The cheapest and fastest buses from Rotterdam to Essen
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
6 h 10 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
182 km
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 $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Of the 3 buses that leave Rotterdam for Essen on Fri, Nov 07, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 182 km distance in an average of 6 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 11 h 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.






Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 44m. 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 €12, and a train costs an average of €20.
Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€18 Average price Cheapest | €54 Average price |
4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration Fastest 2h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Rotterdam to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Live departures
Rotterdam to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen buses for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:35 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station) | 4h20 | 2:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, November 7 | |||||
![]() | 3:20 AM Rotterdam | 3h10 | 6:30 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 PM Rotterdam | 11h00 | 6:40 AM Essen | 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 or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Rotterdam to Essen
Buses from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) 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.
Distance 113 miles (182 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Rotterdam to EssenYou can travel by bus between Rotterdam to Essen with FlixBus for as low as $15 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
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.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station), which is located around 1.1 miles (1.7 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), located 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- 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.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Rotterdam to Essen, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Rotterdam to Essen
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafeteria Centraal (in the station)
- Dutch Delights (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 33, 38, 44 Metro: D, E Train: Intercity, Sprinter
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

