The cheapest and fastest trains from Kiel to Rotterdam
Cheapest price
$194
Average price
$204
Fastest journey
7 h 48 m
Average duration
8 h 11 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
462 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Rotterdam will cost around $204 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $194.
It's difficult to get from Kiel to Rotterdam without transferring at least 3 times.
11213 · ICE 611 · 20370 · IC 17589:37 AM8h33Kiel Hbf6:10 PMRotterdam Centraal$1941One-way4 transfers
11211 · ICE 109 · ICE 146 · IC 6508:37 AM7h48Kiel Hbf4:25 PMRotterdam Centraal$2101One-way4 transfers
11211 · ICE 109 · ICE 146 · ICD 18528:37 AM8h11Kiel Hbf4:48 PMRotterdam Centraal$2101One-way3 transfers
11211 · ICE 109 · ICE 146 · IC 6508:37 AM7h48Kiel Hbf4:25 PMRotterdam Centraal$2101One-way4 transfers
11211 · ICE 109 · ICE 146 · ICD 18528:37 AM8h11Kiel Hbf4:48 PMRotterdam Centraal$2101One-way3 transfers
11213 · ICE 611 · 20370 · IC 17589:37 AM8h33Kiel Hbf6:10 PMRotterdam Centraal$1941One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Kiel to Rotterdam
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 287 miles (462 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$104 Average price | $66 Average price Cheapest | $131 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 21m Average total duration Fastest 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 20m Average total duration 10h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Kiel to Rotterdam:
A bus is $38 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Rotterdam costing on average $104 (€83).
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 50m.
The journey is about 5m faster (6h 51m by train vs 6h 56m by car) and roughly $27 (€22) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($104 (€83) vs $131 (€105)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Kiel to Rotterdam train times
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Rotterdam trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11211 · ICE 109 · ICE 146 · IC 650 | 8:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 7h48 | 4:25 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
11211 · ICE 109 · ICE 146 · ICD 1852 | 8:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 8h11 | 4:48 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
11213 · ICE 611 · 20370 · IC 1758 | 9:37 AM Kiel Hbf | 8h33 | 6:10 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Kiel to Rotterdam by train, bus, or flight
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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Why should you book Kiel to Rotterdam trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 Kiel to Rotterdam.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Kiel to Rotterdam.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Kiel to Rotterdam
Trains from Kiel to Rotterdam run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 287 miles (462 km) distance in 7h 2m.
Distance 287 miles (462 km) |
Average train duration 6h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 7h 2m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Kiel to Rotterdam trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Kiel and Rotterdam from $36 (€29). 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.
FAQs: Trains from Kiel to Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Kiel to Rotterdam
- Monday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Tuesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Wednesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Thursday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Friday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Saturday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Sunday: 06:45 - 20:00
- MUM&DAD
- Lunatique
- McDonald's
- Campus Suite
- Hotel Wiking
- Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel
- Astor
- InterCityHotel Kiel
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with free parking options nearby.
- Restaurant Alexander
- Brasserie Waalhaven
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.70
- Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander
- NH Capelle
- Campanile Rotterdam Oost
- Located in the main hall
- 300 places, covered
- SIXT
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for trains to Utrecht and Rotterdam Central
- Hall 2: metro connections
- Metro: Line A, Line B
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- Closed Sunday
- Parking is available near the station with limited spaces.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.50
- 100 places, covered
- Free
- The station has a simple layout with two platforms and a small waiting area.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
Most popular train connections from Kiel
More options for your journey from Kiel to Rotterdam
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