Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Cologne to Rotterdam. Traveling 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 | $27.27 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Cologne to Rotterdam Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Cologne to Rotterdam?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Cologne to Rotterdam.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$43.69 | Avg. Price$39.23Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration5h 26m | Duration5h 20mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Cologne to Rotterdam:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam was $32.96. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Cologne to Rotterdam by month
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 $14. If you're thinking of traveling from Cologne to Rotterdam during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $39 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
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
What train companies travel from Cologne to Rotterdam?
There are multiple trains that travel from Cologne to Rotterdam, including FlixTrain. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 3 | 5h 26m | $43.69 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, 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 3 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 traveling by train from Cologne to Rotterdam
There are 3 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 Rotterdam to Cologne. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Cologne to Rotterdam for $15.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Cologne and Rotterdam is approximately 127 miles, or 204 kilometers. 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 spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies 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 8:14am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:01pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:14am
LATEST 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 traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Cologne
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.
Rotterdam
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
- Cologne Central Station
Where does the train arrive 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.
All train stations in Rotterdam:
- Conradstraat
Need a return trip from Rotterdam to Cologne?
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