The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Cologne
Cheapest price
£97
Average price
£114
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 to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Cologne will cost around £114 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £97.
To travel from Rotterdam to Cologne you need to make at least one change.
IC 2827 · ICE 225
IC 2835 · ICE 123
IC 2827 · ICE 225
IC 2835 · ICE 123Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Rotterdam to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 204 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m 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.
Live departures
Rotterdam to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Cologne trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1129 · IC 3529 · TCS 22613 · 10621 | 07:45 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h50 | 11:35 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 1131 · IC 2731 · 18931 · 10917 | 08:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h57 | 12:12 Cologne Hbf | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Cologne by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
20 Dec
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Cologne
Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 204 km |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:14 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Rotterdam to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Rotterdam and Cologne from £9. 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
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.
FAQs: Rotterdam to Cologne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Cologne 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Cologne
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- Closed Sunday
- Parking is available near the station with limited spaces.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.50
- 100 places, covered
- Free
- The station has a simple layout with two platforms and a small waiting area.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at Blaak 1.
- Restaurant Fitzgerald
- Markthal Rotterdam
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.70
- Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak
- citizenM Rotterdam
- Ibis Rotterdam City Centre
- Located in the main hall
- 120 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains and metro services
- Hall 2: access to tram and bus connections
- Metro: Line A, Line B, Line C
- Tram: Line 21, Line 24
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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.
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Most popular train connections from Rotterdam
More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Cologne
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