The cheapest and fastest trains from Rostock to Essen
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$175
Fastest journey
6 h 18 m
Average duration
7 h 28 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
452 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rostock to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rostock to Essen will cost around $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
It's difficult to get from Rostock to Essen without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain10:45 AM10h03Rostock, Central bus station8:48 PMEssen Hbf$731One-way1 transfer
4304 · 32856 · 11411 · ICE 1097:08 AM6h50Rostock Hbf1:58 PMEssen Hbf$1871One-way3 transfers
IC 2175 · ICE 6408:20 AM6h18Rostock Hbf2:38 PMEssen Hbf$1981One-way1 transfer
S2 · 56300 · S26 · S36:14 AM7h10Rostock Hbf1:24 PMEssen Hbf$2021One-way4 transfers
4355 · ICE 9426:36 AM6h59Rostock Hbf1:35 PMEssen Hbf$2151One-way1 transfer
IC 2175 · ICE 6408:20 AM6h18Rostock Hbf2:38 PMEssen Hbf$1981One-way1 transfer
4304 · 32856 · 11411 · ICE 1097:08 AM6h50Rostock Hbf1:58 PMEssen Hbf$1871One-way3 transfers
4355 · ICE 9426:36 AM6h59Rostock Hbf1:35 PMEssen Hbf$2151One-way1 transfer
S2 · 56300 · S26 · S36:14 AM7h10Rostock Hbf1:24 PMEssen Hbf$2021One-way4 transfers
FlixBus+
FlixTrain10:45 AM10h03Rostock, Central bus station8:48 PMEssen Hbf$731One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Rostock to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rostock to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, and a flight costs an average of $144.
Distance: 280 miles (452 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $144 Average price |
6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Rostock to Essen:
A bus is $31 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rostock to Essen costing on average $78 (€63).
A bus is $96 (€77) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rostock to Essen costing on average $144 (€115).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 30m.
Bus takes on average 5h 30m.
Live departures
Rostock to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Rostock to Essen trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S2 · 56300 · S26 · S3 | On time 6:14 AM Rostock Hbf | 7h10 | 1:24 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
4355 · ICE 942 | On time 6:36 AM Rostock Hbf | 6h59 | 1:35 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4304 · 32856 · 11411 · ICE 109 | On time 7:08 AM Rostock Hbf | 6h50 | 1:58 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2175 · ICE 640 | On time 8:20 AM Rostock Hbf | 6h18 | 2:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:45 AM Rostock, Central bus station | 10h03 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rostock to Essen 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Why should you book Rostock to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rostock to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Rostock to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rostock to Essen
Trains from Rostock to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $34 (€27) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 280 miles (452 km) distance in 6h 19m.
Distance 280 miles (452 km) |
Average train duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 19m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Rostock to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Rostock and Essen from $34 (€27). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Trains from Rostock to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rostock to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Rostock to Essen
- Monday: 06:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Layali Alsham
- Heumond
- Joho-Broiler
- Cafe Kloster
- Hotel Stadthalle
- Hotel Greifennest
- Appartement-Hotel
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Most popular train connections from Rostock
More options for your journey from Rostock to Essen
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