- 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 29 Aug
£33
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£65
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
3 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
3 h 19 m
Trains on 29 Aug
25
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 £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
To travel from Cologne to Rotterdam you need to make at least 3 changes.
ICE 220 · IC 2832
ICE 222 · IC 2824
ICE 120 · IC 2880
ICE 618 · ICE 222 · IC 2824
10616 · 20078 · IC 3556 · IC 1154
10616 · 20078 · IC 3556 · IC 1154
10624 · 20086 · IC 3572 · IC 1170
10628 · 20090 · IC 3580 · IC 1178
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138
10604 · 20066 · IC 3532 · IC 1130Omio 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 coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 204 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration 5h 4m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rotterdam trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 126 · IC 2848 | 11:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h47 | 15:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
89721 · ICE 126 · IC 2848 | 12:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h33 | 15:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10614 · 20076 · IC 3552 · ICD 2453 | 12:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 15:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10616 · 20078 · IC 3556 · ICD 2457 | 13:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 16:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10618 · 20080 · IC 3560 · ICD 2461 | 14:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 17:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10620 · 20082 · IC 3564 · ICD 2465 | 15:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 18:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 122 · IC 2864 | On time 15:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h47 | 19:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
89729 · ICE 122 · IC 2864 | 16:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h33 | 19:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10622 · 20084 · IC 3568 · ICD 2469 | 16:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 19:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10624 · 20086 · IC 3572 · ICD 12473 | 17:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 20:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10626 · 20088 · IC 3576 · ICD 12477 | 18:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 21:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 224 · IC 2076 | On time 18:49 Cologne Hbf | 4h06 | 22:55 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
10628 · 20090 · IC 3580 · ICD 12481 | 19:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 22:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 120 · IC 2880 | On time 19:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h47 | 23:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
81694 · ICE 120 · IC 2880 | 20:08 Cologne Hbf | 3h32 | 23:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10630 · Bus RE13 · IC 3586 · IC 1184 | 20:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h49 | 0:14 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
26801 · S8 · 20060 · IC 3522 | 3:45 Cologne Hbf | 4h29 | 8:14 Rotterdam Centraal | 4 changes | |
10600 · 20062 · IC 3524 · IC 1122 | 5:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 8:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 222 · IC 2824 | 5:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h47 | 9:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
ICE 618 · ICE 222 · IC 2824 | 6:11 Cologne Hbf | 3h29 | 9:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
ICE 2518 · ICE 222 · IC 2824 | 6:11 Cologne Hbf | 3h29 | 9:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10602 · 20064 · IC 3528 · IC 1126 | 6:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h20 | 9:45 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 | 7:53 Cologne Hbf | 3h47 | 11:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 1 change | |
89713 · ICE 220 · IC 2832 | 8:07 Cologne Hbf | 3h33 | 11:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10606 · 20068 · IC 3536 · IC 1134 | 8:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 11:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138 | 9:25 Cologne Hbf | 3h19 | 12:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
ICE 316 · IC 3310 · ECD 9543 | On time 9:43 Cologne Hbf | 3h34 | 13:17 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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.
Trains from Cologne to Rotterdam run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 204 km |
Average train duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
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 |
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 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.
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.
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 Noord is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Rotterdam Noord.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Noord.
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Noord: Ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need