Rotterdam to Kiel train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE)

Fri 17 Jul
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Kiel

Showing times and prices for 17 Jul

Cheapest price

£131

Average price

£191

Fastest journey

7 h 16 m

Average duration

7 h 21 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

462 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Rotterdam to Kiel will cost around £191 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £131.

Fast trains

To travel from Rotterdam to Kiel you need to make at least 3 changes.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 2837 · IC 1739 · 20371 · ICE 1032
    10:507h31
    Rotterdam Centraal
    18:21Kiel Hbf
    £1311One-way
    4 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2027 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022 · 11220
    8:057h16
    Rotterdam Centraal
    15:21Kiel Hbf
    £2211One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2035 · ICE 123 · ICE 1020 · 11224
    10:057h16
    Rotterdam Centraal
    17:21Kiel Hbf
    £2211One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Rotterdam to Kiel

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £33, and a flight costs an average of £483.

Distance: 462 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£98

Average Price

£62

Average Price

Cheapest

£653

Average Price

7h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 8m

Average total duration

9h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 7m

Average total duration

9h 7m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Rotterdam to Kiel train times

The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Kiel trains for tomorrow, Friday 17 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 2027 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022 · 112208:05 Rotterdam Centraal
7h16
15:21 Kiel Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2035 · ICE 123 · ICE 1020 · 1122410:05 Rotterdam Centraal
7h16
17:21 Kiel Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2837 · IC 1739 · 20371 · ICE 103210:50 Rotterdam Centraal
7h31
18:21 Kiel Hbf4 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Kiel by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight 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.

Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul

Why should you book Rotterdam to Kiel trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Rotterdam to Kiel.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rotterdam to Kiel.

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 Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Kiel.
  • 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotterdam to Kiel.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Kiel

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Rotterdam to Kiel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 462 km distance in 7h 17m.

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 £33
Distance
462 km
Average train duration
6h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
£34
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
7h 17m
First train
0:05
Last train
23:54
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 £33

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Rotterdam to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Rotterdam and Kiel from £33. 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 Duration
7h 17m
Cheapest Price
£34
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 a day
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

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 20m
Cheapest Price
£157
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Rotterdam to Kiel train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam to Kiel can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £34, while the average price tends to be around £98.
The train journey from Rotterdam to Kiel covers a distance of 462 km and takes approximately 7h 17m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Rotterdam to Kiel is 462 km.
The first train from Rotterdam to Kiel leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Rotterdam to Kiel departs at 23:54.
Trains from Rotterdam to Kiel run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Rotterdam to Kiel.
To get from Rotterdam to Kiel, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Rotterdam to Kiel.
The train station in Rotterdam that goes to Kiel is Rotterdam Centraal, and it arrives at Kiel Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Rotterdam to Kiel is by coach, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Rotterdam to Kiel 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 to Kiel offers a pleasant mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Dutch and German countryside, passing through charming towns and cities, but it is not typically considered among the most scenic routes in Europe.
A day trip from Rotterdam to Kiel is not feasible due to the journey time of 7h 17m. However, there are 6 trains per day available for this route, covering a distance of 462 km.
To fully experience Kiel, including its maritime museums, the Kiel Canal, and vibrant harbour, a visit of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Rotterdam to Kiel.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Kiel

Most Rotterdam to Kiel trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Kiel Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Kiel 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 Kiel

Which Rotterdam station do trains to Kiel leave from?

Trains from Rotterdam to Kiel leave from Rotterdam Centraal. The station is 1 km from Rotterdam city centre at Stationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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.

Rotterdam BlaakBlaak 1, 3011 TA Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 30 235 7822WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Blaak from Rotterdam city centre

TrainSprinter, Intercity · 3m · £0.89 · every ~16 min
Tram1, 11 · 6m · £0.89 · every ~14 min

Rotterdam Blaak train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Fitzgerald, Markthal Rotterdam

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Blaak: Ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak, citizenM Rotterdam, Ibis Rotterdam City Centre.

Rotterdam NoordBergweg 273, 3037 EM Rotterdam, NetherlandsParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Noord from Rotterdam city centre

Rotterdam Noord is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 5m · £0.89 · every ~4 min
BusStopbus ipv trein · 11m
Tram4, 6 · 12m · £2 · every ~14 min

Rotterdam Noord train station facilities and services

Rotterdam Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Rotterdam Noord.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Noord.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Rotterdam Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Rotterdam Noord: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Noord: Ramps.

More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Kiel

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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