- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£68
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 41 m
Trains on 18 Sept
5
Distance
435 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Essen will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
To travel from Basel to Essen you need to make at least 2 changes.
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · S6
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · 26819
ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020 · 10216
ICE 374 · ICE 612 · S9
ICE 374 · IC 2047 · ICE 200 · 10218
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · 26819
ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020 · 10216
ICE 374 · ICE 612 · S9
ICE 374 · IC 2047 · ICE 200 · 10218
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · S6Omio 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 an average ticket price of £40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, while a flight costs an average of £164.
Distance: 435 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£75 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £164 Average Price | £130 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration 7h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 0m Average total duration 12h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Essen:
A coach is £34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Essen costing on average £75.
A coach is £124 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Essen costing on average £164.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 43m.
Flight takes on average 12h 0m.
The journey is about 10m faster (5h 7m by train vs 5h 17m by car) and roughly £56 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£75 vs £130). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Essen trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:16 Basel | 5h58 | 16:14 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:30 Basel | 16h30 | 4:00 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
ICE 374 · IC 2047 · ICE 200 · 10218 | On time 8:16 Basel SBB | 6h05 | 14:21 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020 · 10216 | On time 8:16 Basel SBB | 5h05 | 13:21 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 374 · ICE 612 · S9 | On time 8:16 Basel SBB | 5h24 | 13:40 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · S6 | On time 8:46 Basel SBB | 6h46 | 15:32 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · 26819 | On time 8:46 Basel SBB | 5h04 | 13:50 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Basel to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 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 20m.
Distance 435 km |
Average train duration 5h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 20m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:41 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
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.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
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.

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.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Basel Markthalle is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Markthalle has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Markthalle.
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need