The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$37
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$44
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 38 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 38 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 38 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.
8:20 AM2h38Rotterdam Centraal10:58 AMEssen Hbf$371One-way0 transfers
7:20 AM2h38Rotterdam Centraal9:58 AMEssen Hbf$511One-way0 transfers
7:20 AM2h38Rotterdam Centraal9:58 AMEssen Hbf$511One-way0 transfers
8:20 AM2h38Rotterdam Centraal10:58 AMEssen Hbf$371One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, while a flight costs an average of $567.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $567 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf:
A bus is $40 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf costing on average $71 (€58).
A bus is $536 (€438) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf costing on average $567 (€463).
Other travel options to Essen Hbf take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 49m.
Bus takes on average 4h 37m.
Tickets start at around $71 (€58) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.30 (€-15.77). The journey takes 2h 49m versus 2h 30m 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
Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 10127 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h34 | 11:49 AM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 63607 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h43 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 63627 | 9:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h43 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 10131 | 9:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h34 | 12:49 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 2035 · ICE 123 · 31258 · 10132 | 10:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h09 | 1:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079 · 10135 | 10:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h34 | 1:49 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 1139 · IC 3537 · 20081 · 10139 | 11:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h34 | 2:49 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 2043 · ICE 125 · 31262 · 10140 | 12:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h09 | 3:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1143 · IC 3541 · 20083 · 10143 | 12:15 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h34 | 3:49 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf 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.
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Sep 26
Why should you book Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf trains with Omio?
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 Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf.
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 Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
Trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 09:15. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 16m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 9:15 AM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Rotterdam Centraal and Essen Hbf from $15 (€12). 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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
FAQs: Trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
Most Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam Centraal and Essen Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Rotterdam Centraal from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Centraal train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Smullers, Albert Heijn to go, Starbucks, La Place, Julia's, Ekmekci, LEON, The Doner Company, StationsHuiskamer, De Broodzaak, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located outside the north side entrance and south side entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00. Information desks are located inside the central hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located at the north side of the station, next to the escalator to Platform 15. A small safe costs €6.00 and a large safe costs €9.00 for 24 hours.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Centraal: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, Layin’ Rotterdam Central, Hostel Ani & Haakien.
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
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 options for your journey from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
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