- 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.
Cheapest price
$57
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
2 h 28 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
188 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
It's difficult to get from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam without transferring at least 2 times.
31245 · IC 60402 · IC 622
31249 · ICE 242 · IC 1728
Bus RE3 · 10311 · 20060 · IC 3522
IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 1732
IC 2009 · ICE 128 · IC 1740
IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 1732
IC 2009 · ICE 128 · IC 1740
31249 · ICE 242 · IC 1728
31253 · ICE 240 · IC 1736
31257 · ICE 148 · IC 1744Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $578.
Distance: 116 miles (188 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $890 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 23m Average total duration 7h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam costing on average $72 (€59).
A bus is $862 (€706) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam costing on average $890 (€729).
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 25m.
Flight takes on average 7h 23m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€59) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.63 (€-17.72). The journey takes 3h 17m versus 2h 43m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus RE3 · 10311 · 20060 · IC 3522 | 3:15 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 5h06 | 8:21 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 4 transfers | |
31245 · IC 60402 · IC 622 | 6:01 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 3h24 | 9:25 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
31247 · ICE 222 · IC 1724 | 7:01 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 2h40 | 9:41 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
31249 · ICE 242 · IC 1728 | 8:01 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 2h40 | 10:41 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 1732 | On time 9:13 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 2h28 | 11:41 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
31253 · ICE 240 · IC 1736 | 10:01 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 2h40 | 12:41 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
IC 2009 · ICE 128 · IC 1740 | On time 11:13 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 2h28 | 1:41 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
31257 · ICE 148 · IC 1744 | 12:01 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 2h40 | 2:41 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Gelsenkirchen to Rotterdam run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 (€53) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (188 km) distance in 2h 39m.
Distance 116 miles (188 km) |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 1:05 AM |
Last train 9:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Rotterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rotterdam trip today.
The world’s first publicly accessible art-storage depot, letting visitors see thousands of works behind the scenes in a striking mirrored building.
Major exhibition hall known for changing shows on art, design, photography, and culture, making it one of Rotterdam’s most consistently rewarding museum visits.
A leading museum on Dutch maritime history with interactive exhibits, historic vessels, and strong links to Rotterdam’s port identity.
A dramatic market hall and architectural showpiece, hugely popular for its giant ceiling artwork and central location near the Cube Houses.
Historic harbor district with canals, old buildings, and a rare prewar atmosphere that contrasts strongly with modern Rotterdam.
Modern waterfront district of striking skyscrapers, bridges, and river views, ideal for architecture fans and photo walks.
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.
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.
Raw cured herring, often served with chopped onion and pickles. This traditional Dutch street food is widely eaten across the Netherlands, including Rotterdam.
Refined fine-dining restaurant known for creative modern cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
A famous Rotterdam institution in the former Holland America Line headquarters, popular for seafood, Dutch classics, and historic waterfront ambiance.
Well-known waterfront food hall featuring local producers, bakery items, beer, cheese, and casual bites in an industrial setting.
Prices are high by Dutch standards for hotels and dining, though transit and casual food stay manageable.
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.
Official public transport app
Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam -> Rotterdam City Center, Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gelsenkirchen 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.

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