Next available departures

Next departures from Rotterdam to Essen on 2 August
Operated by	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Flixbus + Flixtrain	08:50	Rotterdam CS	4h 13m	13:03	HBF	Cheapest
Nederlandse Spoorwegen + DB Fernverkehr + National Express	20:50	Rotterdam Centraal	2h 37m	23:27	Essen Central Train Station	Fastest
Flixbus + Flixtrain	05:20	Rotterdam CS	3h 42m	09:02	HBF	No tags
Nederlandse Spoorwegen + VIAS Rail + DB Regio NRW	06:02	Rotterdam Centraal	4h 33m	10:35	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Nederlandse Spoorwegen + DB Fernverkehr	07:50	Rotterdam Centraal	3h 12m	11:02	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Nederlandse Spoorwegen + DB Fernverkehr + National Express	20:50	Rotterdam Centraal	2h 37m	23:27	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Nederlandse Spoorwegen + VIAS Rail + DB Regio NRW	06:02	Rotterdam Centraal	4h 33m	10:35	Essen Central Train Station	No tags
Nederlandse Spoorwegen + DB Fernverkehr	07:50	Rotterdam Centraal	3h 12m	11:02	Essen Central Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:11 PM CEST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Rotterdam to Essen

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Essen. The journey takes about 3 hours 55 minutes and with fares starting at just R 361, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4bus per day

3h 55mAverage duration

183 kmDistance

5kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 361 - R 1 322	Average duration3h 55m	CO₂ emissions 5kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 553 - R 2 764	Average duration3h 29m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Rotterdam and Essen?

Rotterdam

A
Rotterdam Bushaltestelle
Conradstraat 52, 3013 AR Stadscentrum

Essen

A
HBF
Am Hauptbahnhof 27, 45127 Essen, Germany
Visit page
B
Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit
Freiheit 5A, 45127 Essen, Germany
Visit page

Train Companies

NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen

3.6/556 reviews

Staff4.8

Timeliness4.4

Cleanliness4.2

WiFi3.3

Based on 56 reviews, the company was rated 3.6 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained about the power outlets. NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen ticket prices on this trip start at R 1 270

DE train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, RegioJet, Deutsche Bahn ICE, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Deutsche Bahn Regio, ÖBB

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Rotterdam to Essen by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Rotterdam to Essen?
The cheapest train tickets from Rotterdam to Essen start from R 553. The average price for this train route is around R 1 193. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Rotterdam to Essen?
The average train journey time from Rotterdam to Essen is 3h 29m, covering a distance of 184 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2h 44m and is operated by NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen.
Which train operators serve the Rotterdam to Essen route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 23 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Rotterdam to Essen?
The earliest train from Rotterdam to Essen departs at 06:02. And the latest train departs at 20:54.