Rotterdam to Cologne train 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 Jun 24

Cheapest price

$79

Average price

$86

Fastest journey

3 h 7 m

Average duration

3 h 26 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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Rotterdam to Cologne will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.

Fast trains

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

IC 1127 · IC 3525 · RE 20075 · RB 10619

08:14AM3h21

Rotterdam Centraal

11:35AMCologne Hbf

$791One-way

3 transfers

IC 2027 · ICE 225

08:05AM3h07

Rotterdam Centraal

11:12AMCologne Messe/Deutz

$841One-way

1 transfer

IC 2827 · IC 3227+ VIAS Rail GmbH

VIA20017+

RE 26814

08:20AM3h50

Rotterdam Centraal

12:10PMCologne Hbf

$951One-way

3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg.

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus
€52 Average price	€24 Average price Cheapest
4h 11m Average duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 46m Average duration 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions
Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Rotterdam to Cologne train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 24

Last updated at 9:05 PM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
IC 2027 · ICE 225	On time 6:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h07	9:12 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz	1 transfer
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · RE 20075 · RB 10619	On time 6:14 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h21	9:35 AM Cologne Hbf	3 transfers
IC 2827 · IC 3227+VIA20017+RE 26814	On time 6:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3h50	10:10 AM Cologne Hbf	3 transfers
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 bus or train

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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 $30

Buses

from $19

Journey information

Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Cologne

Netherlands

Germany

Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.

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 $15 (€12)

Distance

126 miles (204 km)

Average train duration

3h 41m

Cheapest ticket price

$23 (€19)

Trains per day

Fastest train

3h 15m

First train

00:05

Last train

23:39

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $15 (€12)

Train providers: Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar from Rotterdam to Cologne trains

You can travel by train to Cologne from Rotterdam with Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar for as low as $25 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main provider of train services in Germany, making on average 40,000 journeys per day. A special feature of Deutsche Bahn is its wide range of ticket types, savings offers including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100. DB uses different types of trains such as the ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn) on its routes, which differ in terms of comfort and the time required to travel.

Deutsche Bahn from Rotterdam to Cologne train information:

Average Duration: 2 h 55 min
Cheapest Price: $25

Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed railway service connecting the United Kingdom with countries in continental Europe like France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Most Eurostar trains travel through the Channel Tunnel, also known as the Chunnel, between the UK and France. With a high-speed train service reaching speeds up to 186 mph (300 km/h), you will travel in ultimate comfort coupled with modern, comfortable seats and large windows. When booking your Eurostar you can choose between three ticket types: Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier,

Eurostar from Rotterdam to Cologne train information:

Average Duration: 3 h 17 min
Cheapest Price: $171
Eurostar frequency: 8 a day

Train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne: when to book to save $

Time	Price	Savings
1 week earlier	30 €
2 weeks earlier	29 €	3%
1 month before	24 €	25%
2 months earlier	24 €	25%
3 months earlier	21 €	43%

All train ticket offers

Discover

Train companies often offer promotional prices and offers—by buying in advance—you can get access the best prices for trains in the U.S., Canada, and the major European railroad operators. Search on Omio to check prices and cheap train tickets from Rotterdam - Cologne. Easily find the most attractive rates and choose the your preferred route for your journey. Book and choose your mobile ticket: avoid the queues at the station and the added stress of printing your ticket.

The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:

If you book a ticket Rotterdam - Cologne with 2 months in advance you save up to about 25% compared to the initial price.
By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 43%.
On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

FAQs: Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne

FAQs: Travel by train from Rotterdam to Cologne easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Rotterdam to Cologne.

Cheap train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne can start from as little as $25 (€20) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Rotterdam to Cologne is $62 (€50); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Rotterdam to Cologne train travel time is 2 h 55 min for the 126 mile (203 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 6: 05AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Rotterdam to Cologne leaves at 8: 44PM.

There are 8 trains a day from Rotterdam to Cologne which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn or Eurostar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.

Yes, there's a high-speed train to Cologne. Take the fast train with Eurostar from Rotterdam to Cologne.

The high-speed Eurostar train from Rotterdam to Cologne takes 3 h 17 min on average.

When taking a train from Rotterdam to Cologne, you can count on Deutsche Bahn or Eurostar for the best way to get you to Cologne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service from Rotterdam to Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 8: 44PM.

A trip to Cologne from Rotterdam is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 55 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

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

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Cologne including taking a train or bus.