- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Rotterdam to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 27
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 46 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
182 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rotterdam to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Essen will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Fast buses
Of the 8 buses that leave Rotterdam for Essen on Sat, Jun 27, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 27 the direct buses cover the 182 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Sat, Jun 27 the slowest buses will take 4 h 13 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.
FlixBus5:20 AM3h10Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)8:30 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$201One-way0 transfers- FlixBus12:20 AM3h50Rotterdam, Zuidplein4:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$221One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+
FlixTrain5:20 AM3h42Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)9:02 AMEssen Hbf$301One-way1 transfer - FlixBus8:50 AM3h55Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)12:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$301One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:50 PM4h20Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)4:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$341One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:20 AM3h10Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)8:30 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$201One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+FlixTrain5:20 AM3h42Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)9:02 AMEssen Hbf$301One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus12:20 AM3h50Rotterdam, Zuidplein4:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$221One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:50 AM3h55Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)12:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$301One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+FlixTrain8:50 AM4h13Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)1:03 PMEssen Hbf$391One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Rotterdam to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. 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 bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $392.
Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$23 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $672 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration 6h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m 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 Rotterdam to Essen is a bus with an average price of $23 (€19).
This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam to Essen:
A bus is $46 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average $69 (€57).
A bus is $649 (€537) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average $672 (€555).
The fastest way to travel from Rotterdam to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 2h 40m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 53m.
Flight takes on average 6h 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Essen including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Rotterdam to Essen 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 $49 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27 (€22). The journey takes 3h 53m versus 2h 31m 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.
Rotterdam to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Live departures
Rotterdam to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen buses for today, Friday, June 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 5:20 AM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 3h10 | 8:30 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:50 AM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 3h55 | 12:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:50 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 4h40 | 10:30 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 4744 · 50448 | 9:10 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 11h30 | 8:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 11:50 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 4h20 | 4:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 12:20 AM Rotterdam, Zuidplein | 3h50 | 4:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Essen by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, 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.
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28
Jun 28
Mon
Jun 29
Jun 29
Tue
Jun 30
Jun 30
Wed
Jul 01
Jul 01
Thu
Jul 02
Jul 02
Fri
Jul 03
Jul 03
Why should you book Rotterdam to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses 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 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotterdam to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- 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: Bus from Rotterdam to Essen
Netherlands
Germany
Buses from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 5 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 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 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 Rotterdam to EssenYou can travel by bus between Rotterdam to Essen with FlixBus for as low as $16 (€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
$16 (€13)
FlixBus frequency
6 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 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.
- Recommended
Ruhr Museum
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
- Must visit
Zollverein Park
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
- Recommended
Kettwig Old Town
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Currywurst
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
- Gluten-free
Pfefferpotthast
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Hugenpoet Restaurant 1831
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Schote
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Meisenburg
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
eezy.nrw
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.60
- Day pass
- EUR 8.90
To the city center
Essen Freiheit Hauptbahnhof, Essen -> Essen Hauptbahnhof, Essen
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- On Ruhrbahn and VRR services, tickets can be bought digitally in the eezy.nrw app before travel. Validate that your ticket matches the correct fare product or check-in system.
- Card payment is commonly available in ticket machines, but not always directly on board every bus or tram. Buying in the app is usually the simplest option.
FAQs: Bus from Rotterdam to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Rotterdam to Essen can start from as little as $16 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Rotterdam to Essen 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 Rotterdam to Essen 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 Rotterdam to Essen leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Rotterdam to Essen leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Rotterdam to Essen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Rotterdam to Essen, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Rotterdam and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Essen from Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam to Essen is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Essen including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Rotterdam to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Rotterdam to Essen for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Rotterdam to Essen 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 Rotterdam to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Rotterdam to Essen:
- 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 Rotterdam to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Rotterdam to Essen. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Rotterdam to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Rotterdam to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Rotterdam to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Rotterdam and Essen 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 Rotterdam to Essen among Omio's users.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. It's advisable to use official transport services and stay alert in busy locations to ensure safety.
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 Rotterdam to Essen
Most Rotterdam to Essen buses use the Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Rotterdam
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Rotterdam station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Rotterdam to Essen leave from Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Rotterdam city centre at Conradstraat, 3013 AP Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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
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
Most popular bus 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 buses to and from Essen and Rotterdam
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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