- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major 19th- to 21st-century collections and high-quality temporary exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
2 h 57 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Trains per day
5
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 $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 1129 · IC 28429 · IC 2729 · 20077
IC 2027 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022
IC 3231 · S3+
20019
IC 2827 · IC 3227 · S3+
20017
IC 2831 · IC 3231 · S3+
20019
IC 2027 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022
IC 2827 · IC 3227 · S3+
20017
IC 2831 · IC 3231 · S3+
20019
IC 1129 · IC 28429 · IC 2729 · 20077
IC 3231 · S3+
20019Omio 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 $401.
Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $688 Average price | $51 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 $47 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average $70 (€57).
A bus is $665 (€537) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Essen costing on average $688 (€555).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 53m.
Flight takes on average 6h 44m.
Tickets start at around $70 (€57) compared to roughly $51 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.83 (€-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, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2819 · IC 2921 · 20073 · 10123 | 6:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h54 | 10:14 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 1121 · IC 28421 · IC 2921 · 20073 | 6:45 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h29 | 10:14 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 2821 · IC 3123+ 21231 · 20015 | 6:50 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h45 | 10:35 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 2027 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022 | On time 8:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 2h57 | 11:02 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2827 · IC 3227+ 20017+ S3 | 8:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h15 | 11:35 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 3231+ 20019+ S3 | 8:33 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 4h02 | 12:35 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 1129 · IC 28429 · IC 2729 · 20077 | 8:45 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h29 | 12:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 2831 · IC 3231+ 20019+ S3 | 9:20 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 3h15 | 12:35 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 $39 (€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 $39 (€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.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major 19th- to 21st-century collections and high-quality temporary exhibitions.
The main regional museum of the Ruhr, inside the Zollverein Coal Mine complex, covering industrial, cultural, and natural history.
A design museum in the former boiler house of Zollverein, displaying award-winning product and industrial design in a dramatic setting.
Large lake and recreation area popular for walking, cycling, sailing views, and relaxed Ruhr scenery.
The main pedestrian shopping street in central Essen, lively and practical for first-time visitors exploring downtown on foot.
A major urban park with gardens, open lawns, themed areas, and seasonal appeal, popular with locals and families.
Sliced Bratwurst with a spiced ketchup-style curry sauce, a Ruhrgebiet classic popular as quick comfort food.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with black pepper, long associated with nearby Westphalia and hearty regional cooking.
A Rhineland and Ruhr favorite combining mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with fried onions and sausage.
Well-known fine dining restaurant in Essen, recognized for modern seasonal cuisine and an elegant, upscale atmosphere.
Longstanding upscale restaurant with a strong reputation for classic European cuisine, polished service, and a formal setting.
Established traditional-style venue in Essen-Horst, appreciated for regional German dishes and a warm, classic atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service; round up in taxis; small tips are optional in cafés and bars.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, 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.

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