Compare prices and tickets by train, coach or flight
5 Dec
6 Dec
7 Dec
8 Dec
9 Dec
10 Dec
11 Dec
12 Dec
13 Dec
14 Dec
15 Dec
16 Dec
17 Dec
18 Dec
19 Dec
20 Dec
21 Dec
22 Dec
23 Dec
24 Dec
25 Dec
More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.
Train Information between Rotterdam and Cologne
 | Distance | 126 miles (203 km) |
 | Average train duration | 3 h 30 min |
 | Average train ticket price | £23 (€26) |
 | Train frequency | 5 a day |
 | Direct train | Yes, there are 5 direct trains a day |
 | Train companies | Deutsche Bahn or Deutsche Bahn with connection |
Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne cover the 126 miles (203 km) long trip taking on average 3 h 30 min with our travel partners like Deutsche Bahn or Deutsche Bahn with connection. Normally, there are 5 trains operating per day, including direct services available. While the average ticket price for this trip costs around £23, you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low as £17. Travellers depart most frequently from Rotterdam Centraal and arrive in Köln Hbf.
Train companies
Deutsche Bahn between Rotterdam and Cologne
For as little as £17 you can travel by train from Rotterdam to Cologne with Deutsche Bahn. Omio will show you the best deals, timetables and tickets available for this route.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main operator of train services and makes on average about 40, 000 domestic and international journeys per day. Deutsche Bahn’s fleet of trains includes the high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) as well as the IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn), which differ in terms of comfort and the time needed to travel. For example, while toilets are standard amenities, services like onboard restaurants or free WiFi are only available on certain train types and routes. Deutsche Bahn is well-known for its wide range of fares like Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100, which you can also use for your Rotterdam to Cologne train.
When you buy your Deutsche Bahn train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne don't forget to keep the following COVID-19 related policies in mind:
- Cashless payments recommended
- Online booking and check-in recommended
- Normal conditions apply
Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne
Every day, approximately 21 trains from Rotterdam to Cologne depart. Passengers will benefit from a quick journey across over 500 miles, with an average journey time of only 4 hours. Those who would like to reach Cologne even faster can choose a service with 1 transfer, which arrives in the city in 3 hours and 33 minutes. In general, the majority of services on this line have 3 changes. As this is a cross-country service, all passengers should carry their passport or internationally recognized identification onboard, as there likely will be border checks.
Rotterdam to Cologne train times: daily departures
Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne depart from 6:00 a.m. each morning until 2:00 a.m. each night. There are approximately 21 trains a day from Rotterdam to Cologne. There are no direct services on this line, but there are never more than 3 transfers. Passengers who wish to catch a faster service can board a journey with only one transfer, which departs 8 times between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
How long is the journey by train from Rotterdam to Cologne?
Rotterdam is 504 miles from Cologne. Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne take 4 hours on average and typically have 3 transfers. However, passengers can choose to take a faster service which only has 1 transfer, and which only takes 3 hours and 33 minutes. This service departs from Rotterdam 8 times a day.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Rotterdam to Cologne?
Departure station: All trains from Rotterdam to Cologne depart from Rotterdam Centraal Station in the heart of Rotterdam city center.
Arrival stations: Trains to Cologne arrive at Cologne Hauptbahnhof or Cologne Messe/Deutz. Cologne Hauptbahnhof is in Cologne city center, whereas Cologne Messe/Deutz is one mile from the city center, away across the Deutzer Bridge.
Which train companies travel from Rotterdam to Cologne?
Deutsche Bahn provides high-speed trains from Rotterdam to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn is the German-owned rail company that operates throughout Europe.
Deutsche Bahn Rotterdam to Cologne
Deutsche Bahn operates these high-speed trains from Rotterdam to Cologne. Passengers can board a Deutsche Bahn service from 6:00 a.m. each morning until 2:00 a.m. every night. Every train requires a transfer, with the majority of trains requiring that passengers change 3 times. However, each day there are 8 services which only require one change, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm. The average journey time takes 4 hours and 10 minutes, but the services with only 1 transfer take only 3 hours and 33 minutes.
Rotterdam to Cologne trains: services on board
Deutsche Bahn trains from Rotterdam to Cologne have first-class tickets and second-class tickets. First-class tickets are frequently affordable and provide passengers with great legroom, plus complimentary refreshments. There are ample luggage storage facilities on Deutsche Bahn trains, with designated luggage holding bays in close proximity to all carriages. Passengers will find space to store smaller bags above and below their seats. Deutsche Bahn trains are wholly accessible to travelers with limited mobility, but they are advised to call in advance with their specific access requirements. All carriage interiors are modern and comfortable, with free WiFi available in all areas of the train.
How to find cheap train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne?
Passengers can find cheap trains from Rotterdam to Cologne by booking tickets in advance. Booking approximately 8 weeks before departure dates can help you secure the cheapest deals. A good thing to bear in mind is to look 2 days either side of your departure date. If you don't need to travel on one day in particular, this can be a great way to secure cheap tickets. If there is only one day you can travel on, look at different times across the day to secure the cheapest deal, as prices often vary across the day.
Travel Tips
Travel between Rotterdam, Netherlands and Cologne, Germany by train is: Partially open.
What is the status of international entry into Germany from Netherlands?
International entry status: Entry is partially open for citizens and permanent residents of Netherlands
Do I need to self-quarantine on arrival in Germany from Rotterdam?
Conditions of entry:
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 3 days before arrival or 14 day mandatory self-quarantine
- Travellers with a certificate of vaccination are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test and can bypass compulsory quarantine on arrival
- Travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test and can bypass compulsory quarantine on arrival (certificate required)
- Negative COVID-19 test is required to end quarantine early. This test occurs on day 5 in quarantine
- Digital entry registration is required prior to arrival
- The exact quarantine requirements depend on the regulations in each federal state
What are the safety rules to follow in Cologne, Germany?
When travelling in Germany, you must follow these COVID-19 safety rules:
- Physical distance requirement: 1.5 metre (s) (5 feet)
- Face mask requirement: Mandatory
The information above was last checked on 03/12/2021. This can change before your date of travel so please review the latest COVID-19 travel safety regulations for your train from Rotterdam to Cologne before travelling.
Return travel from Germany to Netherlands is: Partially open.
Are there any international entry restrictions on returning to Rotterdam from Cologne?
Entry into Netherlands is allowed for: Entry is partially open for citizens and permanent residents of Germany
Do I need to quarantine on arrival in Netherlands from Cologne?
Requirements for reentering:
- Negative COVID-19 test issued at most 3 days before arrival
- Travellers issued with the EU Digital COVID Certificate are exempt from quarantine and COVID-19 testing
- Health declaration required
What are the safety rules to follow in Rotterdam, Netherlands?
The government of Netherlands has imposed these measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Physical distance requirement: 1.5 metre (s) (5 feet)
- Face mask requirement: Mandatory
Last checked on 01/12/2021. Please check the latest COVID-19 travel safety regulations closer to the travel date of your train to Rotterdam from Cologne.
Some of the Rotterdam train stations to Cologne you can start your journey from include Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Noord and Rotterdam Blaak. Similarly, some of the arrival train stations in Cologne include Köln Hbf, Köln Messe/Deutz and Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
When travelling this route, Omio customers are departing most frequently from Rotterdam Centraal and arriving in Köln Hbf.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Rotterdam Centraal, which is located around 0.4 miles (659 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Köln Hbf, located 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away from the city centre.
Important Stations and Airports for this Journey
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
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
More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need