Cologne to Rotterdam Bus

21/11/2024
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Cologne to Rotterdam by bus

The journey from Cologne to Rotterdam by bus is 203.79 km and takes 5 hrs 40 mins. There are 24 connections per day, with the first departure at 3:05 am and the last at 11:35 pm. It is possible to travel from Cologne to Rotterdam by bus for as little as $16.46 or as much as $150.54. The best price for this journey is $16.46.

Lowest Price $16.46
Journey Duration 5 hrs 40 mins
Connection per Day 24
Lowest Price $16.46
Highest Price $150.54
First Departure 3:05 am
Last Departure 11:35 pm
Distance 203.79 km
Departure Cologne
Arrival Rotterdam
Carriers Thalys, BlaBlaCar Bus

Cologne to Rotterdam Bus Times

Departure date
Thursday, 21 Nov 2024

Compare prices and tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam

Cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Cologne to Rotterdam, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Cologne to Rotterdam.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Cologne to Rotterdam travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap bus tickets from Cologne to Rotterdam

The cheapest Cologne - Rotterdam bus tickets can be found for as low as $21.46 if you’re lucky, or $25.35 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $33.62.

Find the best day to travel to Rotterdam by bus

When travelling to Rotterdam by bus, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Established in 2018, BlaBlaCar Bus was born out of BlaBlaCar's acquisition of OUIBUS in November of that same year. The company officially launched in June 2019 and has since been offering long-distance bus services across Europe. Initially known as BlaBlaBus, the company went on to adopt the name Ouibus, before finally deciding on its present name, BlaBlaCar Bus. BlaBlaCar Bus operates a network of routes that link several cities, including Aix-en-Provence, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Genoa, Lille, London, Lyon, Marseille, Milan, Nice, Paris, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, San Sebastián, and Turin.

<p>FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.</p> <p>You have the option to choose your preferred seat on Flixbus, with various categories designed to suit your specific needs.</p> <ul> <li>Classic: Choose your seat with no additional perks.</li> <li>Panorama: Sit in the first row and enjoy the most scenic views.</li> <li>Front: Travel quietly in the front section of the bus, starting from the 2nd row.</li> <li>Table: Enjoy more space and comfort with a convenient table in front of you.</li> <li>Comfort: Get extra legroom for a more relaxing journey.</li> <li>Extra: Reserve your seat and the one next to you for more personal space.</li> <li>Single: Enjoy the comfort of having no one seated next to you.</li> <li>Semi-bed: Relax with a seat that reclines almost flat, perfect for resting.</li> <li>Bed: Experience maximum comfort with a fully flat reclining seat, ideal for longer trips.</li> </ul>

RegioJet is a private railway company that operates in several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Austria. The company was founded in 2009 and started operating in the Czech Republic in 2011. RegioJet offers various types of train services, including long-distance trains, regional trains, and buses.

<p><strong>Brand Update: Thalys Transforms into Eurostar!</strong> Thalys has rebranded as Eurostar after a merger, retaining its red trains and schedules, now with an Eurostar logo. Thalys is a high-speed train operator serving in France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following its merger with Eurostar, the service will now be available in these countries as well as in the UK.<br>Thalys trains operate at high speeds, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, making them one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between cities in the region. The trains have modern amenities, including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and on-board dining options, making them a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.</p>

<p>Union Ivkoni is a Bulgarian bus company that operates domestically and internationally. Founded in 1992, the company has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Bulgaria, with a fleet of over 1,000 buses. Union Ivkoni offers a wide range of services, including regular bus lines, charter services, and international routes to destinations throughout Europe. The company is known for its modern fleet, comfortable buses, and reliable service.</p> <p>Union Ivkoni has only one class-the standard bus. All their buses have luggage storage, hand luggage compartments, power outlets, air conditioning, movies, and extra legroom.</p>

Ticket types and facilities from Cologne to Rotterdam

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by RegioJet and Thalys when traveling from Cologne to Rotterdam.

