ROTTERDAM to KIEL train from £31 with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Kiel

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug

Cheapest price on 31 Aug

£66

Average ticket price on 31 Aug

£85

Fastest journey on 31 Aug

7 h 32 m

Average journey duration on 31 Aug

8 h 1 m

Trains on 31 Aug

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 £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.

Fast trains

On Mon 31 Aug, we found 2 trains from Rotterdam to Kiel, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 462 km distance in an average of 8 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 32 m .

The slowest trains will take 8 h 29 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

9:207h32
Rotterdam
16:52Kiel
£661One-way
0 changes
8:118h29
Rotterdam
16:40Kiel
£1031One-way
0 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 an average ticket price of £46 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, while a flight costs an average of £364.

Distance: 462 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Flight
£82 Average Price	£46 Average Price Cheapest	£364 Average Price
7h 18m Average total duration Fastest 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	10h 8m Average total duration 9h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	10h 17m Average total duration 8h 17m Onboard + 2h 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, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
	8:11 Rotterdam	8h29	16:40 Kiel	0 changesdirect
	9:20 Rotterdam	7h32	16:52 Kiel	0 changesdirect
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.

Mon
31 Aug

Tue
01 Sept

Wed
02 Sept

Thu
03 Sept

Fri
04 Sept

Sat
05 Sept

Sun
06 Sept

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

Netherlands

Germany

Trains from Rotterdam to Kiel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 462 km distance in 7h 31m.

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 £31

Distance

462 km

Average train duration

6h 49m

Cheapest ticket price

£36

Trains per day

Fastest train

7h 31m

First train

0:05

Last train

23:54

Cheapest Month

Jan

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Sun

Least Busy Day

Sun

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £31

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 £31. 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

7h 31m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

£36

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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration

7h 20m

Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price

£158

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency

16 a day

Complete guide to Kiel

Things to do in Kiel

Discover the best of Kiel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kiel trip today.

Recommended

Schifffahrtsmuseum

An engaging maritime museum in a former fish auction hall, covering Kiel’s seafaring history, ship models and the city’s naval connections.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Kunsthalle zu Kiel

An art museum near the fjord with European paintings, prints and changing exhibitions. The quiet setting makes it ideal for a cultural stop.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Freilichtmuseum Molfsee

An open-air museum with historic farm buildings and rural heritage from Schleswig-Holstein. It rewards visitors seeking regional history beyond the centre.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually reasonable compared with larger tourist cities like Hamburg or Munich.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range: €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding about 5-10% is normal in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.

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.

The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam to Kiel can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £82.

The train journey from Rotterdam to Kiel covers a distance of 462 km and takes approximately 7h 1m. 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 £31.

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 1m. 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 302357822 Wifi

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.

More about Rotterdam Centraal

Rotterdam BlaakBlaak 1, 3011 TA Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 30 235 7822 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Blaak from Rotterdam city centre

TrainSprinter, Intercity · 3m · £0.90 · every ~16 min

Tram1, 11 · 6m · £0.90 · 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.