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Trains from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf

Taking the train from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf in 4 hours 14 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 5 hours 29 minutes to travel the 116 miles (187 km) from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 14 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 64 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Train tickets from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Gelsenkirchen Hbf? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Rotterdam Centraal

First train

05:44

Last train

23:44

Departure stationRotterdam Centraal
Arrival stationGelsenkirchen Hbf
Journey time

From 4h 14m

Distance

116 miles (187 km)

Frequency

64 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

Want to know more about your journey from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf? 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 Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

You can get from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train in 5 hours and 29 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 4 hours and 14 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf take?

The average journey time by train between Rotterdam Centraal and Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 5 hours and 29 minutes, with around 64 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 Centraal and Gelsenkirchen Hbf by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 4 hours and 14 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

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

What are the train times from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

Check out the next trains departing from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
12:3517:194h 44m, 2 changes
12:4416:584h 14m, 4 changes
12:4417:194h 35m, 3 changes
12:5018:035h 13m, 3 changes
13:4118:455h 4m, 3 changes
13:4418:234h 39m, 4 changes
13:5018:474h 57m, 3 changes
14:3518:584h 23m, 3 changes
14:3519:234h 48m, 2 changes
14:4418:584h 14m, 4 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Rotterdam Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf?

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 Centraal to Gelsenkirchen Hbf 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 travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train 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 Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within 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 discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

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.

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