ROTTERDAM to ESSEN train from £12 with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Essen

Showing times and prices for 27 Aug

Cheapest price

£41

Average price

£50

Fastest journey

2 h 38 m

Average duration

3 h 22 m

Trains per day

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 £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Rotterdam for Essen 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 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 38 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 30 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.

7:202h38
Rotterdam
9:58Essen
£411One-way
0 changes
11:202h42
Rotterdam
14:02Essen
£491One-way
0 changes
7:153h59
Rotterdam
11:14Essen
£511One-way
0 changes
6:354h30
Rotterdam
11:05Essen
£541One-way
0 changes
10:152h59
Rotterdam
13:14Essen
£561One-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 39m. 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 £250.

Distance: 182 km

Compare train with

Train	Most popular Coach	Flight
£49 Average Price	£17 Average Price Cheapest	£389 Average Price
3h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	9h 26m Average total duration 6h 26m 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 today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
	7:15 Rotterdam	3h59	11:14 Essen	0 changesdirect
	8:20 Rotterdam	2h38	10:58 Essen	0 changesdirect
	9:15 Rotterdam	2h59	12:14 Essen	0 changesdirect
	9:20 Rotterdam	2h38	11:58 Essen	0 changesdirect
	10:15 Rotterdam	2h59	13:14 Essen	0 changesdirect
	11:20 Rotterdam	2h42	14:02 Essen	0 changesdirect
	16:15 Rotterdam	2h59	19:14 Essen	0 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.

Thu
27 Aug

Fri
28 Aug

Sat
29 Aug

Sun
30 Aug

Mon
31 Aug

Tue
01 Sept

Wed
02 Sept

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

Netherlands

Germany

Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 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 44m.

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 39m

Cheapest ticket price

£27

Trains per day

Fastest train

2h 44m

First train

0:01

Last train

23:08

Cheapest Month

Aug

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Sun

Least Busy Day

Sat

Best time to book

2 days

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 44m

Cheapest Price

£27

Deutsche Bahn frequency

5 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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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

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

Museum Folkwang

Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Red Dot Design Museum

Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.

View on map Visit website

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.

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.

The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £49.

The train journey from Rotterdam to Essen covers a distance of 182 km and takes approximately 2h 44m. 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 44m. 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 302357822 Wifi

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.

More about Rotterdam Centraal

Rotterdam BlaakBlaak 1, 3011 TA Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 30 235 7822 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Blaak from Rotterdam city centre

TrainSprinter, Intercity · 3m · £0.90 · every ~16 min

Tram1, 11 · 6m · £0.90 · 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.