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

Tue 02 Dec
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Deutsche Bahn
Intercity
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Intercity
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Kiel

Showing times and prices for 03 Dec

Cheapest price

£32

Average price

£59

Fastest journey

7 h 52 m

Average duration

8 h 43 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 £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Rotterdam for Kiel every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 462 km distance in an average of 8 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 9 h 32 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.

Deutsche Bahn
07:508h44
Rotterdam
16:34Kiel
£321One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:057h52
Rotterdam
13:57Kiel
£531One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
07:119h32
Rotterdam
16:43Kiel
£921One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach 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 £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 49m. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £32.

Distance: 462 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£87

Average Price

£52

Average Price

Cheapest

7h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 8m

Average total duration

9h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 Kiel train times

The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Kiel trains for today, Tuesday 2 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 04:13
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn06:05 Rotterdam
7h52
13:57 Kiel0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn07:50 Rotterdam
7h32
15:22 Kiel0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn09:20 Rotterdam
7h23
16:43 Kiel0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn09:50 Rotterdam
8h07
17:57 Kiel0 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 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.

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

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 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 02:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 462 km distance in 7h 2m.

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 £15
Distance
462 km
Average train duration
6h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
£32
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
7h 2m
First train
02:05
Last train
23:54
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 £15

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Intercity from Rotterdam to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, Intercity trains will get you between Rotterdam and Kiel from £15. 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
£32
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

Intercity

About
Intercity is a widely recognized brand for express train services that connect cities over longer distances, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \Intercity\" originated in the United Kingdom in 1966 with British Rail's electrification of the West Coast Main Line, becoming a brand for their main-line passenger routes. Today, Intercity services vary across Europe, with some countries like Switzerland offering modern, high-standard trains, while in others, they may be older compared to newer high-speed options. Many European countries use \"InterCity\" as an official brand name for regular, long-distance train services meeting specific speed and comfort criteria. For example, PKP Intercity is a major Polish rail operator connecting cities and tourist resorts within Poland and across Europe. Trenitalia's Intercity trains in Italy offer an affordable and widespread means of rail transport, connecting various cities and towns. These trains typically offer Standard and First Class services, with amenities like power sockets and sometimes catering."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 32m
Cheapest Price
£117
Intercity frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone

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
To fully experience Kiel, including its maritime museums, the Kiel Canal, and vibrant harbour, a visit of two to three days is recommended.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam to Kiel can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £87.
A day trip from Rotterdam to Kiel is not feasible due to the journey time of 7h 2m. However, there are 6 trains per day available for this route, covering a distance of 462 km.
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 cheapest way to get from Rotterdam to Kiel is by coach, costing approximately £15.
The train distance from Rotterdam to Kiel is 462 km.
The train journey from Rotterdam to Kiel covers a distance of 462 km and takes approximately 7h 2m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Rotterdam that goes to Kiel is Rotterdam Centraal, and it arrives at Kiel Hbf.
The last train from Rotterdam to Kiel departs at 23:54.
The first train from Rotterdam to Kiel leaves at 2:05.
Trains from Rotterdam to Kiel run approximately 6 times per day.
There is no night train service from Rotterdam to Kiel.
Yes, you can take the train from Rotterdam to Kiel.
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 train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Kiel

Rotterdam
Kiel
The major train station for departures in Rotterdam is Rotterdam Centraal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Rotterdam Centraal for your trip from Rotterdam to Kiel.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • 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.
Dining
Dining
  • Smullers
  • Albert Heijn to go
  • Starbucks
  • La Place
  • Julia's
  • Ekmekci
  • LEON
  • The Doner Company
  • StationsHuiskamer
  • De Broodzaak
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
  • Layin’ Rotterdam Central
  • Hostel Ani & Haakien
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located inside the central hall.
Public transport options for Rotterdam Centraal
  • 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
Rotterdam NoordParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
  • Closed Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available near the station with limited spaces.
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.50
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 100 places, covered
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a simple layout with two platforms and a small waiting area.
Public transport options for Rotterdam Noord
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Tram: Line 4

More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Kiel

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