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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Essen
Showing times and prices for 20 Jun
Cheapest price
£36
Average price
£171
Fastest journey
4 h 36 m
Average duration
4 h 41 m
Trains per day
44
Distance
435 km
Cheap tickets
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 £171 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
Fast trains
Of the 44 trains that leave Basel for Essen every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 435 km distance in an average of 4 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 42 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 276 · ICE 24 · ICE 51216:166h42Basel SBB22:58Essen Hbf£361One-way2 changes- IC 60402 · 2685323:167h34Basel SBB6:50Essen Hbf£441One-way1 change
- ICE 106 · IC 1941 · ICE 10413:166h42Basel SBB19:58Essen Hbf£511One-way2 changes
- ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 · 1743214:466h36Basel SBB21:22Essen Hbf£531One-way4 changes
- ICE 10019:164h53Basel SBB0:09Essen Hbf£551One-way0 changes
- ECE 8 · ICE 10126:464h36Basel SBB11:22Essen Hbf£1111One-way1 change
- ICE 374 · ICE 6128:164h42Basel SBB12:58Essen Hbf£1061One-way1 change
- ICE 2009:164h42Basel SBB13:58Essen Hbf£1651One-way0 changes
- ICE 372 · ICE 61010:164h42Basel SBB14:58Essen Hbf£801One-way1 change
- ICE 10811:164h42Basel SBB15:58Essen Hbf£731One-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 £75.
Distance: 435 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£111 Average Price | £45 Average Price Cheapest | £231 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 today, Friday 19 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 74 · ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · ICE 641 | On time 8:46 Basel SBB | 6h32 | 15:18 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 74 · ICE 1010 | On time 8:46 Basel SBB | 4h36 | 13:22 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 200 · ICE 1645 · ICE 108 | On time 9:16 Basel SBB | 6h42 | 15:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
 96218+ 2356+ 9471 | On time 9:21 Basel SBB | 12h54 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 96218+2356+9459 | On time 9:21 Basel SBB | 10h54 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 372 · ICE 610 | On time 10:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 14:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
 9210+9471 | 10:34 Basel SBB | 11h41 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 9210+9459 | 10:34 Basel SBB | 9h41 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 96112 · 96264+12124+9459 | On time 10:38 Basel SBB | 9h37 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 6 · ICE 918 | On time 10:46 Basel SBB | 4h36 | 15:22 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 · ICE 518 | On time 10:46 Basel SBB | 6h12 | 16:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 108 | On time 11:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 15:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 108 · IC 2012 · ICE 106 | On time 11:16 Basel SBB | 6h42 | 17:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
96222+ 9590+9471 | 11:21 Basel SBB | 10h54 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 96222+9590+9459 | 11:21 Basel SBB | 8h54 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 370 · ICE 518 | On time 12:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 16:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 9218+9471 | 12:34 Basel SBB | 9h41 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 96116 · 96256+2430+9471 | 12:38 Basel SBB | 9h37 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 72 · ICE 916 · ICE 28 · ICE 645 | On time 12:46 Basel SBB | 6h32 | 19:18 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 72 · ICE 916 | On time 12:46 Basel SBB | 4h36 | 17:22 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 106 · IC 1941 · ICE 104 | On time 13:16 Basel SBB | 6h42 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 106 | On time 13:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 17:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 278 · ICE 516 | On time 14:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 18:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ECE 4 · ICE 224 · 26831 | On time 14:46 Basel SBB | 5h04 | 19:50 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ECE 4 · ICE 224 · ICE 26 · 17432 | On time 14:46 Basel SBB | 6h36 | 21:22 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
| ICE 104 | On time 15:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 276 · ICE 514 | On time 16:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 20:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 70 · ICE 912 · ICE 24 · ICE 512 | On time 16:46 Basel SBB | 6h12 | 22:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 70 · ICE 912 | On time 16:46 Basel SBB | 4h36 | 21:22 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 102 · ICE 528 | On time 17:16 Basel SBB | 4h46 | 22:02 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 274 · ICE 512 | On time 18:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 22:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| ICE 2 · ICE 910 · ICE 22 | On time 18:46 Basel SBB | 6h15 | 1:01 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 2 · ICE 910 · ICE 1541 | On time 18:46 Basel SBB | 4h58 | 23:44 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 100 | On time 19:16 Basel SBB | 4h53 | 0:09 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 272 · ICE 510 · ICE 22 | On time 20:16 Basel SBB | 4h45 | 1:01 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 204 | On time 5:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 9:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 204 · ICE 1049 · ICE 202 | On time 5:16 Basel SBB | 6h42 | 11:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 376 · ICE 614 | On time 6:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 10:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 96206+9532+9459 | 6:21 Basel SBB | 13h54 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 96206+9532+9471 | 6:21 Basel SBB | 15h54 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ECE 8 · ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 6:46 Basel SBB | 6h09 | 12:55 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ECE 8 · ICE 1012 | On time 6:46 Basel SBB | 4h36 | 11:22 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 96104+6702+9471 | 7:08 Basel SBB | 15h07 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 96104+6702+9459 | 7:08 Basel SBB | 13h07 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 96210+9566+9459 | 7:21 Basel SBB | 12h54 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| 96210+9566+9471 | 7:21 Basel SBB | 14h54 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 374 · ICE 612 | On time 8:16 Basel SBB | 4h42 | 12:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 9206+9471 | 8:34 Basel SBB | 13h41 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 9206+9459 | 8:34 Basel SBB | 11h41 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
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.
Sat
20 Jun
20 Jun
Sun
21 Jun
21 Jun
Mon
22 Jun
22 Jun
Tue
23 Jun
23 Jun
Wed
24 Jun
24 Jun
Thu
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25 Jun
Fri
26 Jun
26 Jun
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
£73
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day
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 £111.
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
Basel
Essen
The major train station for departures in Basel is Basel SBB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel SBB for your trip from Basel to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
10Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse
Dining
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 800 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
Public transport options for Basel SBB
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 kmNumber of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee
Dining
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 330 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
Public transport options for Basel Bad Bhf
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
Basel Markthalle
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityThe major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Basel.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
7 kmDining
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
Hotel
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
Kettwig
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmDining
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
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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