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

Fri, Dec 19
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ 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 Centraal to Cologne Hbf

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

€110

Average price

€110

Fastest journey

2 h 58 m

Average duration

2 h 58 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

204 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf will cost around €110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €110.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf without transferring at least once.

Deutsche BahnIC 2827 · ICE 225
08:20AM2h58
Rotterdam Centraal
11:18AMCologne Hbf
1101One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2835 · ICE 123
10:20AM2h58
Rotterdam Centraal
01:18PMCologne Hbf
1101One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a train costs an average of €20.

Distance: 204 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€57

Average price

€21

Average price

Cheapest

3h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 57m

Average total duration

4h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:24 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnIC 2819 · ICE 121
On time
5:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal
2h58
8:18 AM Cologne Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnIC 1123 · IC 2723 · 18923 · 109136:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h56
10:11 AM Cologne Hbf3 transfers
deutsche_bahnIC 1129 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 106217:45 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h50
11:35 AM Cologne Hbf3 transfers
deutsche_bahnIC 2829 · IC 3131+vias21211 · 200197:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal
4h21
12:11 PM Cologne Hbf4 transfers
deutsche_bahnIC 1131 · IC 2731 · 18931 · 109178:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h57
12:12 PM Cologne Hbf3 transfers
deutsche_bahnIC 1139 · IC 2739 · 18939 · 1092110:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal
3h56
2:11 PM Cologne Hbf3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf by bus or train

Compare bus 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.

Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29
Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
Jan 01
Fri
Jan 02
Sat
Jan 03

Journey information

Overview: Train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 18:54. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 3h 5m.

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
Bus from €10
Distance
204 km
Average train duration
3h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
€20
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 5m
First train
03:54
Last train
18:54
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
Bus from €10

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf from €10. 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 10m
Cheapest Price
€20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 a day
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: Trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf

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

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf can start from as little as €20 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf is €51; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time between Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf is on average 2 h 58 min   for the 204 km long journey, but the time it takes to go between Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf leaves at 04: 44. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf leaves at 19: 14.
For the best Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf train to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Deutsche Bahn. However, it's always good to check all possible train companies with services between Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 19: 14.
A trip to Cologne Hbf from Rotterdam Centraal is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 58 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf including taking a coach or train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf

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.
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 transit 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
HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyRotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf 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