1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£52
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£52
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 9 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 9 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
188 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 188 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 9 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.
10:153h09Rotterdam13:24Gelsenkirchen£521One-way0 changes
- 10:153h09Rotterdam13:24Gelsenkirchen£521One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, while a flight costs an average of £405.
Distance: 188 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price | £17 Average Price Cheapest | £405 Average Price | £38 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 30m Average total duration 6h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen is a coach with an average price of £17.
This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen:
A coach is £23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen costing on average £40.
A coach is £387 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen costing on average £405.
The fastest way to travel from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen is by train with an average journey time of 2h 48m.
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 10m.
Flight takes on average 6h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Gelsenkirchen including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £40 compared to roughly £38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.78. The journey takes 2h 48m versus 2h 36m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen train times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:15 Rotterdam | 3h09 | 13:24 Gelsenkirchen | 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 Gelsenkirchen 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.
Fri
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen.
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 Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen.
- 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 Gelsenkirchen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- 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 Gelsenkirchen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen
Netherlands
Germany
Trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:31, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 188 km distance in 2h 23m.
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 £15
Distance 188 km |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 3:31 |
Last train 21:45 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 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 £15
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Rotterdam and Gelsenkirchen from £15. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£38
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
What's included in each class
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
2nd Class
- Power plugs
- WC
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
£73
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Gelsenkirchen
Things to do in Gelsenkirchen
Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
- Recommended
Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen
Art museum with modern and contemporary works and changing exhibitions. A rewarding stop for strong architecture, focused displays and a central location.
- Recommended
Schalke Museum
Museum dedicated to FC Schalke 04 with trophies, memorabilia and club history. A popular visit for football supporters and visitors curious about local culture.
Schlossmuseum Horst
Museum in Schloss Horst covering local history and archaeology. Visit for the Renaissance setting, historical collections and insight into the region’s past.
- Must visit
Nordsternpark
Extensive park on a former industrial site with canals, paths, public art and event spaces. It is ideal for a relaxed walk and seeing Ruhr regeneration.
- Recommended
Schlosspark Horst
Large landscaped grounds around Schloss Horst with water features and walking paths. A pleasant place for a quiet stroll beside a historic setting.
- Recommended
Revierpark Nienhausen
Popular local park with woodland, lawns and play areas. It offers an easy outdoor break and shows a greener side of Gelsenkirchen beyond industry.
Ruhrpott Kartoffelsuppe
A hearty potato soup from the Ruhr area, often with vegetables and sausages. It is a classic comfort dish long linked with mining families.
Himmel und Ääd
Mashed potatoes mixed with applesauce and traditionally served with black pudding or fried sausage. A well-known homestyle dish in western Germany.
- Gluten-free
Rollmops
Pickled herring fillets in a tart marinade, often served with potatoes. It reflects the strong northern and western German taste for preserved fish.
Heiner's
Refined restaurant in an elegant setting, known for modern German and international cooking with a more formal dining feel.
Schloss Berge
Traditional brewery-style restaurant serving hearty German and Ruhr classics in a lively, rustic setting near the city centre.
Haus Lüttinghof
Well-known local venue for classic German dishes and seasonal plates, with a relaxed atmosphere suited to a traditional meal.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay manageable for most 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
- €2.50-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.80
- Day pass
- €8.10
To the city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf -> Bahnhofstraße, Gelsenkirchen
- Distance
- 350 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Use VRR fares for Gelsenkirchen local travel; a Preisstufe A ticket covers trips within the city.
- At larger stations and customer centres, digital ticket purchase is available via the VRR App. Card or contactless acceptance on board is not confirmed from the official sources reviewed.
FAQs: Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train journey from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen covers a distance of 188 km and takes approximately 2h 23m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen is 188 km.
The first train from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen leaves at 3:31.
The last train from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen departs at 21:45.
Trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen.
To get from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen.
The train station in Rotterdam that goes to Gelsenkirchen is Rotterdam Centraal, and it arrives at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Dutch countryside, rivers, and industrial areas along the route, though it is not typically considered a notably scenic journey.
A day trip from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 23m. Trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 188 km.
Two to three days in Gelsenkirchen should be sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Veltins-Arena, the Zoom Erlebniswelt zoo, and nearby industrial heritage sites.
Yes, you can take the train from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Rotterdam and Gelsenkirchen
Most Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen
Which Rotterdam station do trains to Gelsenkirchen leave from?
Trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen 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
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 5155
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 · £0.90 · 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.
Which Gelsenkirchen station do trains from Rotterdam arrive at?
Trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen arrive at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre.
Gelsenkirchen HbfGelsenkirchen Hbf, Bahnhofsvorplatz 10, 45879 Gelsenkirchen
City-centre transport
Getting to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
BusE51, 382, 348 · 12m · every ~10 min
Gelsenkirchen Hbf train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen 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 and drink
Food options include: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Most popular train connections from Rotterdam
More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Gelsenkirchen and Rotterdam
Most popular train connections to Gelsenkirchen
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