- Must visit
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Major museum with Dutch and European art from the Middle Ages to today. Visit for paintings, design and changing exhibitions in a landmark building.
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£22
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£58
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
2 h 51 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
2 h 51 m
Trains on 13 Oct
28
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
To travel from Cologne to Rotterdam you need to make at least one change.
IC 60402 · IC 2022
ICE 920 · Bus S11 · S8 · 20060
ICE 222 · IC 2824
ICE 543 · ICE 222 · IC 2824
10612 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 1146
ICE 220 · IC 2832
ICE 128 · IC 2840
ICE 126 · IC 2848
ICE 224 · IC 2872
ICE 120 · IC 2880Trains from Cologne to Rotterdam run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 46m.
Distance 204 km |
Average train duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:54 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rotterdam trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60402 · IC 2022 | Delayed 3:47 5:57Cologne Hbf | 3h28 | 9:25 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
10618 · 20080 · IC 3560 · IC 1158 | 14:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 17:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
28522 · IC 3264 · IC 2864+ 20028 | 15:31 Cologne Hbf | 4h09 | 19:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10622 · 20084 · IC 3568 · IC 1166 | 16:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 19:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 122 · IC 2864 | Delayed 14:49 16:27Cologne Hbf | 3h13 | 19:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
28524 · ICE 122 · IC 2864 | 16:31 Cologne Hbf | 3h09 | 19:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10624 · 20086 · IC 3572 · IC 1170 | 17:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 20:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 224 · IC 2872 | On time 18:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h51 | 21:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 13 October | |||||
10638 · 20060 · IC 3520 · IC 1118 | 0:25 Cologne Hbf | 7h19 | 7:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
S19 · 26403 · 20060 · IC 3520 | 1:40 Cologne Hbf | 6h04 | 7:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 4 changes | |
ICE 920 · Bus S11 · S8 · 20060 | 2:09 Cologne Hbf | 5h35 | 7:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 5 changes | |
10600 · 20062 · IC 3524 · IC 1122 | 5:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 8:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 222 · IC 2824 | 6:12 Cologne Hbf | 3h28 | 9:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
ICE 543 · ICE 222 · IC 2824 | 6:13 Cologne Hbf | 3h27 | 9:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10602 · 20064 · IC 3528 · IC 1126 | 6:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 9:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10604 · 20066 · IC 3532 · IC 1130 | 7:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 10:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 220 · IC 2832 | 8:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h51 | 11:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138 | 9:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 12:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 316 · ECD 9543 | On time 9:43 Cologne Hbf | 3h34 | 13:17 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
ICE 128 · IC 2840 | 10:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h51 | 13:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
10612 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 1146 | 11:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 14:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 126 · IC 2848 | 12:49 Cologne Hbf | 2h51 | 15:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
10616 · 20078 · IC 3556 · IC 1154 | 13:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 16:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Rotterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rotterdam trip today.
Major museum with Dutch and European art from the Middle Ages to today. Visit for paintings, design and changing exhibitions in a landmark building.
Contemporary art museum in the Museumpark, known for bold installations, photography and fashion exhibitions in a striking silver building.
Museum on Dutch and international photography in former warehouse buildings on Wilhelminapier. Expect strong documentary and art photography shows.
Lively market hall with dramatic ceiling artwork and striking horseshoe design. Worth visiting for the architecture and central location alone.
Waterside district with converted warehouses, historic ships and broad views. Pleasant for walking and seeing Rotterdam’s maritime character.
Historic harbour area transformed into a cultural quarter with quayside walks, architecture and river views. Good for a relaxed local-style stroll.
Raw herring served with onion and pickles. A classic Dutch street snack, widely eaten in Rotterdam and across the country, especially from fish stalls.
Small fried cod pieces, usually served with garlic or tartare sauce. A beloved Dutch fish snack commonly found at markets and harbours.
Crisp potato chips topped with mayonnaise, peanut sauce and chopped onion. This Dutch fast-food favourite is a familiar late-night choice in Rotterdam.
Refined dining with seasonal menus and polished service in an elegant riverside setting at Hotel New York.
Bustling Market Hall food venue known for excellent seafood, oysters and shellfish in a lively modern setting.
Popular food hall with varied local and international stalls, ideal for trying Dutch snacks in a casual central atmosphere.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and dining are not cheap, but public transport is efficient and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change for cafés is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Rotterdam Centraal -> Rotterdam Centraal
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.

Most Cologne to Rotterdam trains use the Köln Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Rotterdam Alexander. 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.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
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 options include: Smullers, Albert Heijn to go, Starbucks, La Place, Julia's, Ekmekci, LEON, The Doner Company, StationsHuiskamer, De Broodzaak, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located outside the north side entrance and south side entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00. Information desks are located inside the central hall.
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.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Centraal: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Nearby hotels include Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, Layin’ Rotterdam Central, Hostel Ani & Haakien.
Rotterdam Alexander is 6 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Alexander, Brasserie Waalhaven
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Alexander: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander, NH Capelle, Campanile Rotterdam Oost.
Rotterdam Blaak 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 options include: Restaurant Fitzgerald, Markthal Rotterdam
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Blaak: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak, citizenM Rotterdam, Ibis Rotterdam City Centre.
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