterdam Noord. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Rotterdam train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Rotterdam leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Rotterdam station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Rotterdam Centraal from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Centraal train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Smullers, Albert Heijn to go, Starbucks, La Place, Julia's, Ekmekci, LEON, The Doner Company, StationsHuiskamer, De Broodzaak, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located outside the north side entrance and south side entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00. Information desks are located inside the central hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is 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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Centraal: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, Layin’ Rotterdam Central, Hostel Ani & Haakien.
Getting to Rotterdam Alexander from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Alexander is 6 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Alexander train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Alexander has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Alexander, Brasserie Waalhaven
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Alexander: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander, NH Capelle, Campanile Rotterdam Oost.
Getting to Rotterdam Noord from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Noord is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Noord train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Rotterdam Noord.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Noord.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Noord: Ramps.
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Rotterdam
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Rotterdam and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Rotterdam
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