ROTTERDAM to COLOGNE train from 12Rp with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Cologne

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

34Rp

Average price

77Rp

Fastest journey

3 h 3 m

Average duration

3 h 5 m

Trains per day

Distance

204 km

Cheap tickets

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 77Rp if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 34Rp.

Fast trains

To travel from Rotterdam to Cologne you need to make at least one change.

IC 1170 · IC 60403
8:50 PM3h03
Rotterdam Centraal
11:53 PMCologne Hbf
34 Rp1One-way
1 change
RE 4074 · IC 579 · IC 3079 · Bus RE19
8:54 PM4h35
Rotterdam Centraal
1:29 AMCologne Hbf
35 Rp1One-way
5 changes
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621
9:15 AM3h20
Rotterdam Centraal
12:35 PMCologne Hbf
59 Rp1One-way
3 changes
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 10619
8:15 AM3h20
Rotterdam Centraal
11:35 AMCologne Hbf
59 Rp1One-way
3 changes
IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629
1:15 PM3h20
Rotterdam Centraal
4:35 PMCologne Hbf
59 Rp1One-way
3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight 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 12Rp. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. 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 12Rp, and a flight costs an average of 433Rp.

Distance: 204 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Flight
64Rp Average Price	19Rp Average Price Cheapest	646Rp Average Price
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	9h 21m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Cologne trains for today, Thursday, 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
ECD 9552 · ICE 19	4:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h33	8:15 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 1163 · IC 3561 · 20093 · 10637	5:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	8:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 2067 · ICE 221	On time 6:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	9:25 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 1171 · IC 3569 · 20097 · ICE 207	Delayed 7:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h33	9:15 PM 9:15 PMCologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 1173 · IC 2973 · 32581 · 18973	7:45 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h59	11:44 PM Cologne Hbf	4 changes
RE 4074 · IC 579 · IC 3079+20043	8:54 PM Rotterdam Centraal	5h17	2:11 AM Cologne Hbf	4 changes
Friday, 14 August
IC 1110 · ICE 121	On time 5:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h21	9:11 AM Cologne Hbf	1 change
RE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121	On time 5:54 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h17	9:11 AM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 3919 · 18919 · 10911	6:12 AM Rotterdam Centraal	4h00	10:12 AM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 10615	6:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	9:35 AM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 1112 · IC 3121 · 26810+20013	6:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h51	10:11 AM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073 · 10617	7:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	10:35 AM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 2027 · ICE 225	On time 8:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h06	11:11 AM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 3927 · 18927 · 10915	8:12 AM Rotterdam Centraal	4h00	12:12 PM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 10619	8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	11:35 AM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ICD 1818 · IC 3927 · 18927 · 10915	8:23 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h49	12:12 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ECD 9520 · ICE 15	8:42 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h33	12:15 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621	9:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	12:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 2035 · ICE 123	On time 10:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h06	1:11 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 3935 · 18935 · 10919	10:12 AM Rotterdam Centraal	4h00	2:12 PM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079 · 10623	10:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	1:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ICD 1826 · IC 3935 · 18935 · 10919	10:23 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h49	2:12 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ECD 9528 · ICE 315	10:42 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h33	2:15 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 10625	11:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	2:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 2043 · ICE 125	On time 12:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h06	3:11 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 3943 · 18943 · 10923	12:12 PM Rotterdam Centraal	4h00	4:12 PM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 10627	12:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	3:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ICD 1834 · IC 3943 · 18943 · 10923	12:23 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h49	4:12 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ECD 9536 · ICE 17	12:42 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h33	4:15 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 3947 · 18947 · 10925	1:12 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h58	5:10 PM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 10629	1:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	4:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ICD 1838 · IC 3947 · 18947 · 10925	1:23 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h47	5:10 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 2051 · ICE 127	2:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h06	5:11 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 3951 · 18951 · 10927	2:12 PM Rotterdam Centraal	4h00	6:12 PM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 10631	2:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	5:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ICD 1842 · IC 3951 · 18951 · 10927	2:23 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h49	6:12 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 1155 · IC 3553 · 20089 · 10633	3:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	6:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
IC 2059 · ICE 129	4:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h06	7:11 PM Cologne Hbf	1 change
IC 3959 · 18959 · 10931	4:12 PM Rotterdam Centraal	4h00	8:12 PM Cologne Hbf	2 changes
IC 1159 · IC 3557 · 20091 · 10635	4:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h20	7:35 PM Cologne Hbf	3 changes
ICD 1850 · IC 3959 · 18959 · 10931	4:23 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3h49	8:12 PM 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 train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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
14 Aug

Sat
15 Aug

Sun
16 Aug

Mon
17 Aug

Tue
18 Aug

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19 Aug

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20 Aug

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21 Aug

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22 Aug

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24 Aug

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26 Aug

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27 Aug

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28 Aug

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29 Aug

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30 Aug

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31 Aug

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01 Sept

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03 Sept

Why should you book Rotterdam to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Rotterdam to Cologne.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rotterdam to Cologne.

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 VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne.
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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotterdam to Cologne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Cologne.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Rotterdam to Cologne.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne?

The best time to book your train from Rotterdam to Cologne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Rotterdam to Cologne route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Rotterdam to Cologne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Rotterdam to Cologne.

Trains

from 24Rp

Coaches

from 15Rp

Journey information

Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Cologne

Netherlands

Germany

Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 23Rp but you can travel from only 12Rp by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 204 km distance in 2h 51m.

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 12Rp

Distance

204 km

Average train duration

3h 14m

Cheapest ticket price

23Rp

Trains per day

Fastest train

2h 51m

First train

12:05 AM

Last train

11:14 PM

Cheapest Month

Apr

Cheapest Day

Wed

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Sat

Least Busy Day

Mon

Best time to book

49 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from 12Rp

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Rotterdam to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Rotterdam and Cologne from 12Rp. 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

2h 51m

Cheapest Price

23Rp

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

VIAS Rail GmbH

About

VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."

Luggage & cancellation policy

VIAS Rail GmbH frequency

2 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snack and beverage service available

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available for additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

Quiet zone

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

3h 23m

Cheapest Price

106Rp

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency

1 a 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.

Cheap train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne can start from as little as 23Rp when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Rotterdam to Cologne is 64Rp; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The average journey time by train from Rotterdam to Cologne is 2h 51m to travel the 204 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.

The earliest train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 12:05 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 11:14 pm.

There are 5 trains a day from Rotterdam to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.

When taking a train from Rotterdam to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Rotterdam and Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

A trip to Cologne from Rotterdam is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 51m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Rotterdam to Cologne is April.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Cologne including taking a train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Cologne

Most Rotterdam to Cologne trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Cologne 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 Cologne

Which Rotterdam station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne 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 · 2Rp

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 7822 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Blaak from Rotterdam city centre

TrainSprinter, Intercity · 3m · 1Rp · every ~16 min

Tram1, 11 · 6m · 1Rp · 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.