The cheapest and fastest trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$92
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 h 50 m
Trains per day
5
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 $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf without transferring at least once.
IC 555 · ICE 2413:05 PM2h47Rotterdam Centraal5:52 PMEssen Hbf$611One-way1 transfer
IC 547 · ICE 1491:05 PM2h47Rotterdam Centraal3:52 PMEssen Hbf$681One-way1 transfer
IC 551 · ICE 127 · ICE 5182:05 PM2h53Rotterdam Centraal4:58 PMEssen Hbf$1101One-way2 transfers
IC 559 · ICE 129 · ICE 2164:05 PM2h48Rotterdam Centraal6:53 PMEssen Hbf$1101One-way2 transfers
IC 543 · ICE 125 · ICE 61012:05 PM2h53Rotterdam Centraal2:58 PMEssen Hbf$1101One-way2 transfers
IC 555 · ICE 2413:05 PM2h47Rotterdam Centraal5:52 PMEssen Hbf$611One-way1 transfer
IC 547 · ICE 1491:05 PM2h47Rotterdam Centraal3:52 PMEssen Hbf$681One-way1 transfer
IC 559 · ICE 129 · ICE 2164:05 PM2h48Rotterdam Centraal6:53 PMEssen Hbf$1101One-way2 transfers
IC 551 · ICE 127 · ICE 5182:05 PM2h53Rotterdam Centraal4:58 PMEssen Hbf$1101One-way2 transfers
IC 543 · ICE 125 · ICE 61012:05 PM2h53Rotterdam Centraal2:58 PMEssen Hbf$1101One-way2 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 prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $514.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price | $14 Average price Cheapest | $638 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 2m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf:
A bus is $52 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf costing on average $66 (€54).
A bus is $624 (€511) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf costing on average $638 (€522).
Other travel options to Essen Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 50m.
Flight takes on average 7h 2m.
Tickets start at around $66 (€54) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.28 (€-12.51). The journey takes 2h 46m 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 tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 543 · ICE 125 · ICE 610 | On time 12:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h53 | 2:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 547 · ICE 149 | On time 1:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h47 | 3:52 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 551 · ICE 127 · ICE 518 | On time 2:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h53 | 4:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 555 · ICE 241 | On time 3:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h47 | 5:52 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 559 · ICE 129 · ICE 216 | On time 4:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h48 | 6:53 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers |
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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH 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 Deutsche Bahn 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 Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of VIAS Rail GmbH 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 7 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 17:20. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 38m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 38m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 5:20 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 $11 (€9). 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, with some services arriving at Essen-Altenessen. 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 Rotterdam Noord from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Noord is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Noord train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Rotterdam Noord.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Noord.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Noord: Ramps.
Getting to Rotterdam Zuid from Rotterdam city centre
Rotterdam Zuid is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Zuid train station facilities and services
Rotterdam Zuid has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant De Hef, Restaurant Fenix Food Factory
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Zuid. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Zuid. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotterdam Zuid: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotterdam Zuid: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Zuid.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid, Art Hotel Rotterdam, Hotel New York.
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.
Getting to Essen-Altenessen from Essen city centre
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services
Essen-Altenessen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Food and drink
Food options include: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
More options for your journey from Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf
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