- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Rotterdam to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£11
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£14
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
3 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
3 h 59 m
Buses on 17 Sept
5
Distance
182 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Rotterdam to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Essen will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £11.
Fast coaches
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 5 buses from Rotterdam to Essen, including 5 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 182 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 40 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.
FlixBus5:203h10Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)8:30Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£111One-way0 changes- FlixBus0:203h50Rotterdam, Zuidplein4:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£131One-way0 changes
- FlixBus17:504h40Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)22:30Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£131One-way0 changes
- FlixBus8:503h55Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)12:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£151One-way0 changes
- FlixBus23:504h20Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)4:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£201One-way0 changes
- FlixBus5:203h10Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)8:30Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£111One-way0 changes
- FlixBus0:203h50Rotterdam, Zuidplein4:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£131One-way0 changes
- FlixBus8:503h55Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)12:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£151One-way0 changes
- FlixBus23:504h20Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)4:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£201One-way0 changes
- FlixBus17:504h40Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)22:30Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£131One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Rotterdam to Essen
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 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 coach costs an average of £16, while a flight costs an average of £361.
Distance: 182 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price | £361 Average Price | £37 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 23m Average total duration 6h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Rotterdam to Essen is a coach with an average price of £16.
This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam to Essen:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average £47.
A coach is £345 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average £361.
The fastest way to travel from Rotterdam to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 2h 39m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 54m.
Flight takes on average 6h 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Essen including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £16 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £21. The journey takes 3h 54m versus 2h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Rotterdam to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen coaches for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 23:50 Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 4h20 | 4:10 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 17 September | |||||
| FlixBus | 0:20 Rotterdam, Zuidplein | 3h50 | 4:10 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:20 Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 3h10 | 8:30 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:50 Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 3h55 | 12:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 17:50 Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 4h40 | 22:30 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Essen by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
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Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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23 Sept
Why should you book Rotterdam to Essen coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Rotterdam to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rotterdam to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus 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 Wanderu or Trainline?
- 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: Bus from Rotterdam to Essen
Netherlands
Germany
Buses from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 182 km distance in 3h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 182 km |
Average bus duration 3h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus from Rotterdam to EssenYou can travel by bus between Rotterdam to Essen with FlixBus for as low as £12. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£12
FlixBus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Rotterdam to EssenYou can travel by bus between Rotterdam to Essen with FlixBus for as low as £12. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£12
FlixBus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are often slightly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change or rounding up is customary.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.60
- Day pass
- €7.90
To the city centre
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Essen Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
Best option: Tram/U-Bahn (Ruhrbahn, Price level A single ticket)
- Price
- €3.60
- Duration
- 5 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP for journey planning and mobile tickets in Essen and Mülheim. It is the official local app.
- Ruhrbahn uses the VRR fare. For travel within Essen, use Price level A; ticket machines are available, but contactless acceptance on vehicles was not clearly confirmed from official sources.
FAQs: Rotterdam to Essen coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Essen by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Rotterdam to Essen can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Rotterdam to Essen is £16; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Rotterdam to Essen is 3h 10m to travel the 182 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Rotterdam to Essen leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Rotterdam to Essen leaves at 23:50.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Rotterdam to Essen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Rotterdam to Essen, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Rotterdam and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Rotterdam , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station), Rotterdam, Zuidplein, Delft, Stationsplein, Den Haag, Centraal Station . When arriving in Essen , you can end your route in coach stations like Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), Oberhausen, Hbf Fernbushaltestelle, Gelsenkirchen, Hauptbahnhof/ZOB, Duisburg.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Essen from Rotterdam is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Rotterdam to Essen is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Essen including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Rotterdam to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Rotterdam to Essen for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Rotterdam to Essen depends on the coach companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Rotterdam to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Rotterdam to Essen:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Rotterdam to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Rotterdam to Essen. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Rotterdam to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Rotterdam to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Rotterdam to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Essen
Most Rotterdam to Essen buses use the Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Rotterdam
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Rotterdam station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Rotterdam to Essen leave from Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station). The station is 1 km from Rotterdam city centre at Conradstraat, 3013 AP Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)Conradstraat, 3013 AP Rotterdam, Netherlands
City-centre transport
Getting to Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) from Rotterdam city centre
BusStopbus ipv trein · 9m
4 · 10m · £2
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) bus station facilities and services
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Centraal (in the station), Dutch Delights (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station): Elevators, ramps.
Rotterdam, ZuidpleinBusstation Rotterdam Zuidplein, Gooilandsingel 21, 3083 Rotterdam, Netherlands
City-centre transport
Getting to Rotterdam, Zuidplein from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam, Zuidplein is 3 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus44 · 18m · £3 · every ~10 min
813, 819, N116 · 25m · £0.90
SubwayD, E · 10m · £2 · every ~29 min
Rotterdam, Zuidplein bus station facilities and services
Rotterdam, Zuidplein has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food outlets available within walking distance.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein. ATMs are aTM available near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Which Essen station do buses from Rotterdam arrive at?
Buses from Rotterdam to Essen most often arrive at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Some services arrive at Oberhausen, Hbf Fernbushaltestelle, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 7m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) bus station facilities and services
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Most popular bus 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 buses to and from Essen and Rotterdam
Most popular bus connections
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