Budapest to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,IC)

Sun 01 Nov
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Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB | Nightjet
EuroNight
ÖBB | ICE
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Nov
Cheapest price on 01 Nov
£75
Average ticket price on 01 Nov
£97
Fastest journey on 01 Nov
13 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 01 Nov
13 h 59 m
Trains on 01 Nov
4
Distance
972 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Budapest to Essen will cost around £97 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.

Fast trains

On Sun 01 Nov, we found 4 trains from Budapest to Essen, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 972 km distance in an average of 13 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 10 m .

The slowest trains will take 15 h 18 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
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  • Deutsche Bahn
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  • Deutsche Bahn
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  • Deutsche Bahn
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Budapest to Essen

HungaryHungary
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Budapest to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 12h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 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 10h 50m.

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 50m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
10h 50m
First train
0:04
Last train
23:56
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
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

Frequently asked questions about your Budapest to Essen trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Budapest to Essen.

The cost of a train ticket from Budapest to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £106.
The train journey from Budapest to Essen covers a distance of 972 km and takes approximately 10h 50m. Trains run 8 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 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Budapest to Essen.

Live departures

Budapest to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Essen trains for tomorrow, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:40 Budapest
14h18
21:58 Essen0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:40 Budapest
13h10
21:50 Essen0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn9:40 Budapest
13h10
22:50 Essen0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn14:40 Budapest
15h18
5:58 Essen0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Budapest to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as ÖBB | Nightjet, EuroNight, ÖBB | ICE and more offer 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | Nightjet, EuroNight or ÖBB | ICE to find the best option for your trip from Budapest 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 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.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, EuroNight, ÖBB | ICE from Budapest to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, EuroNight, ÖBB | ICE trains will get you between Budapest and Essen from £17. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
10h 50m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£17
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

ÖBB | Nightjet

About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ÖBB | Nightjet Duration
15h 0m
Cheapest ÖBB | Nightjet Price
£140
ÖBB | Nightjet frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone

ÖBB | ICE

About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ÖBB | ICE Duration
14h 5m
Cheapest ÖBB | ICE Price
£82
ÖBB | ICE frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

EuroNight

About
EuroNight is an international night train service operated by ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways. It runs from Austria to many countries in Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The EuroNight trains offer a variety of services, including comfortable sleeping compartments, couchettes, and reclining seats. The ticket types available are Standard, Comfort, and Business Class. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, a bar, and a bistro. The most popular routes for EuroNight are Vienna to Munich, Vienna to Zurich, and Vienna to Venice.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average EuroNight Duration
16h 6m
Cheapest EuroNight Price
£128
EuroNight frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats and at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or at-seat dining service depending on route
Seat reservation
Seat reservations mandatory and included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Budapest and Essen

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a night train from Budapest to Essen.

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

Museum Folkwang

Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.

  • 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.

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.

Plan your visit to Essen

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 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.

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.

FAQs
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.
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 6835WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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 · £1 · every ~13 min
Bus5, 7, 8E, 107, 108E, 110, 112, 133E, 907, 973 · 11m · £1 · every ~66 min
Tram23 · 31m · £1 · every ~10 min
SubwayM2 · 8m · £1 · 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 13558657LockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
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 · £1 · every ~12 min
Tram17, 56, 56A, N18 · 6m · £1 · every ~17 min
SubwayM2 · 7m · £1 · 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 49WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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 · £1 · every ~18 min
Rjx · 13m · £10
Bus139 · 17m · £1 · every ~11 min
770 · 19m · £1
Tram19 · 23m · £1 · every ~9 min
SubwayM4 · 8m · £1 · 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.

Train stations for Budapest to Essen

Check train stations information for Budapest and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Budapest that goes to Essen is Budapest Keleti, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.

More options for your journey from Budapest to Essen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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