- Must visit
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot
The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, showcasing thousands of works in a striking mirrored building beside Museumpark.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
3 h 1 m
Average duration
3 h 10 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
211 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dortmund to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Rotterdam will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
It's difficult to get from Dortmund to Rotterdam without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 944 · 10126 · 20074 · IC 3548
89874+
20014+
IC 3036 · IC 2036
89882+
20022+
IC 3052 · IC 2052
ICE 942 · 10134 · 20078 · IC 3556
ICE 940 · 10142 · 20082 · IC 3564
ICE 219 · ICE 220 · IC 2832
ICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840
31259 · ICE 126 · IC 2848
31267 · ICE 122 · IC 2864
ICE 944 · 10126 · 20074 · IC 3548Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. 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 bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $338.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$62 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $727 Average price | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Dortmund to Rotterdam:
A bus is $35 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dortmund to Rotterdam costing on average $62 (€50).
A bus is $700 (€564) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dortmund to Rotterdam costing on average $727 (€585).
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 8m.
Flight takes on average 7h 14m.
Tickets start at around $62 (€50) compared to roughly $58 (€47) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-3.39 (€-2.73). The journey takes 3h 17m versus 3h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Rotterdam trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840 | On time 10:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h04 | 1:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
26814 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 1146 | 10:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h59 | 2:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 944 · 10126 · 20074 · IC 3548 | Delayed 9:36 AM 11:13 AMDortmund Hbf | 3h31 | 2:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
ICE 219 · ICE 220 · IC 2832 | On time 8:39 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h01 | 11:40 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
26810 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138 | 8:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h59 | 12:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
89874+ 20014+ IC 3036 · IC 2036 | 9:03 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h52 | 12:55 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Dortmund to Rotterdam run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (211 km) distance in 3h 1m.
Distance 131 miles (211 km) |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Rotterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rotterdam trip today.
The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, showcasing thousands of works in a striking mirrored building beside Museumpark.
A major exhibition hall known for rotating shows on art, design, photography, and culture, with a bold Rem Koolhaas design.
Covers the city’s deep connection to shipping and port life through historic vessels, interactive galleries, and harbor heritage.
Futuristic market hall and architectural icon known for its giant ceiling artwork and lively urban atmosphere in the city center.
One of Rotterdam’s best-known cultural streets, lined with galleries, design spots, and nightlife, popular with locals and visitors.
Historic harbor district with canals, old houses, and a rare prewar atmosphere that contrasts sharply with modern central Rotterdam.
A Rotterdam-born fast-food dish of fries topped with döner meat, melted cheese, salad, and garlic and chili sauces. It is one of the city’s most famous modern local specialties.
Battered and fried pieces of white fish, usually served with a creamy garlic or remoulade-style sauce. Popular at Dutch fish stalls and markets in Rotterdam.
Raw herring, often served with onions and pickles. This classic Dutch snack is widely eaten across the Netherlands and remains a traditional seafood bite in Rotterdam.
Elegant two-Michelin-star restaurant known for refined French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and river views. Ideal for a high-end Rotterdam dining experience.
Well-known upscale restaurant by chef François Geurds, offering creative fine dining with modern techniques in a stylish contemporary space.
Iconic Rotterdam dining venue in the former Holland America Line headquarters, serving seafood, Dutch classics, and brasserie dishes in a historic waterfront setting.
Prices are high by Dutch standards, especially for hotels and dining, though public transport and casual meals are manageable.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Taxis are often rounded up.
Official public transport app
Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam -> Rotterdam Centrum, Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund to Rotterdam 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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