- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Cheapest price on 11 Oct
£48
Average ticket price on 11 Oct
£53
Fastest journey on 11 Oct
3 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 11 Oct
3 h 42 m
Trains on 11 Oct
6
Distance
182 km
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 £48.
To travel from Rotterdam to Essen you need to make at least 3 changes.
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 52873
IC 2829 · IC 3031+
20019+
Bus RE19
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 63627
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 63607
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 52873
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 63627
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 63607
IC 2829 · IC 3031+
20019+
Bus RE19Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 182 km distance in 2h 16m.
Distance 182 km |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:08 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 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 | |
| Sunday 11 October | |||||
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 63607 | 8:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h40 | 11:55 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871 | 8:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h35 | 11:50 Essen Hbf | 5 changes | |
IC 2827 · 20263 · 10132 | 8:20 Rotterdam Centraal | 4h54 | 13:14 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2829 · IC 3031 · Bus RE19 · 22037 | 8:50 Rotterdam Centraal | 4h00 | 12:50 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 63627 | 9:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h40 | 12:55 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 52873 | 9:15 Rotterdam Centraal | 3h35 | 12:50 Essen Hbf | 5 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
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.

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.
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 options include: Smullers, Albert Heijn to go, Starbucks, La Place, Julia's, Ekmekci, LEON, The Doner Company, StationsHuiskamer, De Broodzaak, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located outside the north side entrance and south side entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00. Information desks are located inside the central hall.
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.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Centraal: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Nearby hotels include Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, Layin’ Rotterdam Central, Hostel Ani & Haakien.
Rotterdam Noord is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Rotterdam Noord.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Noord.
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Noord: Ramps.
Rotterdam Alexander is 6 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Alexander 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 options include: Restaurant Alexander, Brasserie Waalhaven
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Alexander: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander, NH Capelle, Campanile Rotterdam Oost.
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
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