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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Rotterdam
Showing times and prices for 28 Nov
Cheapest price
£18
Average price
£30
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h 48 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 £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Rotterdam every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 182 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 1 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.
06:144h01
Essen10:15Rotterdam
£181One-way
0 changes
02:085h37
Essen07:45Rotterdam
£181One-way
0 changes
16:154h00
Essen20:15Rotterdam
£181One-way
0 changes
17:454h00
Essen21:45Rotterdam
£491One-way
0 changes
06:454h00
Essen10:45Rotterdam
£491One-way
0 changes
09:453h00
Essen12:45Rotterdam
£491One-way
0 changes
17:454h00
Essen21:45Rotterdam
£491One-way
0 changes
06:454h00
Essen10:45Rotterdam
£491One-way
0 changes
16:154h00
Essen20:15Rotterdam
£181One-way
0 changes
06:144h01
Essen10:15Rotterdam
£181One-way
0 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 |
|---|---|
£47 Average Price | £17 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 07:05
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 27 · ICE 220 · IC 2832 | On time 08:00 Essen Hbf | 2h40 | 10:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
RE 10208+ VIA 20014 · VIA 21208+IC 3036 | Delayed 08:35 08:21Essen Hbf | 3h34 | 11:55 Rotterdam Centraal | 4 changes | |
| ICE 731 · ICE 128 · IC 2840 | On time 10:03 Essen Hbf | 2h37 | 12:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
| RE 10212+VIA 20018 · VIA 21212+IC 3044 | On time 10:21 Essen Hbf | 3h34 | 13:55 Rotterdam Centraal | 4 changes | |
| ICE 519 · ICE 126 · IC 2848 | On time 12:00 Essen Hbf | 2h40 | 14:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
| 02:08 Essen | 5h37 | 07:45 Rotterdam | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:14 Essen | 4h01 | 10:15 Rotterdam | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:26 Essen | 4h29 | 10:55 Rotterdam | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:45 Essen | 4h00 | 10:45 Rotterdam | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Rotterdam
Germany
Netherlands
Trains from Essen to Rotterdam run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:14. 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 £11
Distance 182 km |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 2h 37m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:14 |
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 £11
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, National Express from Essen to Rotterdam trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, Österreichische Bundesbahnen, National Express trains will get you between Essen and Rotterdam from £11. 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
£18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 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.
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.
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.
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
3 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
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest Price
£53
National Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The train journey from Essen to Rotterdam is not particularly scenic, as it mainly passes through urban and industrial areas with limited natural landscapes.
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 £47.
To get from Essen to Rotterdam, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train distance from Essen to Rotterdam is 182 km.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Rotterdam is by coach, costing approximately £11.
The train station in Essen that goes to Rotterdam is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Rotterdam Centraal.
The train journey from Essen to Rotterdam covers a distance of 182 km and takes approximately 2h 37m. Trains run 10 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Rotterdam.
The first train from Essen to Rotterdam leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Essen to Rotterdam departs at 23:14.
Trains from Essen to Rotterdam run approximately 10 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Rotterdam.
There is no night train service 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
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Essen-Zollverein Nord
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Casino Zollverein
- Warsteiner Stiefel
- Schacht XII, Bistro
- Cafe Kohlenwäsche
The major train station for arrivals in Rotterdam is Rotterdam Alexander. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Rotterdam Alexander for your journey to Rotterdam from Essen.
Rotterdam Alexander
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday - Sunday
Distance to city center
6 km
Number of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking is available with free parking options nearby.
Dining
- Restaurant Alexander
- Brasserie Waalhaven
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps.
WC
- €0.70
Hotel
- Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander
- NH Capelle
- Campanile Rotterdam Oost
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 300 places, covered
Car Rental
- SIXT
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for trains to Utrecht and Rotterdam Central
- Hall 2: metro connections
Public transport options for Rotterdam Alexander
- Metro: Line A, Line B
- Bus: Several lines available
Rotterdam Blaak
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at Blaak 1.
Dining
- Restaurant Fitzgerald
- Markthal Rotterdam
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps.
WC
- €0.70
Hotel
- Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak
- citizenM Rotterdam
- Ibis Rotterdam City Centre
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 120 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains and metro services
- Hall 2: access to tram and bus connections
Public transport options for Rotterdam Blaak
- Metro: Line A, Line B, Line C
- Tram: Line 21, Line 24
- Bus: Several lines available
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- 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.
Dining
- Smullers
- Albert Heijn to go
- Starbucks
- La Place
- Julia's
- Ekmekci
- LEON
- The Doner Company
- StationsHuiskamer
- De Broodzaak
- & more
Accessibility
- Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Hotel
- Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
- Layin’ Rotterdam Central
- Hostel Ani & Haakien
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
Information Desk
- Located inside the central hall.
Public transport options for Rotterdam Centraal
- Subway lines: D, E
- Bus lines: 33, 34, 38, 39, 40, 44, 48
- Tram lines: 4, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25
- Train lines: NS Intercity, NS Intercity Direct, NS Sprinter, NS Nachtnet, Thalys, Eurostar
Rotterdam Noord
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- Closed Sunday
Distance to city center
2 kmNumber of platforms
2Parking
- Parking is available near the station with limited spaces.
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Bike Parking
- 100 places, covered
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- The station has a simple layout with two platforms and a small waiting area.
Public transport options for Rotterdam Noord
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
Rotterdam Zuid
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 kmNumber of platforms
2Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from Annie M.G. Schmidtplein.
Dining
- Restaurant De Hef
- Restaurant Fenix Food Factory
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid
- Art Hotel Rotterdam
- Hotel New York
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 604 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for local and regional trains
- Hall 2: metro connections
Public transport options for Rotterdam Zuid
- Metro: Line D
- Bus: Lines 66, 77
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Rotterdam
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Rotterdam and Essen
Most popular train connections to Rotterdam
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