Standard

Standard ticket offers a balance between affordability and comfort. Passengers can expect plush seating and free Wi-Fi, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Low cost

Low cost is the most affordable option for those who want to travel without any additional amenities. However, passengers can still enjoy free Wi-Fi and a peaceful journey.
wifi WiFi
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Relax

Passengers who want to travel in luxury can opt for the Relax ticket, which offers spacious leather seats and a relaxing atmosphere. This is a great option for those who want to unwind during their journey.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Business

Business ticket guarantees privacy and comfort, with priority service and helpful on-board staff. This is an ideal choice for those who want a seamless and stress-free journey.
wifi WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Standard

With The Standard ticket, you can get a budget-friendly second class seat with advanced booking. Free exchange until 7 days before departure and refundable until 7 days before departure, non-refundable after.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Comfort

You can get a first class seat with The Comfort fare. Free exchange until 7 days before departure and refundable until 7 days before departure, non-refundable after.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Premium

You can travel with a customized rate with full service benefits of the Premium fare. Experience a comfortable journey and maximum flexibility to make changes or cancel up until the last minute.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

wifi WiFi open icon close icon

Free Wi-Fi is provided on BlaBlaCar buses. Download music, movies, and other entertainment materials before your trip, as connections may be weak in rural areas. 

power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon

Each seat has an outlet for charging on BlaBlaCar Bus. Look for the socket symbol or ask the driver for more outlets.

luggage Luggage open icon close icon

Each passenger can bring one carry-on and two checked bags for free on BlaBlaCar Bus, with checked bags under 23 kg and labeled with your name, phone number, and address. Up to four bicycles (one per ticket) can be booked in advance.

accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon

BlaBlaCar buses accommodate passengers with reduced mobility. Notify the company when booking to arrange any necessary assistance.

food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon

You may bring and eat cold food and drinks, such as sandwiches and bottled water, on the BlaBlaCar buses. However, hot food is not allowed for the comfort and safety of all passengers.

bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon

Bicycles are allowed in the hold as one piece of luggage on BlaBlaCar Bus if they are foldable and placed in a protective cover (max. dimensions: 200cm, max. weight: 23kg), while e-bikes and electric scooters are not permitted.

power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon

Power outlets are available near seats on FlixBus buses to keep your devices charged throughout your journey.

luggage Luggage open icon close icon

Each passenger can bring one carry-on bag (up to 25lbs/11kg) and one stored bag (up to 50lbs/23kg) for free on FlixBus. Excess baggage up to 50lbs (23kg) is accepted for a fee, with limited space available, so booking in advance is recommended.

accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon

FlixBus offers boarding assistance with a hydraulic lift for travelers with reduced mobility. Contact the bus company in advance to confirm availability and assistance.

food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the bus drivers during your trip.

bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon

Bikes are allowed with restrictions on FlixBus: 3 per bus with a cover, 5 with a carrier, but no electric bikes.

wifi WiFi open icon close icon

FlixBus offers free Wi-Fi on all its buses. Additionally, enjoy movies, e-books, audiobooks, music, and games through FlixBus's online entertainment portal.

wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Stay connected with onboard free WiFi. Use the Regiojet app or the screens in newer trains for entertainment..
quiet_zone Quiet zone open icon close icon
Business class passengers can benefit from a quiet compartment for a peaceful journey.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Every seat is equipped with its own power socket.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
Feel free to bring along luggage that's easy to load. If your bags don't fit under or above your seat, no worries! The crew is here to help find a spot that won't hinder others. Just a heads up, please ensure none of your items are hazardous for everyone's safety.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
Regiojet trains have designated spaces for wheelchair users.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
Onboard, a diverse menu of drinks and snacks is accessible via the Regiojet app. All passengers receive a complimentary water bottle, while those in Relax or Business Class are treated to a free Italian coffee or mint tea.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
All coaches come equipped with air conditioning.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
RegioJet allows the transport of bicycles, small scooters, and prams on their trains with prior reservation and restrictions. Bicycles and small scooters must be placed on racks or in reserved compartments, while prams that cannot be folded can be transported at the beginning or end of the train set or in specially reserved places. However, the crew can refuse transport for safety or space reasons.
wifi WiFi open icon close icon
All Thalys trains feature free WiFi. Plus, expect steady 3G or 4G coverage for most routes.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
All seats in every class have 2-pin, 220v power sockets to meet your charging needs.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
When traveling with Thalys, your ticket includes the privilege of carrying one hand luggage item and two larger bags, which must not exceed the dimensions of 75x53x70 cm. There is no weight limit specified, however, it's important to ensure that your baggage is within your personal handling capacity. The bags must be stored in the designated area on the train for the duration of the journey.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
For boarding assistance, please alert Thalys ahead of time. They accommodate wheelchairs adhering to specific dimensions: max 70 cm width, 120 cm height, 150 cm turning circle diameter, and a combined weight of 300 kg for passenger and luggage.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
In Standard and Comfort Class, the Thalys Welcome Bar awaits with an array of snacks. Opt to pre-order using your device for swift collection. Traveling Premium? Delight in Chef Frank Fol's gourmet meal served directly to your seat on journeys exceeding 50 minutes.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
Every Thalys train ensures a cool journey with onboard air-conditioning.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
On Thalys, you can bring a non-folding bike if it's disassembled and in a bag under 135 x 85 x 30 cm. Folding bikes? Just make sure they're within 75 x 53 x 30 cm, and it'll be considered as regular luggage. Got skis? Pop them in a case that's less than 3 m and under 32 kg.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon

