The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Essen
Cheapest price
£30
Average price
£58
Fastest journey
3 h 48 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berlin to Essen will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
Of the 23 trains that leave Berlin for Essen every day 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 48 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.
FlixTrain8:394h09Berlin Hbf12:48Essen Hbf£301One-way0 changes
FlixTrain8:503h58Berlin Spandau12:48Essen Hbf£301One-way0 changes
FlixTrain16:503h58Berlin Spandau20:48Essen Hbf£301One-way0 changes
FlixTrain16:394h09Berlin Hbf20:48Essen Hbf£301One-way0 changes
FlixTrain12:224h26Berlin Südkreuz station16:48Essen Hbf£301One-way0 changes
ICE 9429:473h48Berlin Hbf13:35Essen Hbf£801One-way0 changes
ICE 84615:473h48Berlin Hbf19:35Essen Hbf£481One-way0 changes
ICE 84813:473h48Berlin Hbf17:35Essen Hbf£741One-way0 changes
ICE 84219:473h48Berlin Hbf23:35Essen Hbf£481One-way0 changes
ICE 84417:473h48Berlin Hbf21:35Essen Hbf£741One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Berlin to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 £22, and a flight costs an average of £62.
Distance: 454 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £36 Average Price Cheapest | £197 Average Price |
5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Berlin to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Essen trains for today, Friday 24 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 642 | Delayed 8:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h51 | 10:40 10:40Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:50 Berlin Spandau | 3h58 | 12:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 942 | On time 9:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h48 | 13:35 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 640 | On time 10:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h51 | 14:38 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 940 | On time 11:47 Berlin Hbf | 4h01 | 15:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 144 | On time 12:16 Berlin Hbf | 3h53 | 16:09 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:22 Berlin Südkreuz station | 4h26 | 16:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:40 Berlin Hbf | 4h08 | 16:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 548 | On time 12:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h51 | 16:38 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:49 Berlin Spandau | 3h59 | 16:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 848 | On time 13:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h48 | 17:35 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 142 | On time 14:16 Berlin Hbf | 3h53 | 18:09 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 546 | On time 14:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h51 | 18:38 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 846 | On time 15:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h48 | 19:35 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 140 | On time 16:16 Berlin Hbf | 3h56 | 20:12 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:28 Berlin Südkreuz station | 4h20 | 20:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:39 Berlin Hbf | 4h09 | 20:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 16:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h50 | 20:37 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 16:50 Berlin Spandau | 3h58 | 20:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 844 | On time 17:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h48 | 21:35 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 542 | On time 18:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h51 | 22:38 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 842 | On time 19:47 Berlin Hbf | 3h48 | 23:35 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1540 | On time 23:51 Berlin Hbf | 5h23 | 5:14 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 25 July | |||||
FlixTrain | 8:28 Berlin Südkreuz station | 4h20 | 12:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:39 Berlin Hbf | 4h09 | 12:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Berlin 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.
25 Jul
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31 Jul
01 Aug
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Why should you book Berlin to Essen trains with Omio?
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 FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Berlin 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 Berlin 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 Berlin to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Berlin to Essen?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Berlin to Essen

Journey information
Overview: Train from Berlin to Essen
Trains from Berlin to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 3h 58m.
Distance 454 km |
Average train duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 58m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Berlin to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Berlin and Essen from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
WestfalenBahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Berlin to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Berlin and Essen
Most Berlin to Essen trains use the Berlin Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Berlin and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Berlin station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Berlin Hbf from Berlin city centre
Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Hbf train station facilities and services
Berlin Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: backWERK, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Kaffee, Le Crobag, McDonald's, Hans im Glück, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.
Getting to Berlin Spandau from Berlin city centre
Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Spandau train station facilities and services
Berlin Spandau 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: Unvernunft, Taverna Teloneio, Burger King, Hasir
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Spandau. ATMs are available at Berlin Spandau.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Spandau. Information desks are available at Berlin Spandau.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Spandau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin Spandau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin Spandau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Spandau.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Benn, Hotel Herbst, Hotel Lindenufer, Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau.
Getting to Berlin Südkreuz from Berlin city centre
Berlin Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Südkreuz train station facilities and services
Berlin Südkreuz 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: Biertempel 2, McDonald's, Eis Bär, Cafe Mon Cherie
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Südkreuz. ATMs are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Information desks are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Appartements Eisemann.
Which Essen station do trains from Berlin arrive at?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
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.
Getting to Essen-Altenessen from Essen city centre
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services
Essen-Altenessen 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: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
More options for your journey from Berlin to Essen
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