Rotterdam to Essen bus with FlixBus

Sat, Sep 26
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BlaBlaCar Bus
FlixBus
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Avanza
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BlaBlaCar Bus
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Alsa
Rede Expressos
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Rotterdam to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 26

Cheapest price on Sep 26

$18

Average ticket price on Sep 26

$25

Fastest journey on Sep 26

3 h 10 m

Average journey duration on Sep 26

3 h 59 m

Buses on Sep 26

6

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 $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.

Fast buses

On Sat, Sep 26, we found 6 buses from Rotterdam to Essen, including 5 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 26 the direct buses cover the 182 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .

On Sat, Sep 26 the slowest buses will take 4 h 40 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    5:20 AM3h10
    Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
    8:30 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    $181One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    5:50 PM4h40
    Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
    10:30 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    $201One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    11:50 PM4h20
    Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
    4:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    $211One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    12:20 AM3h50
    Rotterdam, Zuidplein
    4:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    $281One-way
    0 transfers
  • BlaBlaCar Bus4744 · 50448
    9:10 PM11h30
    Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
    8:40 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    $301One-way
    1 transfer

Rotterdam to Essen Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:20AM
Arrival Time
04:10AM
Duration
3h50
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
06:30AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
07:30AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$16
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
08:30AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$16
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, Thu
Cheapest price
$19
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
3h55
Departure days
Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$19
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
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:50PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$19
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
09:10PM
Arrival Time
08:40AM
Duration
11h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$30
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
Cheapest price
$21

Live departures

Rotterdam to Essen bus times

The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen buses for today, Friday, September 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus5:50 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
4h40
10:30 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus11:50 PM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
4h20
4:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 26
FlixBusFlixBus12:20 AM Rotterdam, Zuidplein
3h50
4:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus5:20 AM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
3h10
8:30 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:50 AM Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station)
3h55
12:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)0 transfersDirect

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
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27
Mon
Sep 28
Tue
Sep 29
Wed
Sep 30
Thu
Oct 01
Fri
Oct 02

Why should you book Rotterdam to Essen buses with Omio?

BlaBlaCar Bus as well as FlixBus offer 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 BlaBlaCar Bus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for BlaBlaCar Bus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Essen.
  • 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 BlaBlaCar Bus 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 Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Rotterdam to Essen.
  • 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

NetherlandsNetherlands
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) 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
4h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
$14 (€11)
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
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
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

Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus from Rotterdam to EssenYou can travel by bus between Rotterdam to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $14 (€11). 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$14 (€11)
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.

BlaBlaCar Bus

About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BlaBlaCar Bus Duration
7h 40m
Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price
$25 (€21)
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.

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.

  • Must visit

Museum Folkwang

World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Ruhr Museum

Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.

  • Recommended

Deutsches Plakat Museum

Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Rotterdam to Essen can start from as little as $14 (€11) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Rotterdam to Essen is $34 (€28) ; 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 4 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 BlaBlaCar Bus, 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.
When departing from Rotterdam , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station), Rotterdam, Zuidplein, Delft, Stationsplein, Den Haag, Centraal Station . When arriving in Essen , you can end your journey in bus stations like Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), Oberhausen, Hbf Fernbushaltestelle, Gelsenkirchen, Hauptbahnhof/ZOB, Duisburg .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Rotterdam, Conradstraat (Centraal Station), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), located 0 away from the city centre.
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:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Accessible seating options.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Rotterdam to Essen for bus company BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Rotterdam to Essen depends on the bus companies:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
  • 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 BlaBlaCar Bus, 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:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
  • 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:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • 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: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Rotterdam to Essen with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Rotterdam to Essen with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
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, NetherlandsWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
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, ZuidpleinBusstation Rotterdam Zuidplein, Gooilandsingel 21, 3083 Rotterdam, NetherlandsWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam, Zuidplein from Rotterdam city centre

Rotterdam, Zuidplein is 3 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus44 · 18m · $4 · every ~10 min
813, 819, N116 · 25m · $1
SubwayD, E · 10m · $2 · every ~29 min

Rotterdam, Zuidplein bus station facilities and services

Rotterdam, Zuidplein has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Food outlets available within walking distance.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein. ATMs are aTM available near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam, Zuidplein: The station is wheelchair accessible.

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