- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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7:466h12Basel13:58Essen£681One-way0 changes- 4:464h36Basel9:22Essen£831One-way0 changes
- 9:165h42Basel14:58Essen£921One-way0 changes
- 6:166h34Basel12:50Essen£1021One-way0 changes
11:3020h43Basel8:13Essen£1081One-way0 changes
- 4:464h36Basel9:22Essen£831One-way0 changes
- 9:165h42Basel14:58Essen£921One-way0 changes
- 7:466h12Basel13:58Essen£681One-way0 changes
- 6:166h34Basel12:50Essen£1021One-way0 changes
10:349h41Basel20:15Essen£3361One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Basel to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, and a flight costs an average of £74.
Distance: 435 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£109 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest | £228 Average Price |
5h 46m Average total duration Fastest 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 27m Average total duration 9h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 4 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:46 Basel | 4h36 | 9:22 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 6:16 Basel | 6h34 | 12:50 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:46 Basel | 6h12 | 13:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Essen by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
Tue
04 Aug
04 Aug
Wed
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Thu
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Fri
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Why should you book Basel to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Basel to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Essen.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Essen
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Basel to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 435 km distance in 4h 36m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29
Distance 435 km |
Average train duration 5h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 36m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:41 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Basel to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Basel and Essen from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 36m
Cheapest Price
£36
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 33m
Cheapest Price
£72
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are often slightly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change or rounding up is customary.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= €3.60
- Day pass
- >= €7.00
To the city centre
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP to plan journeys and buy mobile tickets.
- Essen Hbf is already in the city centre, so many central destinations are reachable on foot.
FAQs: Basel to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £109.
The train journey from Basel to Essen covers a distance of 435 km and takes approximately 4h 36m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Basel to Essen is 435 km.
The first train from Basel to Essen leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Basel to Essen departs at 23:41.
Trains from Basel to Essen run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Basel and Essen. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Basel to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Basel to Essen.
The train station in Basel that goes to Essen is Basel SBB, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £29.
Booking trains from Basel to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Basel to Essen offers scenic views, especially as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley, renowned for its vineyards and charming castles.
A day trip from Basel to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 36m. However, there are 17 trains available per day for this route. The distance covered is 435 km.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Essen
Most Basel to Essen trains use the Basel SBB to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Duisburg Hbf. Use this guide to compare Basel and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Basel
Arrival train stations in Essen
Which Basel station do trains to Essen leave from?
Trains from Basel to Essen leave from Basel SBB. The station is 2 km from Basel city centre at Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel SBBCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland+41 51 221 22 22
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 4m · £2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 5m · £2
1, 3, 2 · 7m · £2 · every ~25 min
Basel SBB train station facilities and services
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus30 · 11m · £3 · every ~18 min
Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · £3 · every ~20 min
Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Basel MarkthalleCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel Markthalle from Basel city centre
Basel Markthalle is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 8m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 6m · £2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 3m · £2
1, 3, 2 · 6m · £2 · every ~25 min
Basel Markthalle train station facilities and services
Basel Markthalle has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Markthalle.
Which Essen station do trains from Basel arrive at?
Trains from Basel to Essen most often arrive at Essen Hbf. Some services arrive at Bochum Hbf, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
Essen 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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
KettwigKettwig, Ruhrtalstr. 345, 45219 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Kettwig from Essen city centre
Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS6 · 15m · £3 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 22m · £4
142, Ne13 · 39m · every ~7 min
Kettwig train station facilities and services
Kettwig has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Basel
Most popular train connections to Essen
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