Power outlets are available on Union Ivkoni buses, usually one or two per row.

luggage Luggage open icon close icon

You can bring hand luggage up to 5 kg (30x40x20 cm or 90 cm total) and checked luggage up to 30 kg (180 cm total or 80x60x40 cm). Additional luggage up to 30 kg can be prepaid at the following rates: €10 for trips up to 1500 km, €15 for trips between 1501-3000 km, and €20 for trips over 3000 km.

wifi WiFi open icon close icon

Wi-Fi availability depends on the vehicle. But, most new Union Ivkoni buses have Wi-Fi. Additionnally, Union Ivkoni buses have personal entertainment screens.

accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon

Union Ivkoni provides services for passengers with mobility issues. Contact the carrier in advance for arrangements.

food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon

Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on Union Ivkoni.

Services on board Thalys, BlaBlaCar Bus and Union Ivkoni from Cologne to Rotterdam
Compare services on board when travelling from Cologne to Rotterdam by bus.
Facilities Thalys BlaBlaCar Bus Union Ivkoni FlixBus RegioJet FlixTrain
quiet_zone Quiet zone check cross cross cross check check
wifi WiFi check check check check check check
power_sockets Power sockets check check check check check check
luggage Luggage check check check check check check
accessibility Accessibility check check check check check check
food_and_drink Food and drink check check check check check check
air_con Air conditioning check check check check check check
bicycle Bicycle check cross cross check check check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check cross cross cross cross check

Cologne to Rotterdam CO2 Emissions by Bus

Ecology
Train
14.26kg
Bus
15.28kg
Flight
40.76kg
Car
32.61kg

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a bus ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam?
A bus ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam is $33.48. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $16.46.
What's the cheapest bus ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Cologne to Rotterdam is $16.46. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Cologne and Rotterdam by bus?
Cologne to Rotterdam is 203.79 km.
How long does the bus between Cologne and Rotterdam take?
Cologne to Rotterdam is on average 5 hrs 40 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 4 hrs 10 mins.
Which companies operate from Cologne to Rotterdam?
The bus journey from Cologne to Rotterdam is covered by 6 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Thalys, BlaBlaCar Bus, Union Ivkoni, FlixBus, Union Ivkoni International, RegioJet and FlixTrain.
How many bus connections per day go from Cologne to Rotterdam?
Cologne to Rotterdam has 24 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first bus from Cologne to Rotterdam leave?
The earliest bus from Cologne to Rotterdam departs at 3:05 am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last bus from Cologne to Rotterdam depart?
The latest bus from Cologne to Rotterdam departs at 11:35 pm. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Cologne to Rotterdam in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest bus ticket we have found is $16.46 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Cologne to Rotterdam?
There are on average 16 direct connection(s) from Cologne to go to Rotterdam.
What's the fastest journey time between Cologne to Rotterdam by bus?
The fastest journey time by bus between Cologne and Rotterdam is 4 hrs 10 mins.
Is there a direct bus from Cologne to Rotterdam?
Yes, there is a direct bus between Cologne and Rotterdam.
What are the CO2 emissions for Cologne to Rotterdam by bus?
The bus journey from Cologne to Rotterdam creates 15.28kg of CO2 emissions.