The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
3 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
204 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
It's difficult to get from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal without transferring at least once.
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1140
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · RE 6442
ICE 220 · IC 2832
ICE 128 · IC 2840
ICE 316 · ECD 9543
ICE 220 · IC 2832
ICE 128 · IC 2840
ICE 316 · ECD 9543
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · RE 6442
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1140Cologne Hbf - Rotterdam CentraalCompare Deutsche Bahn, National Express

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.

Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a train costs an average of €20.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€54 Average price | €19 Average price Cheapest |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal trains for today, Thursday, December 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:47 PM Cologne Hbf | 3h58 | 7:45 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, December 19 | |||||
ICE 220 · IC 2832 | 7:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h51 | 10:40 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1140 | 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h49 | 12:14 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · RE 6442 | 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h42 | 12:07 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 5 transfers | |
ICE 316 · ECD 9543 | On time 8:41 AM Cologne Hbf | 3h36 | 12:17 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 128 · IC 2840 | On time 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 2h51 | 12:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal by train or bus
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.
Dec 19
Dec 20
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Jan 04
Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB) as well as VIAS Rail GmbH and National Express offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB), but also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH and National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.
- 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 (IC,ICE,RE,RB) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH and National Express to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:02, the last at 16:25. The fastest train covers the 126 miles (204 km) distance in 2h 44m.
Distance 126 miles (204 km) |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 44m |
First train 04:02 |
Last train 16:25 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, National Express from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, National Express trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Rotterdam Centraal from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
National Express
FAQs: Trains from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal 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 Rotterdam Centraal, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- 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.
- Smullers
- Albert Heijn to go
- Starbucks
- La Place
- Julia's
- Ekmekci
- LEON
- The Doner Company
- StationsHuiskamer
- De Broodzaak
- & more
- Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
- Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
- Layin’ Rotterdam Central
- Hostel Ani & Haakien
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
- Located inside the central hall.
- 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
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal
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