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

Thu 03 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept

Cheapest price on 03 Sept

£22

Average ticket price on 03 Sept

£57

Fastest journey on 03 Sept

3 h 20 m

Average journey duration on 03 Sept

3 h 20 m

Trains on 03 Sept

39

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 travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.

Fast trains

To travel from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf you need to make at least 3 changes.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2873 · IC 60403
    19:504h05
    Rotterdam Centraal
    23:55Cologne Hbf
    £221One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2877 · IC 3079+VIAS Rail GmbH20043+Deutsche BahnS1
    20:506h17
    Rotterdam Centraal
    3:07Cologne Hbf
    £231One-way
    4 changes
  • Deutsche BahnRE 4074 · IC 579 · IC 3079+VIAS Rail GmbH20043
    20:546h13
    Rotterdam Centraal
    3:07Cologne Hbf
    £231One-way
    5 changes
  • Deutsche BahnRE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121
    5:543h54
    Rotterdam Centraal
    9:48Cologne Hbf
    £431One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2817 · ICE 121
    5:503h58
    Rotterdam Centraal
    9:48Cologne Hbf
    £431One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach 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 coach, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, while a train costs an average of £46.

Distance: 204 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£46

Average Price

£12

Average Price

Cheapest

£46

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 4m

Average total duration

4h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 50m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf is a coach with an average price of £12.

This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf:

A coach is £34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf costing on average £46.

The fastest way to travel from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf is by train with an average journey time of 3h 13m.

Other travel options to Cologne Hbf take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 34m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £46 compared to roughly £46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-0.34. The journey takes 3h 13m versus 2h 50m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf trains for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 1062913:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
16:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2051 · ICE 12714:05 Rotterdam Centraal
3h45
17:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 1063114:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
17:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 · 1063315:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
18:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1159 · IC 3557 · 20091 · 1063516:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
19:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2859 · ICE 12916:20 Rotterdam Centraal
3h30
19:50 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1163 · IC 3561 · 20093 · 1063717:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
20:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1167 · IC 3565 · 20095 · 1063918:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
21:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2867 · ICE 22118:20 Rotterdam Centraal
3h26
21:46 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1169 · IC 3969 · 18969 · 2683918:45 Rotterdam Centraal
3h59
22:44 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2071 · IC 3071 · 26836+VIAS Rail GmbH2003919:05 Rotterdam Centraal
4h01
23:06 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1171 · IC 3569 · 20097 · 2094519:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h45
23:00 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1171 · IC 3971 · 18973 · 2684119:15 Rotterdam Centraal
4h29
23:44 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1173 · IC 2973 · 32581 · 1897319:45 Rotterdam Centraal
3h59
23:44 Cologne Hbf4 changes
Thursday 3 September
Deutsche BahnIC 2817 · ICE 121
On time
5:50 Rotterdam Centraal
3h58
9:48 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnRE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121
On time
5:54 Rotterdam Centraal
3h54
9:48 Cologne Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 106156:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
9:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073 · 106177:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
10:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 106198:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
11:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 106219:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
12:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2035 · ICE 123
On time
10:05 Rotterdam Centraal
3h45
13:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079 · 1062310:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
13:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnECD 9528 · ICE 31510:42 Rotterdam Centraal
3h33
14:15 Cologne Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 1062511:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
14:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 1062712:15 Rotterdam Centraal
3h20
15:35 Cologne Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2843 · ICE 125
On time
12:20 Rotterdam Centraal
3h30
15:50 Cologne Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnECD 9536 · ICE 1712:42 Rotterdam Centraal
3h33
16:15 Cologne Hbf1 change

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 train or coach

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.

Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept

Why should you book Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.

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 Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.
  • 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 Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.

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 Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.

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 6 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 51m.

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
Coach from £11
Distance
204 km
Average train duration
3h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 51m
First train
3:50
Last train
21:15
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 days
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
Coach from £11

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf from £11. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£23
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

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
£122
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf train

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
The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The train journey from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf covers a distance of 204 km and takes approximately 2h 51m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf is 204 km.
The first train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf leaves at 3:50.
The last train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf departs at 21:15.
Trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.
To get from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf is by coach, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Rotterdam Centraal to Köln Hbf offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the Dutch countryside and along the Rhine River in Germany, providing glimpses of picturesque landscapes and charming small towns.
A day trip from Rotterdam Centraal to Köln Hbf is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 51m. The train service operates 7 times per day over a distance of 204 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf

Most Rotterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Köln Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Rotterdam
Arrival train stations in Cologne
Rotterdam CentraalStationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 302357822WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Centraal from Rotterdam city centre

BusStopbus ipv trein · 9m
4 · 10m · £2

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.

Most popular trains to and from Cologne Hbf and Rotterdam Centraal

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