Trains from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid
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How to travel from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid? Look no further.
There are around 22 trains per day running between Milan and Rotterdam Zuid, which usually take 17 hours 4 minutes to complete the 493 miles (794 km) journey. It can take as little as 11 hours 28 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Rotterdam Zuid from Milan, you'll just need to make 3 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with Trenitalia, DB or NS, as these are the main train operators on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid if you book in advance. 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.
Milan to Rotterdam Zuid by train
| First train | 08:05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:09 | |
| Departure station | Milan | |
| Arrival station | Rotterdam Zuid | |
| Journey time | From 11h 28m | |
| Distance | 493 miles (794 km) | |
| Frequency | 22 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Train and bus operators |
Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, NS and IC (Intercity) trains from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid
Trenitalia
Deutsche Bahn
NS
IC (Intercity)
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
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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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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.
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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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Intercity (IC), NS and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC), NS and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid.
Intercity (IC)
NS
Trenitalia Eurocity
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
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
Second Class
From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
First Class
In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
Onboard services on Intercity (IC), NS and Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid.
Intercity (IC)
NS
Trenitalia Eurocity
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.
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.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
- A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
Cheap train tickets from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid
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 Milan to Rotterdam Zuid 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 Milan to Rotterdam Zuid? 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 Milan to Rotterdam Zuid take?
The average journey time by train between Milan and Rotterdam Zuid is 17 hours and 4 minutes, with around 22 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 Milan and Rotterdam Zuid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid is 11 hours and 28 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid?
No, there are no direct train services from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid. Travelling from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid leave?
The first train from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid leaves at 08:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid leave?
The last train from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid leaves at 23:09. 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 Milan and Rotterdam Zuid by train?
Trains travelling from Milan to Rotterdam Zuid cover a distance of around 493 miles (794 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Rotterdam Zuid to Milan.