- Must visit
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot
The world’s first publicly accessible art-storage depot, letting visitors see thousands of works behind the scenes in a striking mirrored building.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Essen to Rotterdam
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 40 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
182 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Rotterdam will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Essen for Rotterdam on Fri, Jun 19, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 182 km distance in an average of 3 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 10 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.
4:00 PM3h55Essen7:55 PMRotterdam$191One-way0 transfers- 10:55 AM3h10Essen2:05 PMRotterdam$221One-way0 transfers
- 2:00 AM4h10Essen6:10 AMRotterdam$231One-way0 transfers
- 9:55 AM3h10Essen1:05 PMRotterdam$241One-way0 transfers
- 5:55 AM4h55Essen10:50 AMRotterdam$321One-way0 transfers
- 10:55 AM3h10Essen2:05 PMRotterdam$221One-way0 transfers
- 9:55 AM3h10Essen1:05 PMRotterdam$241One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM3h55Essen7:55 PMRotterdam$191One-way0 transfers
- 3:00 PM3h55Essen6:55 PMRotterdam$471One-way0 transfers
- 2:00 AM4h10Essen6:10 AMRotterdam$231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Rotterdam
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 45m. 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 bus costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $433.
Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$23 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $722 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 8m Average total duration 7h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Essen to Rotterdam is a bus with an average price of $23 (€19).
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Rotterdam:
A bus is $46 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Rotterdam costing on average $69 (€56).
A bus is $699 (€573) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Rotterdam costing on average $722 (€592).
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Rotterdam is by train with an average journey time of 2h 45m.
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 46m.
Flight takes on average 7h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Rotterdam including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Rotterdam among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $23 (€19) compared to roughly $50 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27 (€22). The journey takes 3h 46m versus 2h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Essen to Rotterdam Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Live departures
Essen to Rotterdam bus times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Rotterdam buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:00 AM Essen | 4h10 | 6:10 AM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:55 AM Essen | 4h55 | 10:50 AM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:55 AM Essen | 3h10 | 1:05 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:55 AM Essen | 3h10 | 2:05 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:00 PM Essen | 3h55 | 6:55 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:00 PM Essen | 3h55 | 7:55 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:00 PM Essen | 10h30 | 4:30 AM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Rotterdam by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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
Jun 19
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Mon
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Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
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Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Why should you book Essen to Rotterdam buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Essen to Rotterdam.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Rotterdam.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Rotterdam.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Rotterdam.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Essen to Rotterdam
Germany
Netherlands
Buses from Essen to Rotterdam run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 113 miles (182 km) distance in 3h 10m.
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
Distance 113 miles (182 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€13) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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
Bus providers: FlixBus from Essen to RotterdamYou can travel by bus between Essen to Rotterdam with FlixBus for as low as $15 (€13). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€13)
FlixBus frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to Rotterdam
Things to do in Rotterdam
Discover the best of Rotterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rotterdam trip today.
- Must visit
Kunsthal Rotterdam
Major exhibition hall known for changing shows on art, design, photography, and culture, making it one of Rotterdam’s most consistently rewarding museum visits.
- Recommended
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
A leading museum on Dutch maritime history with interactive exhibits, historic vessels, and strong links to Rotterdam’s port identity.
- Must visit
Markthal
A dramatic market hall and architectural showpiece, hugely popular for its giant ceiling artwork and central location near the Cube Houses.
- Must visit
Delfshaven
Historic harbor district with canals, old buildings, and a rare prewar atmosphere that contrasts strongly with modern Rotterdam.
- Must visit
Kop van Zuid
Modern waterfront district of striking skyscrapers, bridges, and river views, ideal for architecture fans and photo walks.
Kapsalon
A Rotterdam invention of fries topped with döner or shawarma, melted cheese, salad, and garlic sauce. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night comfort foods.
Kibbeling
Battered and fried white fish pieces, usually served with a creamy garlic or remoulade-style sauce. A classic Dutch seafood snack popular in Rotterdam markets.
- Gluten-free
Haring
Raw cured herring, often served with chopped onion and pickles. This traditional Dutch street food is widely eaten across the Netherlands, including Rotterdam.
