Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Cologne to Rotterdam. Travelling by train from Cologne to Rotterdam usually takes 5 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 4 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance
127 mi (204 km)
Fastest train
4h 4m
Lowest price
RON 83.14
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
FlixTrain
Train lines
1

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Cologne to Rotterdam Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Cologne to Rotterdam?

There are usually 6 daily coach trips from Cologne to Rotterdam.

Train
Coach
Avg. PriceRON 161.69Avg. PriceRON 153.49Cheaper
Daily Trips2Daily Trips6
Duration5h 26mDuration5h 15mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam?

In the last month, train tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam cost about RON 121 when booked at the cheapest time. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 62.01 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Cologne to Rotterdam by travel date

RON 240RON 160RON 80NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Cologne to Rotterdam will cost between RON 91 and RON 225. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Cologne to Rotterdam by month

RON 200RON 160RON 120RON 80RON 40JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Cologne to Rotterdam often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only RON 72. If you're thinking of travelling from Cologne to Rotterdam during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 187 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 200RON 160RON 120RON 80RON 40

By booking your train trip from Cologne to Rotterdam on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 62.01 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Cologne to Rotterdam?

FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Rotterdam. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixTrain25h 26mRON 161.70
  • Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning, onboard toilets, and access to an entertainment portal full of films, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 2 daily trips to Rotterdam from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Conradstraat in Rotterdam after about 5 hours and 26 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Cologne to Rotterdam

Trains leave the station in Cologne twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your hand luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Cologne to Rotterdam for RON 67.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

0

The distance between Cologne and Rotterdam is approximately 127 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 4 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

127

Distance (km)

204

The earliest train departs Cologne at 8:14 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:01. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

8:14am

Last train

5:01pm

Trains from Cologne to Rotterdam are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Saturday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Cologne

Cologne - DEMTE-0Cologne - DEMTE-1Cologne - DEMTE-2

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 coach 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 travellers coming from afar.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam - NLRTM-0Rotterdam - NLRTM-1Rotterdam - NLRTM-2

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 Boijmans Van 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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Cologne?

Main departure station: Cologne Central Station

There is one train station in Cologne.

All train stations in Cologne:

  • Cologne Central Station

Where is the train station in Rotterdam?

Main arrival station: Conradstraat

Rotterdam Central Station is the main railway station and major transport hub for Rotterdam. The station is an iconic building, shaped like a triangle stretching into the sky, with a modern glass front and many amenities. It's one of the four main train stations in the Netherlands, and major destinations include Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris, plus stations across the country. There are also Eurostar services from Amsterdam to London that stop here. The station has lots of shops and cafes, including Starbucks, and is in the heart of the city close to major attractions, hotels, restaurants, and stops for onward travel.

Train stations in Rotterdam:

  • Conradstraat

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