- 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
$56
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
3 h 21 m
Average duration
3 h 30 m
Trains per day
24
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 $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 2865 · ICE 221 · ICE 620
ICD 1867 · IC 3567 · ICE 221 · ICE 620
ICD 1859 · IC 3559 · ICE 129 · ICE 624
IC 2857 · ICE 129 · ICE 624
ICD 1834 · IC 3638 · 32249 · 20085
ICD 1867 · IC 3567 · ICE 221 · ICE 620
ICD 1859 · IC 3559 · ICE 129 · ICE 624
IC 2865 · ICE 221 · ICE 620
IC 2857 · ICE 129 · ICE 624
ICD 1836 · IC 3640 · S3+
20027Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $395.
Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $677 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration 6h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Rotterdam to Essen:
A bus is $46 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average $69 (€57).
A bus is $654 (€537) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average $677 (€555).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 53m.
Flight takes on average 6h 44m.
Tickets start at around $69 (€57) compared to roughly $50 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.49 (€-16.00). The journey takes 2h 40m versus 2h 31m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Essen trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 1137 · IC 3535 · 32242 · 20081 | 10:45 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h29 | 2:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 2837 · IC 3139 · S3+ 21233 | 10:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h45 | 2:35 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 1145 · IC 3543 · 32250 · 20085 | 12:45 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h29 | 4:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 2047 · IC 3047 · S3+ 20027 | 1:05 PM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h30 | 4:35 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
IC 1127 · Bus 29856 · 20077 · 10131 | 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h59 | 12:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1129 · IC 3624+ 20019+ S3 | 8:45 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h50 | 12:35 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1133 · IC 3628+ 20021+ S3 | 9:45 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h50 | 1:35 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICD 1824 · IC 3628+ 20021+ S3 | 9:53 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h42 | 1:35 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Rotterdam to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) 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 38m.
Distance 113 miles (182 km) |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 38m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
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 Zuid is 2 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant De Hef, Restaurant Fenix Food Factory
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Zuid. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Zuid. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rotterdam Zuid: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Zuid: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Zuid.
Nearby hotels include Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Zuid, Art Hotel Rotterdam, Hotel New York.
Rotterdam Blaak 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 Fitzgerald, Markthal Rotterdam
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rotterdam Blaak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rotterdam Blaak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotterdam Blaak: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak, citizenM Rotterdam, Ibis Rotterdam City Centre.
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-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
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