- Must visit
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot
The world’s first publicly accessible art-storage depot, letting visitors see thousands of works behind the scenes in a striking mirrored building.
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h
Trains per day
8
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 $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
It's difficult to get from Dortmund to Rotterdam without transferring at least once.
ICE 240 · IC 1736
ICE 148 · IC 1744
26800 · 10311 · 20060 · IC 3522
89866 · IC 3020 · IC 520+
20006
ICE 519 · ICE 126 · IC 1748
ICE 240 · IC 1736
ICE 148 · IC 1744
ICE 217 · ICE 220 · IC 1732
ICE 519 · ICE 126 · IC 1748
ICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 1740Omio 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 $17. 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 $17, and a flight costs an average of $332.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$61 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $714 Average price | $57 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 $61 (€50).
A bus is $688 (€564) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dortmund to Rotterdam costing on average $714 (€585).
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 8m.
Flight takes on average 7h 14m.
Tickets start at around $61 (€50) compared to roughly $57 (€47) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-3.33 (€-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, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 217 · ICE 220 · IC 2832 | On time 8:40 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h00 | 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 | |
ICE 240 · IC 2036 | On time 9:46 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h09 | 12:55 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840 | On time 10:36 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h04 | 1:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
ICE 148 · IC 2844 | On time 11:46 AM Dortmund Hbf | 2h54 | 2:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 · ICE 126 · IC 2848 | On time 12:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h04 | 3:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
26818 · 20078 · IC 3556 · IC 1154 | 12:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h59 | 4:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 942 · 10134 · 20078 · IC 3556 | On time 1:13 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h31 | 4:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
ICE 146 · IC 2052 | On time 1:46 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h09 | 4:55 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 611 · ICE 124 · IC 2856 | On time 2:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h04 | 5:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
26822 · 20082 · IC 3564 · IC 1162 | 2:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h59 | 6:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 940 · 10142 · 20082 · IC 3564 | On time 3:13 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h31 | 6:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
ICE 144 · IC 2060 | On time 3:46 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h09 | 6:55 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 613 · ICE 122 · IC 2864 | On time 4:36 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h04 | 7:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
26826 · 20086 · IC 3572 · IC 1170 | 4:45 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h59 | 8:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
ICE 848 · 10150 · 20086 · IC 3572 | On time 5:13 PM Dortmund Hbf | 3h31 | 8:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
26800 · 10311 · 20060 · IC 3522 | 3:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 4h36 | 8:21 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
26802 · 20062 · IC 3524 · IC 28422 | 4:45 AM Dortmund Hbf | 4h09 | 8:54 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3 transfers | |
89866+ 20006+ IC 3020 · IC 520 | 5:03 AM Dortmund Hbf | 3h52 | 8:55 AM 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 $17 (€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 depot, letting visitors see thousands of works behind the scenes in a striking mirrored building.
Major exhibition hall known for changing shows on art, design, photography, and culture, making it one of Rotterdam’s most consistently rewarding museum visits.
A leading museum on Dutch maritime history with interactive exhibits, historic vessels, and strong links to Rotterdam’s port identity.
A dramatic market hall and architectural showpiece, hugely popular for its giant ceiling artwork and central location near the Cube Houses.
Historic harbor district with canals, old buildings, and a rare prewar atmosphere that contrasts strongly with modern Rotterdam.
Modern waterfront district of striking skyscrapers, bridges, and river views, ideal for architecture fans and photo walks.
A Rotterdam invention of fries topped with döner or shawarma, melted cheese, salad, and garlic sauce. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night comfort foods.
Battered and fried white fish pieces, usually served with a creamy garlic or remoulade-style sauce. A classic Dutch seafood snack popular in Rotterdam markets.
Raw cured herring, often served with chopped onion and pickles. This traditional Dutch street food is widely eaten across the Netherlands, including Rotterdam.
Refined fine-dining restaurant known for creative modern cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
A famous Rotterdam institution in the former Holland America Line headquarters, popular for seafood, Dutch classics, and historic waterfront ambiance.
Well-known waterfront food hall featuring local producers, bakery items, beer, cheese, and casual bites in an industrial setting.
Prices are high by Dutch standards for hotels and dining, though transit and casual food stay manageable.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
Official public transport app
Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam -> Rotterdam City Center, 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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