- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 · IC 23479:4014h40Budapest-Deli0:20Essen Hbf£1261One-way4 changes- R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 12148:4012h42Budapest-Deli21:22Essen Hbf£1261One-way4 changes
- EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 9128:3012h52Budapest Keleti21:22Essen Hbf£1261One-way3 changes
- RJX 62 · ICE 5269:3013h45Budapest Keleti23:15Essen Hbf£1261One-way1 change
- R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 5269:4013h35Budapest-Deli23:15Essen Hbf£1261One-way2 changes
- R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 12148:4012h42Budapest-Deli21:22Essen Hbf£1261One-way4 changes
- EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 9128:3012h52Budapest Keleti21:22Essen Hbf£1261One-way3 changes
- R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 5269:4013h35Budapest-Deli23:15Essen Hbf£1261One-way2 changes
- RJX 62 · ICE 5269:3013h45Budapest Keleti23:15Essen Hbf£1261One-way1 change
- R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 12148:4014h27Budapest-Deli23:07Essen Hbf£1361One-way6 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Budapest to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £48, and a flight costs an average of £49.
Distance: 972 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£95 Average Price | £164 Average Price | £66 Average Price Cheapest |
13h 24m Average total duration 12h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 15m Average total duration 18h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Budapest to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Essen trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 | On time 8:30 Budapest Keleti | 12h52 | 21:22 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 | On time 8:40 Budapest-Deli | 12h42 | 21:22 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
| R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 | 8:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h27 | 23:07 Essen Hbf | 6 changes | |
| RJX 62 · ICE 526 | On time 9:30 Budapest Keleti | 13h45 | 23:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 · IC 2347 | On time 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h40 | 0:20 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
| R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 526 | On time 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 13h35 | 23:15 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Budapest to Essen by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
Mon
03 Aug
03 Aug
Tue
04 Aug
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
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Thu
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Fri
07 Aug
07 Aug
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09 Aug
09 Aug
Why should you book Budapest to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Budapest to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Budapest to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Budapest to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Budapest to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Budapest to Essen
Hungary
Germany
Trains from Budapest to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 12h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 972 km distance in 12h 22m.
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
Distance 972 km |
Average train duration 12h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 12h 22m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 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
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Budapest to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Budapest and Essen from £38. 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
12h 22m
Cheapest Price
£38
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
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
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.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= €3.60
- Day pass
- >= €7.00
To the city centre
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP to plan journeys and buy mobile tickets.
- Essen Hbf is already in the city centre, so many central destinations are reachable on foot.
FAQs: Budapest to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest 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 Budapest to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £95.
The train journey from Budapest to Essen covers a distance of 972 km and takes approximately 12h 22m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Budapest to Essen is 972 km.
The first train from Budapest to Essen leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Budapest to Essen departs at 23:56.
Trains from Budapest to Essen run approximately 15 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Budapest to Essen.
To get from Budapest to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Budapest to Essen.
The train station in Budapest that goes to Essen is Budapest Keleti, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Budapest to Essen is by train, costing approximately £38.
Booking trains from Budapest 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 Budapest to Essen offers some scenic views, especially as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of Hungary and Austria, including rolling hills and charming villages, before entering the more industrial scenery of Germany.
A day trip from Budapest to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 12h 22m. Additionally, the distance is 972 km, making it impractical for a single day. There are 19 trains available per day for this route.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Budapest to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Budapest and Essen
Most Budapest to Essen trains use the Budapest Keleti to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Budapest
Arrival train stations in Essen
Which Budapest station do trains to Essen leave from?
Trains from Budapest to Essen leave from Budapest Keleti. The station is 3 km from Budapest city centre at 1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 2-4, Hungary.
Budapest Keleti1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 2-4, Hungary+36 1 313 6835
City-centre transport
Getting to Budapest Keleti from Budapest city centre
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Train78 · 15m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Bus5, 7, 8E, 107, 108E, 110, 112, 133E, 907, 973 · 11m · £0.90 · every ~66 min
Tram23 · 31m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
SubwayM2 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~28 min
Budapest Keleti train station facilities and services
Budapest Keleti has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-DéliKrisztina körút 37/A, I. kerület, 1013 Budapest, Hungary+36 13558657
City-centre transport
Getting to Budapest-Déli from Budapest city centre
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus5, 956 · 3m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
Tram17, 56, 56A, N18 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~17 min
SubwayM2 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~29 min
Budapest-Déli train station facilities and services
Budapest-Déli has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Déli Terasz Söröző, Ibrahim török büfé, Vagon Etterem, Fornetti, Trio pizza, Turkish Döner KEBAB, Déli Mosoly, Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi, Club D One, Lokomotív Falatozó
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35. Information desks are located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Budapest-KelenföldEtele tér, 1115 Budapest, Hungary+36 1 3 49 49 49
City-centre transport
Getting to Budapest-Kelenföld from Budapest city centre
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainIc, 968, 1818, 1852, Re, 9006, 9056, 9066, 9702, 9704, 9706, 9708, 9792, 9794, 9796, Ir, 19712, 19714, 19716, 19718, 19722, 19724, 19726 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~18 min
Rjx · 13m · £10
Bus139 · 17m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
770 · 19m · £0.90
Tram19 · 23m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
SubwayM4 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~28 min
Budapest-Kelenföld train station facilities and services
Budapest-Kelenföld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
Which Essen station do trains from Budapest arrive at?
Trains from Budapest to Essen most often arrive at Essen Hbf. Some services arrive at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
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.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus
Essen-SteeleEssen-Steele, Steeler Platz 1, 45276 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen-Steele from Essen city centre
Essen-Steele is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS1, S3 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
BusNe5 · 13m
S1, S3 · 16m · £4
Essen-Steele train station facilities and services
Essen-Steele 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: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Most popular train connections from Budapest
More options for your journey from Budapest to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Budapest
Most popular train connections to Essen
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