The average train between Rotterdam and Essen takes 1h 20m and the fastest train takes 1h 4m. There is a train service every few hours from Rotterdam to Essen. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Trains run hourly between Rotterdam and Essen. The earliest departure is at 12:54 AM at night, and the last departure from Rotterdam is at 10:24 PM which arrives into Essen at 11:30 PM. All services require a transfer, and take on average 1h 20m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.

5h 36m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

5h 36m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

5h 36m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change

1h 6m • 1 change
Want to know about travelling from Rotterdam to Essen? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct train from Rotterdam to Essen. However, there are services departing from Rotterdam station and arriving at Essen station via Roosendaal. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1h 20m.
Rotterdam to Essen train services, operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), depart from Rotterdam Blaak station.
Rotterdam to Essen train services, operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), arrive at Roosendaal station.
Book your Rotterdam to Essen train tickets online with Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB).
The distance between Rotterdam and Essen is 50.6 km. The road distance is 64 km.
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) operates a train from Rotterdam Blaak to Roosendaal every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €6–13 and the journey takes 36 min.