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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Essen
Showing times and prices for 28 May
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 49 m
Trains per day
17
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 £45.
Fast trains
To travel from Rotterdam to Essen you need to make at least 2 changes.
IC 2067 · ICE 221 · ICE 51418:052h53Rotterdam Centraal20:58Essen Hbf£451One-way2 changes- IC 2859 · ICE 129 · ICE 21816:202h33Rotterdam Centraal18:53Essen Hbf£451One-way2 changes
- IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 1014713:152h59Rotterdam Centraal16:14Essen Hbf£501One-way3 changes
- IC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 1014312:152h59Rotterdam Centraal15:14Essen Hbf£501One-way3 changes
- IC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 1015114:152h59Rotterdam Centraal17:14Essen Hbf£501One-way3 changes
- IC 2859 · ICE 129 · ICE 21816:202h33Rotterdam Centraal18:53Essen Hbf£451One-way2 changes
- IC 2043 · ICE 125 · ICE 61012:052h53Rotterdam Centraal14:58Essen Hbf£551One-way2 changes
- IC 2051 · ICE 127 · ICE 51814:052h53Rotterdam Centraal16:58Essen Hbf£511One-way2 changes
- IC 2067 · ICE 221 · ICE 51418:052h53Rotterdam Centraal20:58Essen Hbf£451One-way2 changes
- IC 2027 · ICE 225 · ICE 6148:052h53Rotterdam Centraal10:58Essen Hbf£511One-way2 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 £295.
Distance: 182 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £17 Average Price Cheapest | £505 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, Thursday 28 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 2027 · ICE 225 · ICE 614 | On time 8:05 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h53 | 10:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 10127 | 8:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h59 | 11:14 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 2827 · IC 3227+ 20017+S3 | 8:20 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h15 | 11:35 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 3231+20019+S3 | 8:33 Rotterdam Centraal | 4h02 | 12:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10131 | 9:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h59 | 12:14 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 2043 · ICE 125 · ICE 610 | On time 12:05 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h53 | 14:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 10143 | 12:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h59 | 15:14 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 2843 · IC 3243+20025+S3 | 12:20 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h15 | 15:35 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 3247+20027+S3 | 12:33 Rotterdam Centraal | 4h02 | 16:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 · 10147 | 13:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h59 | 16:14 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 2847 · IC 3247+20027+S3 | 13:20 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h15 | 16:35 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 2051 · ICE 127 · ICE 518 | On time 14:05 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h53 | 16:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| IC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 · 10151 | 14:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 2h59 | 17:14 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 2851 · IC 3251+20029+S3 | 14:20 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h15 | 17:35 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
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
28 May
28 May
Fri
29 May
29 May
Sat
30 May
30 May
Sun
31 May
31 May
Mon
01 Jun
01 Jun
Tue
02 Jun
02 Jun
Wed
03 Jun
03 Jun
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 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 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 £29 |
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
£29
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
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £52.
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
Rotterdam
Essen
The major train station for departures in Rotterdam is Rotterdam Centraal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Rotterdam Centraal for your trip from Rotterdam to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information 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 km
Number 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
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Rotterdam.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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
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 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
Most popular train connections from Rotterdam
More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Rotterdam
Most popular train connections to Essen
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