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Rotterdam to Cologne train

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Rotterdam - Cologne Train Timetable

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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.

Distance127 mi (204 km)
Fastest train2h 52m
Lowest price€19.48
Most frequent serviceDeutsche Bahn
Train lines3

Price trends for trains from Rotterdam to Cologne

Monthly average prices

€69€55€42€28€14AMJJASONDJFM

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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
DB Intercity13h 43m€27.31
Deutsche Bahn104h 27m€56.41
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company134h 31m€43.04
  • 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 EuroCity, or Deutsche Bahn EC, is a train service in Germany with regular service to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Zurich, Copenhagen, Berlin, Warsaw, and Munich. Deutsche Bahn Eurocity trains can be single or double-decker, but all are air conditioned.

  • Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Rotterdam to Cologne start from €19, 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Rotterdam to Cologne. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Rotterdam and Cologne is approximately 127 miles, or 204 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 52 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

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 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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

Rotterdam - NLRTM-0

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Rotterdam - NLRTM-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Rotterdam - NLRTM-2

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

Cologne - DEMTE-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Cologne - DEMTE-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Cologne - DEMTE-2

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?

Rotterdam Alexander -{"city":"Rotterdam","country":"NL","postal":"3068","state":"ZH","street1":"Station"} - NLRTMDEDBN-0

Image credit: Daniel

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Main 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 centre 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?

Central Station -{"city":"Cologne","country":"DE","postal":"50667","state":"NW","street1":"Trankgasse 11"} - DEMTEDEFLX6-0

Image credit: Magnus Hagdorn

Link to image attribution

Main 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

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