- 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 23 Oct
£51
Average ticket price on 23 Oct
£106
Fastest journey on 23 Oct
4 h 59 m
Average journey duration on 23 Oct
5 h 20 m
Trains on 23 Oct
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 £106 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.
On Fri 23 Oct, we found 7 trains from Berlin to Essen, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 5 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 46 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+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 640
ICE 942
73766 · ICE 640
ICE 942
73766 · ICE 640
ICE 640
ICE 604 · ICE 611 · 10140
ICE 650+
31323Trains from Berlin to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 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 40m.
Distance 454 km |
Average train duration 4h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 40m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Berlin to Essen.
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Essen trains for today, Thursday 22 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 552 · 89740 | Delayed 15:46 17:41Berlin Hbf | 5h57 | 23:38 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 842 | On time 18:38 Berlin Hbf | 5h03 | 23:41 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 23 October | |||||
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 7:24 Berlin Hbf | 9h06 | 16:30 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 7:32 Berlin Südkreuz station | 8h58 | 16:30 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
ICE 942 | On time 8:38 Berlin Hbf | 4h59 | 13:37 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 640 | On time 9:32 Berlin Hbf | 5h09 | 14:41 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
73766 · ICE 640 | On time 9:34 Berlin-Charlottenburg | 5h07 | 14:41 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 604 · ICE 611 · 10140 | On time 9:37 Berlin Hbf | 5h37 | 15:14 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 650+ 31323 | On time 9:41 Berlin Hbf | 5h46 | 15:27 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Essen.
The most popular day trips by train from Essen are Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Münster and Bonn. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Essen on Omio.

Düsseldorf is known for fashion, contemporary art and its lively Altstadt on the Rhine. Sleek shopping streets, traditional breweries and bold modern architecture give it a polished yet sociable character.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 21m.

Cologne is known for its towering cathedral, Roman heritage and relaxed Rhineland spirit. Museums, riverfront views and a strong brewing culture give the city an open, sociable feel.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 43m.

Dortmund is a Ruhr city known for football, brewing heritage and its industrial roots. Former worksites, parks and modern cultural venues give it a practical, lively character.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 20m.

Münster is a historic university city known for its cycling culture, rebuilt old town and links to the Peace of Westphalia. Gothic churches, Prinzipalmarkt and a strong student presence give it a lively but relaxed feel.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 70 km distance in 46m.

Bonn is best known as Beethoven’s birthplace and the former capital of West Germany. Set on the Rhine, it feels calm and cultured, with museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a strong university presence.
The earliest train runs at 00:33, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 80 km distance in 1h 8m.
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.

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.
Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: backWERK, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Kaffee, Le Crobag, McDonald's, Hans im Glück, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.
Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Unvernunft, Taverna Teloneio, Burger King, Hasir
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Spandau. ATMs are available at Berlin Spandau.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Spandau. Information desks are available at Berlin Spandau.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Spandau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Spandau.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Benn, Hotel Herbst, Hotel Lindenufer, Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau.
Berlin Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Biertempel 2, McDonald's, Eis Bär, Cafe Mon Cherie
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Südkreuz. ATMs are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Information desks are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Nearby hotels include Appartements Eisemann.
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.
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.
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Check train stations information for Berlin and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need