Essen to Rotterdam train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE,RE)

Thu 26 Feb
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Rotterdam

Showing times and prices for 27 Feb

Cheapest price

£58

Average price

£65

Fastest journey

2 h 37 m

Average duration

3 h 7 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

182 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Rotterdam will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.

Fast trains

To travel from Essen to Rotterdam you need to make at least 2 changes.

Deutsche Bahn10321 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138
09:163h28
Essen Hbf
12:44Rotterdam Centraal
£581One-way
3 changes
Deutsche Bahn10126 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 1146
11:462h58
Essen Hbf
14:44Rotterdam Centraal
£581One-way
3 changes
Deutsche Bahn10208+VIAS Rail GmbH20014 · 21208+Deutsche BahnIC 2738
09:203h50
Essen Hbf
13:10Rotterdam Centraal
£591One-way
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 219 · ICE 220 · IC 2832
09:032h37
Essen Hbf
11:40Rotterdam Centraal
£731One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840
10:592h41
Essen Hbf
13:40Rotterdam Centraal
£791One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Essen to Rotterdam

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Essen to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £18.

Distance: 182 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£51

Average Price

£17

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

3h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Essen to Rotterdam train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Rotterdam trains for today, Thursday 26 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 00:13
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 219 · ICE 220 · IC 2832
On time
08:03 Essen Hbf
2h37
10:40 Rotterdam Centraal
2 changes
deutsche_bahn10321 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 113808:16 Essen Hbf
3h28
11:44 Rotterdam Centraal3 changes
deutsche_bahn10208+vias20014 · 21208+deutsche_bahnIC 313808:20 Essen Hbf
3h50
12:10 Rotterdam Centraal4 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840
On time
09:59 Essen Hbf
2h41
12:40 Rotterdam Centraal
2 changes
deutsche_bahn10126 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 114610:46 Essen Hbf
2h58
13:44 Rotterdam Centraal3 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Rotterdam by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Fri
27 Feb
Sat
28 Feb
Sun
01 Mar
Mon
02 Mar
Tue
03 Mar
Wed
04 Mar
Thu
05 Mar

Why should you book Essen to Rotterdam trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH or Österreichische Bundesbahnen offer trains services from Essen to Rotterdam.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Rotterdam.

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 or Österreichische Bundesbahnen to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Rotterdam.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Rotterdam.

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 or Österreichische Bundesbahnen to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Rotterdam.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Rotterdam.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Rotterdam

GermanyGermany
NetherlandsNetherlands
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Rotterdam run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 182 km distance in 2h 37m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Distance
182 km
Average train duration
2h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
2h 37m
First train
00:07
Last train
23:08
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Essen to Rotterdam trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Österreichische Bundesbahnen trains will get you between Essen and Rotterdam from £12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 37m
Cheapest Price
£37
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Österreichische Bundesbahnen

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 58m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Essen to Rotterdam train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Rotterdam can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £51.
The train journey from Essen to Rotterdam covers a distance of 182 km and takes approximately 2h 37m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Essen to Rotterdam is 182 km.
The first train from Essen to Rotterdam leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Essen to Rotterdam departs at 23:08.
Trains from Essen to Rotterdam run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Rotterdam.
To get from Essen to Rotterdam, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Essen to Rotterdam.
The train station in Essen that goes to Rotterdam is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Rotterdam Centraal.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Rotterdam is by coach, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Essen to Rotterdam in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Essen to Rotterdam is not particularly scenic, as it mainly passes through urban and industrial areas with limited natural landscapes.
A day trip from Essen to Rotterdam is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 37m. However, there are 10 train services per day.
In Rotterdam, visitors can explore the renowned Rotterdam Zoo, enjoy an exciting Spido Harbor Tour for views of the bustling port and skyline, and wander through the historic Delfshaven with its charming canals and quaint shops. For a vibrant atmosphere, Witte de Withstraat offers an eclectic mix of art galleries, trendy bars, and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Kralingse Bos for walking, cycling, and picnicking. Notable sights include the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the architecturally impressive Markthal, the unique Cube Houses, and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which features diverse artworks. The Euromast observation tower provides sweeping views of the city.
For an enriching experience in Rotterdam, 2 to 3 days are generally sufficient to explore its key attractions, such as the Markthal, the Cube Houses, and the Maritime Museum, while also enjoying its vibrant culinary scene and modern architecture.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Rotterdam.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Rotterdam

Essen
Rotterdam
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Rotterdam.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Kiepenkerl
  • Cafe Extrablatt
  • Tacos
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ambassador
  • Gästearpartment Dahl
  • WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
  • Motel One
Essen SüdWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Haus Wilmes
  • Mana Mana
  • Karawane
Hotel
Hotel
  • Webers
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Werner
  • Bückmannsmühle
  • Muckel-Eis

Most popular train connections from Essen

More options for your journey from Essen to Rotterdam

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