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Trains from Rotterdam to Essen

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    3. Rotterdam to Essen

    About the train journey from Rotterdam to Essen

    Want to travel from Rotterdam to Essen by train? Start your journey with us.

    The train from Rotterdam to Essen usually takes 4 hours 15 minutes on average to travel 184 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 38 minutes. You can expect to find 26 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Rotterdam and Essen, you'll need to make 2 changes on your way to Essen.

    To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Rotterdam to Essen in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

    Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Essen, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

    Rotterdam to Essen by train

    First train

    6:20 am

    Last train

    11:54 pm

    Departure station

    Rotterdam

    Arrival station

    Essen

    Journey time

    From 2h 38m

    Distance

    114 miles (184 km)

    Frequency

    26 trains per day

    Changes

    2 changes

    Train and bus operators

    Flixbus

    What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Rotterdam to Essen?

    Want to know more about your journey from Rotterdam to Essen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

    How do I travel from Rotterdam to Essen?

    You can get from Rotterdam to Essen in 4 hours and 15 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 2 hours and 38 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

    How long does the train from Rotterdam to Essen take?

    The average journey time by train between Rotterdam and Essen is 4 hours and 15 minutes, with around 26 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

    What's the fastest journey time between Rotterdam and Essen by train?

    The fastest journey time by train from Rotterdam to Essen is 2 hours and 38 minutes.

    Can you take a train directly from Rotterdam to Essen?

    No, there are no direct train services from Rotterdam to Essen. Travelling from Rotterdam to Essen by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

    What are the train times from Rotterdam to Essen?

    Check out the next trains departing from Rotterdam to Essen for Tuesday Sep 23rd 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    11:20 am1:58 pm2h 38m, 2 changes
    12:14 pm3:13 pm2h 59m, 3 changes
    1:20 pm4:02 pm2h 42m, 2 changes
    2:14 pm5:14 pm3h 0m, 3 changes
    3:20 pm5:58 pm2h 38m, 2 changes
    4:14 pm7:13 pm2h 59m, 3 changes
    5:20 pm7:58 pm2h 38m, 2 changes
    6:14 pm9:16 pm3h 2m, 3 changes
    7:14 pm10:16 pm3h 2m, 3 changes
    7:50 pm11:35 pm3h 45m, 4 changes

    How do I find cheap train tickets from Rotterdam to Essen?

    If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

    1. Book in advance

    The price of train tickets from Rotterdam to Essen starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

    2. Be flexible with your travel times

    If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

    3. Buy a rail pass

    If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

    4. Choose a slower or connecting train

    On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

    5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

    Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

    For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

    §Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

    * Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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