Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 an average ticket price of CHF14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 49m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF14, while a train costs an average of CHF57.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF57 Average price | CHF14 Average price Cheapest | CHF47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Rotterdam to Cologne:
A bus is CHF43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Cologne costing on average CHF57.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
Tickets start at around CHF57 compared to roughly CHF47 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-10.07. The journey takes 3h 19m versus 2h 59m 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.
Travel optionsfrom Rotterdam to Cologne
How to get from Rotterdam to Cologne by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Rotterdam to Cologne is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
(Amsterdam -> Prague)3:15 PM4h25Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)7:40 PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)CHF121One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
(Amsterdam -> Prague)3:15 PM4h25Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)7:40 PMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)CHF121One-way0 transfers
Fastest
IC 2843 · ICE 12512:20 PM2h53Rotterdam Centraal3:13 PMCologne HbfCHF701One-way1 transfer
Other options
IC 2877 · IC 604038:50 PM2h55Rotterdam Centraal11:45 PMCologne HbfCHF201One-way1 transfer
IC 2067 · ICE 2216:05 PM3h06Rotterdam Centraal9:11 PMCologne HbfCHF291One-way1 transfer
IC 2059 · ICE 1294:05 PM3h06Rotterdam Centraal7:11 PMCologne HbfCHF301One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus10:05 PM6h35Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)4:40 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)CHF121One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus9:45 PM6h55Rotterdam, Zuidplein4:40 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)CHF121One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus5:20 AM5h50Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)11:10 AMKöln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)CHF151One-way1 transfer
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
Compare train and bus 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.
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How to get from Rotterdam to Cologne
The Best Way According to our Users
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FAQs: Travel from Rotterdam to Cologne
Travel 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.

This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam to Cologne:
A bus is CHF43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Cologne costing on average CHF57.
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
- Around 9 buses per day.
- Around 5 trains per day.
- Around 1 flights per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Rotterdam and Cologne as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Flights mostly depart from Rotterdam The Hague Airport and arrive in Cologne Bonn Airport.
- Trains mostly depart from Rotterdam Centraal and arrive in Cologne Hbf.
- Buses mostly depart from Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) and arrive in Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen).
- Travel with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, BlaBlaCar Bus to go to Cologne by bus.
- Travel with Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to go to Cologne by train.
- 5 direct buses per day with FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International.
Travelling from Rotterdam to Cologne: related information
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