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Trains from Rotterdam to Ilmenau

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Rotterdam to Ilmenau

Taking the train from Rotterdam to Ilmenau in 8 hours 18 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Rotterdam to Ilmenau? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 10 hours 47 minutes to travel the 292 miles (470 km) from Rotterdam to Ilmenau by train, although you can get there in as little as 8 hours 18 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 30 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 3 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Train tickets from Rotterdam to Ilmenau are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Ilmenau? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Ilmenau from Rotterdam

First train

06:20

Last train

23:54

Departure stationRotterdam
Arrival stationIlmenau
Journey time

From 8h 18m

Distance

292 miles (470 km)

Frequency

30 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Rotterdam to Ilmenau?

Want to know more about your journey from Rotterdam to Ilmenau? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Ilmenau from Rotterdam?

To travel to Ilmenau from Rotterdam, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 10 hours and 47 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 8 hours and 18 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Rotterdam to Ilmenau?

Trains from Rotterdam to Ilmenau take an average of 10 hours and 47 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 8 hours and 18 minutes. You'll usually find 30 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Rotterdam and Ilmenau by train?

The quickest journey time between Rotterdam and Ilmenau by train is 8 hours and 18 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Rotterdam to Ilmenau?

No, there are no direct trains running from Rotterdam to Ilmenau, you’ll usually need to make at least 3 changes during the journey.

What are the train times from Rotterdam to Ilmenau?

Check out the next trains departing from Rotterdam to Ilmenau for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:5819:388h 40m, 5 changes
11:4120:388h 57m, 3 changes
11:4420:388h 54m, 6 changes
12:3521:399h 4m, 3 changes
12:4421:398h 55m, 4 changes
12:5021:398h 49m, 6 changes
13:4122:408h 59m, 3 changes
14:3522:408h 5m, 4 changes
14:3500:039h 28m, 3 changes
14:5800:039h 5m, 4 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Rotterdam to Ilmenau?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Rotterdam to Ilmenau starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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