is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets
Compare prices from over 270 rail and coach companies in Europe
Buy your tickets with us and easily find them on your phone
Safely pay with PayPal, Visa and all international payment cards
Looking for the cheapest date to travel?
Within 7 days
Outbound fromWithin 1 month
Outbound fromWithin 3 months
Outbound fromWhat customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
How to travel from Groningen to Rotterdam by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Groningen to Rotterdam? Look no further.
There are around 38 trains per day running between Groningen and Rotterdam, which usually take 2 hours 55 minutes to complete the 126 miles (202 km) journey. It can take as little as 2 hours 36 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. Sit back, relax and let a Nederlanse Spoorwegen (NS) train take you to Rotterdam – as the main train operator in the Netherlands, all trains are modern and comfortable and most have free WiFi.
You can save money on train tickets from Groningen to Rotterdam if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £26.55. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Groningen to Rotterdam by train
It takes an average of 2h 55m to travel from Groningen to Rotterdam by train, over a distance of around 126 miles (202 km). There are normally 38 trains per day travelling from Groningen to Rotterdam and tickets for this journey start from £26.55 when you book in advance.
NS trains from Groningen to Rotterdam
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.
More information
NS classes from Groningen to Rotterdam
Compare the different travel classes offered by NS when travelling from Groningen to Rotterdam.
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on NS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Groningen to Rotterdam.
There are no luggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.
There is no onboard catering on NS trains.
The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.
Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.
Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.
Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a lead - you must also buy a dog train ticket.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.
Cheap train tickets from Groningen 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 Groningen 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Groningen to Rotterdam? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Groningen to Rotterdam take?
The average journey time by train between Groningen and Rotterdam is 2 hours and 55 minutes, with around 38 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 Groningen and Rotterdam by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Groningen to Rotterdam is 2 hours and 36 minutes.
How much does the train from Groningen to Rotterdam cost?
Train ticket prices from Groningen to Rotterdam can start from as little as £26.55 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Groningen to Rotterdam?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Groningen to Rotterdam without having to change trains. There are 18 direct trains from Groningen 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 Groningen to Rotterdam leave?
The first train from Groningen to Rotterdam leaves at 05:06. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Groningen to Rotterdam leave?
The last train from Groningen to Rotterdam leaves at 23:30. 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 Groningen and Rotterdam by train?
Trains travelling from Groningen to Rotterdam cover a distance of around 126 miles (202 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Rotterdam to Groningen.