Catch the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam
Trade one dam for another by taking the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. In just 40 minutes, you can be in The Netherlands' “Second City”, enjoying a freshly brewed beer from one of the many startups, or you can take in the city’s stunning architecture (Cube Houses, anyone?).
The great thing about this journey is the convenience factor – you’ll go from city centre to city centre and lose absolutely none of that precious sightseeing time. Rotterdam’s main train station is in the “Cool District”, so our top tip would be to walk around and see how cool it really is!
Ready to book? Check out our page below for train times, ticket prices and FAQs.
Amsterdam to Rotterdam by train
NS and Thalys trains from Amsterdam to Rotterdam
NS
Thalys
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
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Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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Cheap train tickets from Amsterdam to Rotterdam
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Amsterdam to Rotterdam
How long does the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam take?
The average journey time by train between Amsterdam and Rotterdam is 45 minutes, with around 65 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Amsterdam and Rotterdam by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 38 minutes.
How much does the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam cost?
Train tickets from Amsterdam to Rotterdam can start from as little as $20.89 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Amsterdam to Rotterdam without having to change trains. There are 64 direct trains from Amsterdam to Rotterdam each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam leave?
The first train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam leaves at 11:12. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam leave?
The last train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam leaves at 10:42. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Amsterdam and Rotterdam by train?
Trains travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam cover a distance of around 37 miles (59 km) during the journey.