Kiel to Rotterdam Sea Distance Calculator

Calculate the exact nautical distance from Kiel, Germany to Rotterdam, Netherlands. Plan your maritime journey with our professional route calculator.

Distance: 681.1 nm; nautical miles
Under Sail: 5.7 days; at 5 knots
Under Power: 2.8 days; at 10 knots
Best Time: May-September; Typical Sailing Season

Distance follows a sea-lane route. Sailing times are estimates at fixed cruising speeds and vary with vessel, weather, and currents.

Interactive Route Map

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Distance: 681.1 nautical miles

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This map shows the direct sea route from Kiel to Rotterdam. The actual sailing path may vary based on weather conditions and navigation requirements.

Passage details

This is a markedly indirect coastal passage: the navigable route runs 173% longer than the 250 nm direct line, its heading turning from northeast to east-northeast. It is an international crossing between two countries.

Sea distance: 681.1 nm (1261.4 km)
Direct line: 249.6 nm173% longer
Great-circle bearing: 237° (west-southwest)
Geographic extent: 5.9° × 7.2°
Crossing: Cross-border · Same region
From: Kiel (Germany) 54.3233, 10.1394
To: Rotterdam (Netherlands) 51.9244, 4.4777
Route basis: Sea-lane route

Passage timeEstimated passage time by cruising speed
Cruising speed	Duration
5 kn	5.7 days
8 kn	3.5 days
10 kn	2.8 days
12 kn	2.4 days

Distance follows a sea-lane route generated from marine traffic lanes; passage times are computed at fixed cruising speeds.

Read the methodology — How we calculate sea distances

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

About Kiel to Rotterdam Route

Linking Kiel and Rotterdam, this extended offshore international crossing connecting two major commercial ports sits in the Northern Europe region — a passage shaped by persistent low cloud and reduced visibility on shoulder-season passages.

The lane links Kiel (Germany) and Rotterdam (Netherlands), within the same maritime region.

Navigation Tips

•A extended offshore international passage in the Northern Europe region typically requires planning for persistent low cloud and reduced visibility on shoulder-season passages.
•A extended offshore leg in Northern Europe benefits from waypoint planning and verified fuel availability.
•Confirm operating hours and clearance procedures for this international crossing within the same maritime region, since rules vary by port.
•Verify that emergency equipment matches the demands of a extended offshore leg in Northern Europe.
•Documentation requirements differ for international passages within the same maritime region; verify cruising permits in advance.

Suggested Stops

On a long 681.1 nm passage from Kiel to Rotterdam, these ports make convenient places to break the journey, refuel, and rest.

Marstrand (Sweden) · ≈225.5 nm in — View port details

More Routes from Kiel

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Kiel to Rotterdam by sea?

Approximately 681.1 nautical miles separate Kiel and Rotterdam by sea, making this a extended offshore leg in Northern Europe.

How long does it take to sail from Kiel to Rotterdam?

Expect about 2.8 days – 5.7 days for a extended offshore run of 681.1 nautical miles within the same maritime region.

What's the best time to sail from Kiel to Rotterdam?

Peak sailing season here is May-September; year-round, Northern Europe routes contend with persistent low cloud and reduced visibility on shoulder-season passages.

Plan Your Perfect Maritime Journey

Use our advanced calculator above to customize your route, add waypoints, calculate fuel costs, and share your journey plan with crew members.

Plan another route with our Sea Distance Calculator Navigation Guide