- Must visit
Museum Schloss Horst
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$70
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$70
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 9 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 9 m
Trains on Sep 18
1
Distance
188 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 1 trains from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 188 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 9 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 9 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, while a flight costs an average of $546.
Distance: 116 miles (188 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$81 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $546 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $81.
A bus is $512 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $546.
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 47m.
Bus takes on average 5h 25m.
Tickets start at around $81 compared to roughly $52 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-28.89. The journey takes 2h 47m versus 2h 36m 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 Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:15 AM Rotterdam | 3h09 | 1:24 PM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Gelsenkirchen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 but you can travel from only $20 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:31, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (188 km) distance in 2h 9m.
Distance 116 miles (188 km) |
Average train duration 2h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 9m |
First train 3:31 AM |
Last train 9:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Leading modern art museum in the Ruhr, noted for kinetic and contemporary works and ambitious temporary exhibitions.
Museum documenting pharmacy history inside Schloss Horst, with historic equipment and displays on medicine and daily life.
Large leisure park on a former colliery, combining industrial heritage, greenery, playgrounds, and canal-side walking routes.
Extensive zoo and landscaped grounds famous for Alaska-themed habitats and family-friendly outdoor exploration.
Elegant lakeside park around Schloss Berge, popular for strolling, boating views, and relaxed green space in Buer.
A hearty Ruhr-area potato stew with vegetables and sausage or bacon. It is a classic workers’ dish long associated with everyday home cooking in the region.
Pan-fried blood sausage with mashed potatoes and apples. Common across North Rhine-Westphalia, it is a traditional pub and home-style comfort meal.
Cured minced pork spread served on rye bread with onions. Popular in the Ruhr and nearby Westphalia as a simple, traditional snack or supper item.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in Gelsenkirchen known for modern German cuisine, careful presentation, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Traditional brewery-style venue serving hearty German and Ruhr-area dishes in a relaxed, rustic setting popular for local beer and classic comfort food.
Well-known casual venue for German grills, schnitzel, and regional comfort food with a lively, approachable atmosphere suited to groups and families.
Moderate for Germany: hotels are often cheaper than in major cities, while dining and local transit are fairly typical for the region.
Service is usually included. Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gelsenkirchen Hbf -> Heinrich-König-Platz, Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Rotterdam to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotterdam and Gelsenkirchen 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.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
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