Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE,RB)

Fri, Dec 19
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Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
National Express
Regionale
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Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
National Express
Regionale
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal

Showing times and prices for Dec 19

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal without transferring at least once.

Deutsche Bahn10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1140
09:25AM3h49
Cologne Hbf
01:14PMRotterdam Centraal
$821One-way
3 transfers
Deutsche Bahn10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · RE 6442
09:25AM3h42
Cologne Hbf
01:07PMRotterdam Centraal
$821One-way
5 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 220 · IC 2832
08:49AM2h51
Cologne Hbf
11:40AMRotterdam Centraal
$991One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 128 · IC 2840
10:49AM2h51
Cologne Hbf
01:40PMRotterdam Centraal
$1051One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 316 · ECD 9543
09:41AM3h36
Cologne Hbf
01:17PMRotterdam Centraal
$2111One-way
1 transfer

Cologne Hbf - Rotterdam CentraalCompare Deutsche Bahn, National Express

deutsche_bahn
$25
2h 44m
6 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
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.
national_express
$95
3h 36m
6 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Seat reservation

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*

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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.

Last updated at 12:31 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn3:47 PM Cologne Hbf
3h58
7:45 PM Rotterdam Centraal0 transfersDirect
Friday, December 19
deutsche_bahnICE 220 · IC 28327:49 AM Cologne Hbf
2h51
10:40 AM Rotterdam Centraal1 transfer
deutsche_bahn10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 11408:25 AM Cologne Hbf
3h49
12:14 PM Rotterdam Centraal3 transfers
deutsche_bahn10608 · 20070 · IC 3540 · RE 64428:25 AM Cologne Hbf
3h42
12:07 PM Rotterdam Centraal5 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 316 · ECD 9543
On time
8:41 AM Cologne Hbf
3h36
12:17 PM Rotterdam Centraal
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 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.

Fri
Dec 19
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Wed
Dec 24
Fri
Dec 26
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Dec 29
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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 modes of transport
  • 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

GermanyGermany
NetherlandsNetherlands
Icon of train

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.

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
Bus from $10 (€8)
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
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
Bus from $10 (€8)

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

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 44m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
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

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

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 36m
Cheapest Price
$95 (€76)
National Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $25 (€20), while the average price is around $67 (€54).
A day trip from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 44m. Trains operate 8 times per day over a distance of 126 miles (204 km).
The train journey from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal offers a diverse and picturesque landscape, with views of the Rhine River, charming German villages, and expansive Dutch countryside, providing a pleasant and scenic experience.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€8).
The distance by train from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal is 126 miles (204 km).
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal leaves at 4:02 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal leaves at 4:25 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.
The train from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal takes 2h 44m and runs 8 per day.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal

Cologne
Rotterdam
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Rotterdam.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal

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Most popular trains to and from Rotterdam Centraal and Cologne Hbf

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