ESSEN to ROTTERDAM train from €11 with VIAS Rail GmbH

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Rotterdam

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€55

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€73

Fastest journey on Sep 19

2 h 46 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

3 h

Trains on Sep 19

Distance

182 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €55.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Essen to Rotterdam without transferring at least 2 times.

Bus RE1 · 10118 · 20070 · IC 3540
9:12 AM3h32
Essen
12:44 PMRotterdam Centraal
€551One-way
4 transfers
S9 · 90636+20014+IC 3036
9:11 AM3h44
Essen Hbf
12:55 PMRotterdam Centraal
€581One-way
4 transfers
Bus RE1 · ICE 128 · IC 2840
10:37 AM3h03
Essen
1:40 PMRotterdam Centraal
€751One-way
2 transfers
S2 · IC 2009 · ICE 128 · IC 2840
10:54 AM2h46
Essen Hbf
1:40 PMRotterdam Centraal
€751One-way
3 transfers
S2 · IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 2832
8:53 AM2h47
Essen Hbf
11:40 AMRotterdam Centraal
€751One-way
3 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 an average ticket price of €30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 25m. 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 bus costs an average of €30, while a flight costs an average of €582.

Distance: 113 miles (182 km)

Compare train with

Train	Most popular Bus	Flight	Driving
€66 Average price	€30 Average price Cheapest	€582 Average price	€41 Average price (fuel + tolls)
3h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 26m Average total duration 2h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*	2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Most popular airline	Your own car or car rental
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 €30.

This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Rotterdam:

A bus is €36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Rotterdam costing on average €66.

A bus is €552 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Rotterdam costing on average €582.

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Rotterdam is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 26m.

Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 55m.

Bus takes on average 5h 30m.

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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Rotterdam among Omio's users.

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 €66 compared to roughly €41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-24.75. The journey takes 2h 55m versus 2h 41m 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

Essen to Rotterdam train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Rotterdam trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
S6 · ICE 220 · IC 2832	8:18 AM Essen Hbf	3h22	11:40 AM Rotterdam Centraal	2 transfers
Bus RE1 · ICE 220 · IC 2832	8:37 AM Essen	3h03	11:40 AM Rotterdam Centraal	2 transfers
S2 · IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 2832	8:53 AM Essen Hbf	2h47	11:40 AM Rotterdam Centraal	3 transfers
S9 · 90636 · IC 3036 · IC 2036	9:11 AM Essen Hbf	3h44	12:55 PM Rotterdam Centraal	4 transfers
Bus RE1 · 10118 · 20070 · IC 3540	9:12 AM Essen	3h32	12:44 PM Rotterdam Centraal	4 transfers
S6 · ICE 128 · IC 2840	10:18 AM Essen Hbf	3h22	1:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal	2 transfers
Bus RE1 · ICE 128 · IC 2840	10:37 AM Essen	3h03	1:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal	2 transfers
S2 · IC 2009 · ICE 128 · IC 2840	10:54 AM Essen Hbf	2h46	1:40 PM Rotterdam Centraal	3 transfers
This is the last train 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.

Sat
Sep 19

Sun
Sep 20

Mon
Sep 21

Tue
Sep 22

Wed
Sep 23

Thu
Sep 24

Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Essen to Rotterdam trains with Omio?

VIAS Rail GmbH as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains 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 VIAS Rail GmbH?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for VIAS Rail GmbH, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Rotterdam.
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 VIAS Rail GmbH 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 Rome2rio, Trainline or Wanderu?

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

Germany

Netherlands

Trains from Essen to Rotterdam run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €11 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (182 km) distance in 2h 17m.

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

Bus from €11

Distance

113 miles (182 km)

Average train duration

2h 55m

Cheapest ticket price

€20

Trains per day

Fastest train

2h 17m

First train

12:07 AM

Last train

11:50 PM

Cheapest Month

Sep

Cheapest Day

Wed

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Thu

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from €11

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Essen to Rotterdam trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Essen and Rotterdam from €11. 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 17m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

€20

Deutsche Bahn frequency

4 a day

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.

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.

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.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

VIAS Rail GmbH

About

VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name "VIAS" is derived from the Latin word "via" (way) and "S" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average VIAS Rail GmbH Duration

2h 50m

Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price

€24

VIAS Rail GmbH frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snack and beverage service available

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available for additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

Quiet zone

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

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

Rotterdam’s leading art museum with Dutch masters, design, and decorative arts. A must for major exhibitions and its landmark depot nearby.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

World-first publicly accessible art storage depot. Visitors see collection care, restoration, and city views from the rooftop.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Kunsthal Rotterdam

Contemporary art center known for ambitious international exhibitions. Best for visitors wanting Rotterdam’s cutting-edge art scene.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually manageable for most city breaks.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range: €20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining: €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €3-4.50 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Rotterdam

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Train ticket prices from Essen to Rotterdam can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €20, while the average price is around €66.

The train from Essen to Rotterdam takes 2h 17m and runs 7 per day.

The distance by train from Essen to Rotterdam is 113 miles (182 km).

The first train from Essen to Rotterdam leaves at 12:07 AM.

The last train from Essen to Rotterdam leaves at 11:50 PM.

There is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Rotterdam.

Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Rotterdam.

The train station in Essen that goes to Rotterdam is Essen Hbf, which connects to Rotterdam Centraal.

The cheapest way to get from Essen to Rotterdam is by bus, with a cost of around €11.

The train journey from Essen to Rotterdam offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including views of the Ruhr industrial region, the lush countryside of North Rhine-Westphalia, and the picturesque Dutch canals and windmills as you approach Rotterdam, providing a moderately scenic experience.

A day trip from Essen to Rotterdam is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 17m. However, there are 10 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 113 miles (182 km).

In Rotterdam, visitors can explore the renowned Rotterdam Zoo, enjoy the Spido Harbor Tour for unique views of the port and skyline, and wander through the historic Delfshaven neighborhood. For a vibrant city experience, head to Witte de Withstraat for art galleries, trendy bars, and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Kralingse Bos for walking and cycling. Notable sights include the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the modern Markthal food market, the innovative Cube Houses, the art-rich Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, and the Euromast observation tower for panoramic city views.

Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Rotterdam allows visitors to explore its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and key attractions such as the Markthal, Cube Houses, and the port area comfortably.

Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Rotterdam.

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.

Popular day trips by train from Rotterdam include Brussels, Amsterdam, Antwerp, The Hague, Eindhoven.

We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Rotterdam among Omio's users.

Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.

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 train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Rotterdam

Most Essen to Rotterdam trains use the Essen Hbf to Rotterdam Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Rotterdam Alexander. Use this guide to compare Essen and Rotterdam train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Essen

Arrival train stations in Rotterdam

Which Essen station do trains to Rotterdam leave from?

Trains from Essen to Rotterdam leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.

Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min

Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

Essen Hbf train station facilities and services

Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.

More about Essen Hbf

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.

Essen-WerdenEssen-Werden, Im Löwental 11, 45239 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre

Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 11m · €2 · every ~6 min

BusS6 · 14m · €4

Ne8 · 22m · €4

Essen-Werden train station facilities and services

Essen-Werden 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.