The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Essen
Cheapest price
£28
Average price
£67
Fastest journey
3 h 49 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
7
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 £67 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
Of the 7 trains that leave Berlin for Essen every day 7 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 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 8 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 758
ICE 640
ICE 942
ICE 640
ICE 942
ICE 642
ICE 758
FlixTrainTravel 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 10m. 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 £46.
Distance: 454 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£50 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest | £159 Average Price |
5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m 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, Tuesday 9 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 14:47 Berlin | 3h48 | 18:35 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:48 Berlin | 3h47 | 18:35 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:51 Berlin | 4h59 | 19:50 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:48 Berlin | 4h18 | 22:06 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:37 Berlin | 5h58 | 00:35 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 642 | Delayed 07:46 Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 11:36 11:36Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1050 | Delayed 08:09 Berlin Hbf | 4h14 | 12:29 12:29Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 942 | On time 08:46 Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 12:35 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 640 | Delayed 09:46 Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 13:36 13:36Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 758 | On time 10:06 Berlin Hbf | 4h06 | 14:12 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:27 Berlin Hbf | 4h21 | 15:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:40 Berlin Spandau | 4h08 | 15:48 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
10 Dec
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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 15 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 3h 47m.
Distance 454 km |
Average train duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn from Berlin to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn trains will get you between Berlin and Essen from £19. 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
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
- AVCI Bistro
- Restaurant Athos
- Yoko Sushi
- Payamlino Bistro
- Hotel Nova
- Pension Adamshof
- Pension Zum Lichtenberger
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Jäger & Lustig
- BLOCK HOUSE
- Pizza und Pasta
- Lang Van II
- Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
- Armony Hotel
- Nu hotel berlin
- Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
- Haus der 100 Biere
- Ach!NikO!Ach!
- Ristorante Salve
- Mommsen-Eck
- Hotel Orion
- Come Inn Berlin Kurfürstendamm Opera
- Ku’ Damm 101 Design-Hotel Berlin
- EnergieHotel
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
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