FG Restaurant Rotterdam
Refined fine-dining restaurant known for creative modern cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
Hotel New York
A famous Rotterdam institution in the former Holland America Line headquarters, popular for seafood, Dutch classics, and historic waterfront ambiance.
Fenix Food Factory
Well-known waterfront food hall featuring local producers, bakery items, beer, cheese, and casual bites in an industrial setting.
Euro
Prices are high by Dutch standards for hotels and dining, though transit and casual food stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-18 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 25-40 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small tips are optional in cafes and bars.
RET
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 4.00
- Day pass
- EUR 9.50
To the city center
Rotterdam, Westerstraat -> Rotterdam Centraal
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Check in and out with your OV-chipkaart, bank card, or mobile wallet on RET trams, buses, and metro.
- A RET Day Ticket is usually the best value if you make several trips in one day within Rotterdam.
FAQs: Bus from Essen to Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Rotterdam by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Essen to Rotterdam can start from as little as $15 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Essen to Rotterdam is $23 (€19) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Essen to Rotterdam is 3h 10m to travel the 113 miles (182 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Essen to Rotterdam leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Essen to Rotterdam leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Essen to Rotterdam with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Essen to Rotterdam, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Rotterdam. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Essen and Rotterdam and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Rotterdam from Essen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Essen to Rotterdam is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Rotterdam including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Essen to Rotterdam:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Essen to Rotterdam for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Rotterdam are:
- Erasmus Bridge, an iconic cable-stayed bridge known for its unique design and panoramic views of the city
- Markthal, a modern architectural marvel housing a vibrant food market and residential apartments
- Cube Houses, a set of innovative, tilted cube-shaped homes designed by architect Piet Blom
- Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, a renowned art museum featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art
- Euromast, a towering observation tower offering sweeping views of Rotterdam and beyond.
The best things to do in Rotterdam include:
- Rotterdam Zoo, a renowned zoo featuring diverse animal exhibits and a focus on conservation and education
- Spido Harbor Tour, an exciting boat tour offering a unique perspective of Rotterdam's bustling port and skyline
- Delfshaven, a historic neighborhood with charming canals, quaint shops, and a rich maritime history
- Witte de Withstraat, a vibrant street known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, trendy bars, and restaurants
- Kralingse Bos, a beautiful park perfect for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and picnicking.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Essen to Rotterdam depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Essen to Rotterdam.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Essen to Rotterdam:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Essen to Rotterdam:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Essen to Rotterdam. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Essen to Rotterdam with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Essen to Rotterdam with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Essen to Rotterdam with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Essen and Rotterdam are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Rotterdam among Omio's users.
The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Travelers generally find it more convenient to use cards, as most places accept debit and credit cards, though having some cash on hand is useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Rotterdam, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and unofficial taxi services can also occur. It is advised to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid common safety issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Essen to Rotterdam
Most Essen to Rotterdam buses use the Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) to Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Rotterdam, Zuidplein. Use this guide to compare Essen and Rotterdam bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Essen
Arrival bus stations in Rotterdam
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 7m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Which Rotterdam station do buses from Essen arrive at?
Buses from Essen to Rotterdam most often arrive at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station). Some services arrive at Rotterdam, Zuidplein, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Rotterdam arrival station.
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)Conradstraat, 3013 AP Rotterdam, Netherlands
City-centre transport
Getting to Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) from Rotterdam city centre
BusStopbus ipv trein · 9m
4 · 10m · $2
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) bus station facilities and services
Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Centraal (in the station), Dutch Delights (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station): Elevators, ramps.
Rotterdam, Zuidplein
City-centre transport
Getting to Rotterdam, Zuidplein from Rotterdam city centre
Bus44 · 18m · $4 · every ~10 min
813, 819, N116 · 25m · $1
SubwayD, E · 10m · $2 · every ~29 min
Rotterdam, Westerstraat
City-centre transport
Getting to Rotterdam, Westerstraat from Rotterdam city centre
Bus7, 11 · 17m · $2
Most popular bus connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Rotterdam
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Rotterdam and Essen
Most popular bus connections to Rotterdam
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