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

Sun 12 Jul
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
VIAS Rail GmbH
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Essen

Showing times and prices for 12 Jul

Cheapest price

£50

Average price

£53

Fastest journey

2 h 38 m

Average duration

2 h 54 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

182 km

Cheap tickets

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 travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Rotterdam to Essen will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Rotterdam for Essen every day 4 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 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 38 m .

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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:202h38
    Rotterdam
    9:58Essen
    £501One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    9:152h59
    Rotterdam
    12:14Essen
    £511One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    10:152h59
    Rotterdam
    13:14Essen
    £551One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:152h59
    Rotterdam
    10:14Essen
    £551One-way
    0 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 prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 40m. 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 £12, and a flight costs an average of £290.

Distance: 182 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£51

Average Price

£17

Average Price

Cheapest

£497

Average Price

3h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 23m

Average total duration

3h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 44m

Average total duration

6h 44m

Onboard

+

3h 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 tomorrow, Sunday 12 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:15 Rotterdam
2h59
10:14 Essen0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:20 Rotterdam
2h38
9:58 Essen0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn9:15 Rotterdam
2h59
12:14 Essen0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn10:15 Rotterdam
2h59
13:14 Essen0 changesdirect

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 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.

Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul

Why should you book Rotterdam to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as VIAS Rail GmbH offer trains 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 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

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 182 km distance in 2h 38m.

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 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£28
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 38m
First train
0:01
Last train
23:08
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
63 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12

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 £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 38m
Cheapest Price
£28
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

FAQs: Rotterdam to Essen train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £51.
The train journey from Rotterdam to Essen covers a distance of 182 km and takes approximately 2h 38m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Rotterdam to Essen is 182 km.
The first train from Rotterdam to Essen leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Rotterdam to Essen departs at 23:08.
Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Rotterdam to Essen.
To get from Rotterdam to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Rotterdam to Essen.
The train station in Rotterdam that goes to Essen is Rotterdam Centraal, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Rotterdam to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Rotterdam to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Rotterdam to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the picturesque Dutch countryside and crossing into Germany, where you'll see a blend of industrial areas and verdant landscapes.
A day trip from Rotterdam to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 38m. However, there are 10 trains per day covering the 182 km.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Rotterdam to Essen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and 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.

Departure train stations in Rotterdam
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Rotterdam station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Rotterdam to Essen leave from Rotterdam Centraal. The station is 1 km from Rotterdam city centre at Stationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Rotterdam CentraalStationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 302357822WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Centraal from Rotterdam city centre

BusStopbus ipv trein · 9m
4 · 10m · £2

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.

Rotterdam ZuidAnnie M.G. Schmidtplein 20, 3083 NZ Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 30 751 5155WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Zuid from Rotterdam city centre

Rotterdam Zuid is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 3m · £0.89 · every ~9 min
Bus32 · 12m · £2 · every ~8 min
Stopbus ipv trein, Taxibus ipv trein · 13m · every ~1 min
Tram3 · 18m · £2 · every ~23 min

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.

Rotterdam BlaakBlaak 1, 3011 TA Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 30 235 7822WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Blaak from Rotterdam city centre

TrainSprinter, Intercity · 3m · £0.89 · every ~16 min
Tram1, 11 · 6m · £0.89 · every ~14 min

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.

More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Essen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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