4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Essen
Cheapest price on Sep 01
€44
Average ticket price on Sep 01
€55
Fastest journey on Sep 01
2 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
2 h 51 m
Trains on Sep 01
7
Distance
182 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Essen will cost around €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €44.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 7 trains from Rotterdam to Essen, including 7 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 182 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 38 m .
On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
7:20 AM2h38Rotterdam9:58 AMEssen€441One-way0 transfers- 9:20 AM2h38Rotterdam11:58 AMEssen€441One-way0 transfers
- 12:15 PM2h59Rotterdam3:14 PMEssen€551One-way0 transfers
- 10:15 AM2h59Rotterdam1:14 PMEssen€581One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 AM2h59Rotterdam10:14 AMEssen€581One-way0 transfers
- 7:20 AM2h38Rotterdam9:58 AMEssen€441One-way0 transfers
- 9:20 AM2h38Rotterdam11:58 AMEssen€441One-way0 transfers
- 12:15 PM2h59Rotterdam3:14 PMEssen€551One-way0 transfers
- 10:15 AM2h59Rotterdam1:14 PMEssen€581One-way0 transfers
- 9:15 AM2h59Rotterdam12:14 PMEssen€611One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Rotterdam to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, while a flight costs an average of €401.
Distance: 182 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€52 Average price | €18 Average price Cheapest | €401 Average price |
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 23m Average total duration 6h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Rotterdam to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen trains for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2847 · IC 3247 · S3+ 20027 | 1:20 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h15 | 4:35 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 2051 · ICE 127 · S3 | 2:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h00 | 5:05 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, September 1 | |||||
| 7:15 AM Rotterdam | 2h59 | 10:14 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:20 AM Rotterdam | 2h38 | 9:58 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:15 AM Rotterdam | 2h59 | 12:14 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:20 AM Rotterdam | 2h38 | 11:58 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:15 AM Rotterdam | 2h59 | 1:14 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Essen by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sep 01
Sep 02
Sep 03
Sep 04
Sep 05
Sep 06
Sep 07
Why should you book Rotterdam to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Essen.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotterdam to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Rotterdam to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Essen
Netherlands
Germany
Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 182 km distance in 2h 42m.
Distance 182 km |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price €30 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 42m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Rotterdam to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Rotterdam and Essen from €13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
VIAS Rail GmbH
FAQs: Trains from Rotterdam to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Essen by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Rotterdam to Essen
Most Rotterdam to Essen trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Rotterdam station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Rotterdam Centraal from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Centraal train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Smullers, Albert Heijn to go, Starbucks, La Place, Julia's, Ekmekci, LEON, The Doner Company, StationsHuiskamer, De Broodzaak, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located outside the north side entrance and south side entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00. Information desks are located inside the central hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located at the north side of the station, next to the escalator to Platform 15. A small safe costs €6.00 and a large safe costs €9.00 for 24 hours.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Centraal: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, Layin’ Rotterdam Central, Hostel Ani & Haakien.
Getting to Rotterdam Blaak from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Blaak train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Blaak has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Fitzgerald, Markthal Rotterdam
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Blaak: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak, citizenM Rotterdam, Ibis Rotterdam City Centre.
Getting to Rotterdam Zuid from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Zuid is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Zuid train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Zuid has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant De Hef, Restaurant Fenix Food Factory
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Zuid. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Zuid. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Zuid: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Zuid: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Zuid.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid, Art Hotel Rotterdam, Hotel New York.
Which Essen station do trains from Rotterdam arrive at?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Getting to Essen-Altenessen from Essen city centre
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services
Essen-Altenessen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Most popular train connections from Rotterdam
More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Rotterdam
Most popular train connections to Essen
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