Rotterdam to Essen train with Intercity

Mon, Jun 22
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Intercity
Eurocity Direct
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Intercity
Eurocity Direct
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Rotterdam to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $23, and a bus costs an average of $23.

Distance: 31 miles (51 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$24

Average price

Cheapest

$26

Average price

1h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 10m

Average total duration

4h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Rotterdam to Essen is a train with an average price of $24 (€20).

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

A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average $26 (€21).

The fastest way to travel from Rotterdam to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 3m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Essen including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Rotterdam to Essen among Omio's users.

Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Essen by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

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Jun 22
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Rotterdam to Essen

NetherlandsNetherlands
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 31 miles (51 km) distance in 1h 9m.

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
Distance
31 miles (51 km)
Average train duration
1h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€19)
Trains per day
10
Fastest train
1h 9m
First train
12:08 AM
Last train
11:44 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
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

Train companies: Intercity, Eurocity Direct from Rotterdam to Essen trainsIntercity, Eurocity Direct trains will get you between Rotterdam and Essen from $23 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Intercity

About
Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term "InterCity" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, "Intercity" or "IC" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph).
Luggage & cancellation policy
Intercity frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Eurocity Direct

Luggage & cancellation policy
Eurocity Direct frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Trains from Rotterdam to Essen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Rotterdam to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $23 (€19), while the average price is around $24 (€20).
The train from Rotterdam to Essen takes 1h 9m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from Rotterdam to Essen leaves at 12:08 AM.
The distance by train from Rotterdam to Essen is 31 miles (51 km).
The last train from Rotterdam to Essen leaves at 11:44 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Rotterdam to Essen.
There is no direct train service currently available from Rotterdam to Essen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Rotterdam to Essen.
The train station in Rotterdam that goes to Essen is Rotterdam Centraal, which connects to Essen station.
The cheapest way to get from Rotterdam to Essen is by train, with a cost of around $23 (€19).
The train journey from Rotterdam to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of Dutch and German countryside, picturesque towns, and industrial landscapes, providing a pleasant and diverse visual experience.
Yes, a day trip from Rotterdam to Essen is feasible. The journey takes 1h 9m with a frequency of 6 times per day for trains, covering a distance of 31 miles (51 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Essen is sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and the Grugapark botanical garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Rotterdam to Essen.
Since both Rotterdam and Essen 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 Essen include Antwerp, Brussels, Roosendaal, Zaventem, Ghent.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Rotterdam to Essen 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.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular shopping streets. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can also occur. Staying alert in busy places and using licensed transportation helps ensure safety.
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 Rotterdam to Essen

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

Departure train stations in Rotterdam
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Rotterdam station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Rotterdam to Essen leave from Rotterdam Centraal. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Rotterdam city centre at Stationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Rotterdam CentraalStationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands+31 302357822WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Centraal from Rotterdam city centre

BusStopbus ipv trein · 9m
4 · 10m · $2

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.

Rotterdam NoordBergweg 273, 3037 EM Rotterdam, NetherlandsParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Rotterdam Noord from Rotterdam city centre

Rotterdam Noord is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSprinter · 5m · $1 · every ~4 min
BusStopbus ipv trein · 11m
Tram4, 6 · 12m · $2 · every ~14 min

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.

More options for your journey from Rotterdam to Essen

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