Cheap train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne
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Trip Summary
19 trains operate daily from Rotterdam to Cologne. The train trip from Rotterdam to Cologne is usually about 4 hours and 27 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 127 mi (204 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 52m |
| Lowest price | $29.67 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Rotterdam to Cologne?
There are 3 train lines with service from Rotterdam to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 10 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity | 1 | 3h 43m | $41.59 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 10 | 4h 27m | $85.90 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 13 | 4h 31m | $65.55 |
Deutsche Bahn IC is the German railway's long-distance train service provider with service across Germany and neighboring countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and Poland. Onboard amenities include restrooms, power outlets, and a restaurant car where passengers can purchase drinks, snacks, and meals.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne start from $30, and on average cost . Daily there are 13 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Cologne. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Rotterdam leaves from Rotterdam Alexander and 5 other stations. And in Cologne trains arrive at Central Station and one other train station.
From Rotterdam to Cologne train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 4 hours and 31 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cologne faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 52 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 47 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Cologne.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Rotterdam to Cologne
Trains from Rotterdam to Cologne are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Rotterdam at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 19 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cologne to Rotterdam.
City Information
Rotterdam
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
With origins as a small fishing village in the 13th century, Rotterdam is now the largest port in Europe. The city's unique architecture attracts visitors from all over the world, with its many angular and glass buildings standing out among much of Europe's old-world architectural style. Rotterdam is worth visiting on its own, or travel on an entire tour of 8 Dutch cities.
The exciting contemporary feel of Rotterdam extends into its art and design scene, home to many modern art galleries and Groos, a vast and eclectic concept store selling pieces by Rotterdam-based designers. For a more traditional art museum, visit the Museum van Boijmans Beuningen, one of Europe's finest art galleries displaying works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Magritte.
Rotterdam is also home to a growing food scene, and visitors can experience this in the impressive Markthal. With over 100 stalls and restaurants, the Markthal is the best place for visitors to sample authentic local cuisine.
Getting to Rotterdam is simple, whether by sea, air, rail, or road. Several airlines fly to Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and a convenient shuttle bus offers frequent transport to the city. Rotterdam's Centraal Station also provides international train services across Europe, and FlixBus offers convenient travel from various locations throughout the continent. In addition, you can take a ferry to Rotterdam from Hull in the UK and experience the city's famous port first-hand.
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Rotterdam?
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Rotterdam Alexander
Rotterdam Alexander is a railway station in the northwest of Rotterdam. The station operates metro and overground services, with trains to Groningen, Utrecht, and Amsterdam, plus Metro stops across the city. The station is in a large, modern glass building with clear signage, and there are cafes, bars, and ticket counters inside. The station has been undergoing renovation, so it may have even more to offer in the future. Regardless, the station is in a busy area, so you can find lots of shops and restaurants, such as McDonald's and Sushi Lounge, as well as a huge shopping center containing Mango, Zara, H&M, and many more popular shops nearby.
All train stations in Rotterdam:
Rotterdam Alexander
Rotterdam Blaak
Rotterdam Noord
Centraal Station
Rotterdam Lombardijen
Rotterdam Zuid
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Central Station
Cologne Central Station is, unsurprisingly, the central station and main transport hub of Cologne. Multiple nationwide and regional trains stop here and connect to other routes. Thalys and Deutsche Bahn ICE provide service to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and many more. Inside the station, you can kill some time perusing souvenir shops and grab a meal at one of the restaurants- or skip straight to desert at one of the multiple bakeries available. There's even a shop for clothes and a bank in the building. Once outside, you'll be in the center of Cologne, so there are plenty of attractions and restaurants nearby.
Train stations in Cologne:
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Cologne to Rotterdam?
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