- Must visit
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Rotterdam’s leading art museum with Dutch masters, design, and decorative arts. A must for major exhibitions and its landmark depot nearby.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$21
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$41
Fastest journey on Aug 29
4 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
5 h
Buses on Aug 29
10
Distance
204 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 10 buses from Cologne to Rotterdam, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct buses cover the 204 km distance in an average of 5 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest buses will take 5 h 40 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.
(Prague -> Amsterdam)
50449 · 4743
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
(Prague -> Amsterdam)
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, while a train costs an average of $84.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $84 Average price | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Rotterdam:
A bus is $47 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Rotterdam costing on average $84.
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 47m.
Tickets start at around $36 compared to roughly $58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21. The journey takes 5h 47m versus 3h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:38AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 6h27 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:36AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 4h29 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:34PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h21 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:12PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h18 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Rotterdam buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50429 · 83134 | 11:55 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 10h25 | 10:20 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 6h05 | 6:50 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 3:35 PM Cologne Hbf | 5h20 | 8:55 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 4h55 | 9:30 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
50449 · 4743 | 11:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 8h20 | 7:20 AM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:40 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 6h45 | 10:25 AM Rotterdam, Zuidplein | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 6:10 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 4h55 | 11:05 AM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Prague -> Amsterdam) | 8:05 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 4h10 | 12:15 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h27 | 3:05 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 5h40 | 3:05 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Buses from Cologne to Rotterdam run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 126 miles (204 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 126 miles (204 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Rotterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rotterdam trip today.
Rotterdam’s leading art museum with Dutch masters, design, and decorative arts. A must for major exhibitions and its landmark depot nearby.
World-first publicly accessible art storage depot. Visitors see collection care, restoration, and city views from the rooftop.
Contemporary art center known for ambitious international exhibitions. Best for visitors wanting Rotterdam’s cutting-edge art scene.
Lively old harbor district with historic ships, terraces, and waterside views. Great for walks and a classic Rotterdam atmosphere.
Modern waterfront area of bold architecture, hotels, and river panoramas. Essential for seeing Rotterdam’s contemporary skyline.
Main shopping street rebuilt after the war. Visit for striking postwar urban planning and easy access to central sights.
Crisp, syrup-filled waffles from nearby Gouda. Popular across Rotterdam markets and cafés, they are a classic Dutch sweet snack best eaten fresh and warm.
Hand-cut fries with rich mayonnaise or other sauces. A beloved Dutch street food found at snack bars and markets throughout Rotterdam.
Small fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. Traditional at Dutch pancake houses and a nostalgic treat for many locals.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining by François Geurds, known for creative tasting menus and polished modern luxury.
Stylish Michelin-star restaurant with seasonal tasting menus, elegant plating, and an intimate fine dining atmosphere.
Popular casual spot famed for oversized Dutch meatballs, beer, and no-frills local character near the Maas.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually manageable for most city breaks.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Rotterdam Westerstraat -> Rotterdam Centraal
Travelling by bus from Germany to Holland is the most popular way for many travellers to travel between the two countries. In this way you not only reach your destination quickly and easily, but also see as much of the track as possible. On the Cologne - Rotterdam bus route, a distinction must be made between buses and trains. The railway, for example, only offers a combination of train and buses. There are many connections to both variants every day. The two options hardly differ in time either.
Deutsche Bahn regularly offers a train and bus connection for the route. The first section is completed by train from Cologne to Düsseldorf, from there it continues by bus to Rotterdam. The bus company Eurolines operates the connection Cologne - Rotterdam bus directly with the buses. Every day, travelers have several options from both companies.
The direct journey Cologne-Rotterdam bus with Eurolines takes at least 4 hours. For a stopover in Brussels or Düsseldorf (also with Eurolines) the time increases to 7 hours or more. It's faster with the Deutsche Bahn, which can cover the distance by train and bus in just 3:30 am.
Both Deutsche Bahn and Eurolines offer several connections every day for Cologne - Rotterdam bus. In total, travellers can find at least 10 connections per day for this route. The first connections can already be found at 2:30 in the morning. There are more buses and trains all day long, until late in the evening.
At which bus station does the bus depart from in Cologne? Eurolines buses always depart from Cologne/Bonn Airport. The airport is about 12 kilometres outside of Cologne and can be reached by S-Bahn (line 13) in about 15 minutes. If you choose the Deutsche Bahn option, you must first take a train from Cologne Central Station to Düsseldorf. The main railway station is located directly in the city centre next to the Cologne Cathedral.
At which bus station does the bus arrive in Rotterdam? If you travel with Eurolines buses, you arrive in Rotterdam at the Conradstraat bus station. This is located directly next to the main railway station, where the Deutsche Bahn buses arrive. Rotterdam's train station is centrally located in the city centre. From here you can reach most hotels within 10 to 15 minutes by taxi or even on foot.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne to Rotterdam by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cologne to Rotterdam buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Rotterdam, Zuidplein. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Rotterdam bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
Köln, ZOB is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln, ZOB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), McDonald's (0.2 km), Vapiano (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Köln, ZOB.
Available at Köln, ZOB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, ZOB: Elevators, ramps.
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Centraal (in the station), Dutch Delights (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station).
Available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station): Elevators, ramps.
Rotterdam, Zuidplein is 3 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam, Zuidplein has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food outlets available within walking distance.
Wi-Fi is available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein. ATMs are aTM available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein.
Available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Rotterdam, Centraal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food outlets available inside the station complex.
Wi-Fi is available at Rotterdam, Centraal Station. ATMs are aTMs are located within the main station building.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam, Centraal Station.
Available at Rotterdam, Centraal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam, Centraal Station: The terminal is equipped with ramps and elevators for accessibility.
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