The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Cologne
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
3 h 7 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
204 km
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 $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam to Cologne without transferring at least once.
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · RE 20075 · RB 10619
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 22613 · RB 10621
IC 2027 · ICE 225
IC 2027 · ICE 225
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · RE 20075 · RB 10619
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 22613 · RB 10621Travel 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 €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. 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 €10, and a train costs an average of €38.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€60 Average price | €21 Average price Cheapest |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Rotterdam to Cologne train times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2027 · ICE 225 | On time 7:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h07 | 10:12 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 1 transfer | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · RE 20075 · RB 10619 | On time 7:14 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h21 | 10:35 AM Cologne Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 22613 · RB 10621 | On time 8:14 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h21 | 11:35 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
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 07
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Cologne
Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 126 miles (204 km) distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 126 miles (204 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:14 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Rotterdam to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Rotterdam and Cologne from $12 (€10). 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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
Train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne: when to book to save $
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Rotterdam to Cologne
- 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 - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at Blaak 1.
- Restaurant Fitzgerald
- Markthal Rotterdam
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.70
- Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak
- citizenM Rotterdam
- Ibis Rotterdam City Centre
- Located in the main hall
- 120 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains and metro services
- Hall 2: access to tram and bus connections
- Metro: Line A, Line B, Line C
- Tram: Line 21, Line 24
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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 - 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
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from Annie M.G. Schmidtplein.
- Restaurant De Hef
- Restaurant Fenix Food Factory
- Outside the main entrance.
- €0.50
- Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid
- Art Hotel Rotterdam
- Hotel New York
- Located in the main hall
- 604 places, covered
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for local and regional trains
- Hall 2: metro connections
- Metro: Line D
- Bus: Lines 66, 77
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available near the station, with several spaces for cars.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.70
- Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid
- Art Hotel Rotterdam
- Van der Valk Hotel Ridderkerk
- 152 places, covered
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a simple layout with two platforms accessible via a pedestrian bridge.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 2
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
- Monday: 07:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Thursday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Friday: 08:30 12:45 - 12:00 16:30
- Zum Piccolo
- Kolpinghaus
- Pizzeria Marco Polo
- Grill Stube
- Pension Europa
- Hotel Geisler
- The niu Mill
- Blauer König
- DAG Döner
- Sahra-Pizza
- Casablanca
- Hotel Arcaden
- Maugeri Ital. Hotel
- Hotel Rahmani
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
- Couchsnacks
- Secco
- Bistro Lotus
- Ganesha
- Flandrischer Hof
- Lasthaus am Ring
- The Ascot Hotel
- Lindner Hotel City Plaza Cologne
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
- Haus Wester
- Zur alten Post
- Piccolo Capriccio
- Brauhaus Dellbrück
- Al Capriccio
- Ihr Hotel Garni Köln
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
- Yilmaz
- Bistro im Park
- Restaurant Fernandes
- Orient Palais Restaurants & Catering
- Wirtshaus Josef
- Casona Argentina
- Yilmaz
- Kaiserpalast
- Stammhaus
- Hofcafé Gut Clarenhof
- GolfCity Bistro
- McDonald's
- Wartesaal am Dom
- Alte Feuerwache
- Al Andalus
- A&O Köln Dom
- City Pension Storch II
- Azimut Hotel
- First Domizil
Most popular train connections from Rotterdam
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