- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Oct 16
$53
Average ticket price on Oct 16
$69
Fastest journey on Oct 16
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 16
3 h 36 m
Trains on Oct 16
14
Distance
182 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Essen will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam to Essen without transferring at least 4 times.
IC 2817 · ICE 121 · S6
RE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121 · S6
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 52873
IC 2819 · IC 3121+
20013+
Bus RE19
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 52873
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871
IC 2027 · ICE 225+
20017+
Bus RE19Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $14 (€12) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (182 km) distance in 2h 16m.
Distance 113 miles (182 km) |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday, October 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1414 · IC 3015 · Bus RE19 · 22029 | 3:02 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 5h48 | 8:50 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 1414 · IC 3015 · 30296+ 20011 | 3:02 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 6h08 | 9:10 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2817 · ICE 121 · S6 | 5:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 4h02 | 9:52 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 4014 · IC 519 · ICE 121 · S6 | 5:54 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h58 | 9:52 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2819 · IC 3121 · 30298+ 20013 | 6:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h50 | 10:10 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2819 · IC 3121 · Bus RE19 · 22031 | 6:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h30 | 9:50 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 2027 · ICE 225 · S6 | 8:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h47 | 11:52 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2027 · ICE 225 · Bus RE19 · 22035 | 8:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h45 | 11:50 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · S9 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h55 | 12:10 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h35 | 11:50 AM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · 52871 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h37 | 11:52 AM Essen | 4 transfers | |
IC 2031 · IC 3031 · Bus RE19 · 22037 | 9:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h45 | 12:50 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · S9 | 9:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h55 | 1:10 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 · 52873 | 9:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h35 | 12:50 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
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.

Most Rotterdam to Essen trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. 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.
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 options include: Smullers, Albert Heijn to go, Starbucks, La Place, Julia's, Ekmekci, LEON, The Doner Company, StationsHuiskamer, De Broodzaak, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located outside the north side entrance and south side entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 00:00 - 24:00. Information desks are located inside the central hall.
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.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Centraal: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access, personalized mobility assistance.
Nearby hotels include Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, Layin’ Rotterdam Central, Hostel Ani & Haakien.
Rotterdam Noord is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Noord has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Rotterdam Noord.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Noord.
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Noord: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Noord: Ramps.
Rotterdam Alexander is 6 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Rotterdam Alexander has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Alexander, Brasserie Waalhaven
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Alexander. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Alexander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Alexander: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander, NH Capelle, Campanile Rotterdam Oost.
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
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