Amsterdam to Rotterdam by train
Direct NS trains take about 71 minutes from Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal. Faster services from Amsterdam Zuid take under 40 minutes.
- Origin
- Amsterdam
- Destination
- Rotterdam
- Main stations
- Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal
- Country
- Netherlands
The simplest city centre journey from Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal is a direct NS Intercity trip of about 71 minutes.
Choose the right Amsterdam station
Amsterdam-Centraal is the main choice for the historic centre. Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct also run directly to Rotterdam Centraal from Amsterdam Zuid. The journey from Amsterdam Zuid to Rotterdam Centraal takes less than 40 minutes. Amsterdam Zuid is a separate station south of the centre, so include the transfer across Amsterdam when comparing journeys.
Journey time and service pattern
For a direct city centre trip, allow about 71 minutes from Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal on an NS Intercity. The faster Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct services use the Amsterdam Zuid corridor and arrive at the same Rotterdam station. Journey times and departures are date-specific, and engineering works can change the timetable.
Tickets and the Intercity Direct supplement
Plan and buy your ticket through NS for your travel date. The standard Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal journey is a domestic NS trip. If you use Intercity Direct or Eurocity Direct between Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Centraal with a domestic ticket, you need a separate Intercity Direct supplement. The 2026 single-use supplement is €3.20, or €1.92 when purchased at a platform supplement post during off-peak hours. The supplement is separate from the ticket. International tickets, including Interrail and Eurail, do not need it.
Stations
Amsterdam-Centraal is the main departure point for central Amsterdam. Amsterdam Zuid is used by the faster services, while Rotterdam Centraal is the arrival station for both patterns. If you start in central Amsterdam, allow time to reach Amsterdam Zuid before choosing the faster train.
Before you travel
Use the NS Journey Planner for your date to see the departure station, journey time and any engineering works. For a trip from central Amsterdam, the direct train from Amsterdam-Centraal may be easier overall than travelling south to save time on board.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Check times & prices
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Train service
- Check times & prices
NS runs the Netherlands' domestic Intercity and Sprinter network, while NS International connects Belgium, Germany and beyond; Eurostar requires reservations.
Official website
Where to book
Train service
- Check times & prices
NS runs the Netherlands' domestic Intercity and Sprinter network, while NS International connects Belgium, Germany and beyond; Eurostar requires reservations.
Official website
Find places to stay in Rotterdam

Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam?
Yes. Direct NS Intercity trains run from Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal. Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct also run directly from Amsterdam Zuid to Rotterdam Centraal.
How long does the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam take?
The usual NS journey from Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 71 minutes. From Amsterdam Zuid, the faster Intercity Direct route takes less than 40 minutes.
Which Amsterdam station should I use?
Use Amsterdam-Centraal for the standard city centre route. Faster Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct services use Amsterdam Zuid, which is a separate station south of the centre.
Do I need an Intercity Direct supplement?
A domestic ticket needs the supplement when you travel on Intercity Direct or Eurocity Direct between Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Centraal. NS lists €3.20 for a single use in 2026, or €1.92 at the platform supplement post during off-peak hours. International tickets do not need it.
How should I check the latest Amsterdam to Rotterdam train times?
The latest departure, station and journey time depend on your travel date, and engineering works can change the timetable. Use the NS Journey Planner to check the latest details.