- Recommended
University Museum Heidelberg
Compact university museum presenting Heidelberg’s academic heritage, notable scholars, and historic collections in an important institutional setting.
Cheapest price on Sep 24
€49
Average ticket price on Sep 24
€64
Fastest journey on Sep 24
5 h 11 m
Average journey duration on Sep 24
5 h 24 m
Trains on Sep 24
14
Distance
408 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Heidelberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Heidelberg will cost around €64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam to Heidelberg without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 625
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10621
IC 1123 · IC 3521 · 20073 · 10617
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · ICE 27
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 29
IC 2027 · ICE 225 · S3
RE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121 · ICE 915
IC 2817 · ICE 121 · ICE 915 · S3
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 10615
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 10619Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €52 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €52, while a flight costs an average of €419.
Distance: 253 miles (408 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€111 Average price | €419 Average price | €52 Average price Cheapest | €94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 9h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Rotterdam to Heidelberg:
A bus is €59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Heidelberg costing on average €111.
A bus is €366 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Heidelberg costing on average €419.
Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 20m.
Bus takes on average 9h 44m.
Tickets start at around €111 compared to roughly €94 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-17.10. The journey takes 5h 20m versus 5h 4m 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 Rotterdam to Heidelberg trains for today, Wednesday, September 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:15 AM Rotterdam | 5h33 | 12:48 PM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 AM Rotterdam | 6h19 | 2:34 PM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, September 24 | |||||
IC 2817 · ICE 121 · ICE 217 | On time 5:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 6h14 | 12:04 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2817 · ICE 121 · ICE 915 · S3 | 5:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 5h26 | 11:16 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121 · ICE 915 | 5:54 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 5h22 | 11:16 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · 10615 | 6:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 5h29 | 11:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · ICE 217 | On time 6:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 5h49 | 12:04 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1119 · IC 3517 · 20071 · ICE 27 | 6:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 6h56 | 1:11 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Rotterdam to Heidelberg run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €27 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 253 miles (408 km) distance in 4h 22m.
Distance 253 miles (408 km) |
Average train duration 5h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 22m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Heidelberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heidelberg trip today.
Compact university museum presenting Heidelberg’s academic heritage, notable scholars, and historic collections in an important institutional setting.
Museum inside the castle displaying decorative arts, furnishings, and princely culture. It adds context to the ruins and enriches a castle visit.
Art museum known for modern and contemporary exhibitions, with a respected collection and strong temporary shows near the old town.
Heidelberg’s main pedestrian street through the old town, lined with historic buildings, shops, and landmarks. Ideal for a first exploration on foot.
Historic old town of lanes, squares, churches, and baroque facades. It is the essential area for sightseeing, walking, and classic Heidelberg views.
Celebrated hillside path across the river, famous for postcard views of the old town and castle. A classic Heidelberg walk in all seasons.
Sausage stuffed into a pig's stomach with potatoes and seasonings, then sliced and fried. A beloved Palatinate specialty widely eaten around Heidelberg.
Coarse liver sausage traditionally served on bread or with potatoes. It is a classic regional comfort food in Baden and the nearby Palatinate.
A hearty stew of pork, potatoes, and vegetables, often leek and carrots. It reflects everyday home cooking in southwestern Germany.
Elegant fine dining restaurant with refined modern cuisine and polished service near Heidelberg's historic center.
Historic student tavern known for classic regional dishes and old Heidelberg atmosphere in the Altstadt.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving house beers and hearty German fare in a lively, long-established setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and local transit are manageable for most tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or add 5-10% in restaurants. Round up for taxis and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Heidelberg Hbf -> Bismarckplatz, Heidelberg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Rotterdam to Heidelberg trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Heidelberg Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Heidelberg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rotterdam Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Smullers, Albert Heijn to go, Starbucks, La Place, Julia's, Ekmekci, LEON, The Doner Company, StationsHuiskamer, De Broodzaak, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located outside the north side entrance and south side entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00. Information desks are located inside the central hall.
Luggage storage is 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.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Centraal: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Nearby hotels include Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, Layin’ Rotterdam Central, Hostel Ani & Haakien.
Heidelberg Hbf is 1 km from Heidelberg city centre. Public transport options include:
Heidelberg Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Heid´s Grill, McDonald's, Uuuhmami, Taj Mahal
Wi-Fi is available at Heidelberg Hbf. ATMs are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Information desks are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Heidelberg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Heidelberg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heidelberg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel, Qube Hotel, NH Heidelberg, Krokodil.
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