The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf without transferring at least once.
IC 2827 · ICE 225
IC 2835 · ICE 123
IC 2827 · ICE 225
IC 2835 · ICE 123Travel 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* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2819 · ICE 121 | On time 5:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h58 | 8:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 1123 · IC 2723 · 18923 · 10913 | 6:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h56 | 10:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1129 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621 | 7:45 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h50 | 11:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2829 · IC 3131+ 21211 · 20019 | 7:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 4h21 | 12:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 2731 · 18931 · 10917 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h57 | 12:12 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1139 · IC 2739 · 18939 · 10921 | 10:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h56 | 2:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 3 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.
Dec 21
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf
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.
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 |
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
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
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf
- 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
- 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.


