The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Rotterdam
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
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.
To travel from Essen to Rotterdam you need to make at least 2 changes.
10321 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138
10126 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 1146
10208+
20014 · 21208+
IC 2738
ICE 219 · ICE 220 · IC 2832
ICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840
ICE 219 · ICE 220 · IC 2832
ICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840
10126 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 1146
10321 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138
10208+
20014 · 21208+
IC 2738Travel 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 |
![]() 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 26 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 219 · ICE 220 · IC 2832 | On time 08:03 Essen Hbf | 2h37 | 10:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10321 · 20070 · IC 3540 · IC 1138 | 08:16 Essen Hbf | 3h28 | 11:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 changes | |
10208+ 20014 · 21208+ IC 3138 | 08:20 Essen Hbf | 3h50 | 12:10 Rotterdam Centraal | 4 changes | |
ICE 517 · ICE 128 · IC 2840 | On time 09:59 Essen Hbf | 2h41 | 12:40 Rotterdam Centraal | 2 changes | |
10126 · 20074 · IC 3548 · IC 1146 | 10:46 Essen Hbf | 2h58 | 13:44 Rotterdam Centraal | 3 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.
27 Feb
28 Feb
01 Mar
02 Mar
03 Mar
04 Mar
05 Mar
Why should you book Essen to Rotterdam 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 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
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.
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 |
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
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
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Rotterdam
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- 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.
- Smullers
- Albert Heijn to go
- Starbucks
- La Place
- Julia's
- Ekmekci
- LEON
- The Doner Company
- StationsHuiskamer
- De Broodzaak
- & more
- Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
- Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
- Layin’ Rotterdam Central
- Hostel Ani & Haakien
- Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00
- Located inside the central hall.
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- Closed Sunday
- Parking is available near the station with limited spaces.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.50
- 100 places, covered
- Free
- The station has a simple layout with two platforms and a small waiting area.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- 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.
- Restaurant Fitzgerald
- Markthal Rotterdam
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.70
- Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak
- citizenM Rotterdam
- Ibis Rotterdam City Centre
- Located in the main hall
- 120 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains and metro services
- Hall 2: access to tram and bus connections
- Metro: Line A, Line B, Line C
- Tram: Line 21, Line 24
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Rotterdam
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