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Travel from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam by train in 2 hours 59 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam by train is 3 hours 54 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours 59 minutes. Around 50 trains per day travel the 127 miles (204 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change along the way to Rotterdam. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with DB or Regiojet, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Book train tickets from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £18.31. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Trains to Rotterdam from Köln Hbf
It takes an average of 3h 54m to travel from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam by train, over a distance of around 127 miles (204 km). There are normally 50 trains per day travelling from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam and tickets for this journey start from £18.31 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:58 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:15 | |
| Departure station | Köln Hbf | |
| Arrival station | Rotterdam | |
| Journey time | From 2h 59m | |
| Distance | 127 miles (204 km) | |
| Frequency | 50 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £18.31 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Regiojet |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
Want to know more about your journey from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
How far is Rotterdam from Köln Hbf by train?
Which trains run from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
Can I get from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam without flying?
What is the best way to get from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
When is the first train from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
When is the last train from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
How often do trains run from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
Looking for a return trip from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
Deutsche Bahn and IC (Intercity) trains from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam
Deutsche Bahn
IC (Intercity)
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
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What Intercity (IC) and RegioJet classes are there from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC) and RegioJet when travelling from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam.
Intercity (IC)
RegioJet
Second Class
Enjoy comfy seats with power sockets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Low cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low-Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, comfy leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business
Travel in RegioJet’s Business class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet carriage and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
What are the onboard services on Intercity (IC) and RegioJet?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam.
Intercity (IC)
RegioJet
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation. Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards. Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat. If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat. Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old. On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price. Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages. |
Can I bring pets on board? | With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle. Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train. |
What special assistance is available? | Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier. |
What luggage limits are there? | There are no weight limits when it comes to luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by yourself. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains. |
Can I bring pets on board? | It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper carriages or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board. |
What special assistance is available? | Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Köln Hbf to Rotterdam?
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
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.