- 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 17 Sept
£42
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£112
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
14 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
14 h 14 m
Trains on 17 Sept
16
Distance
972 km
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 £112 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
To travel from Budapest to Essen you need to make at least 3 changes.
R 4636 · EC 148 · RJX 19972+
79404
R 4626 · RJX 68 · ICE 618 · Bus RE1
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · Bus RE1
EC 148 · RJX 19972+
79404+
ICE 1014
R 4636 · EC 148 · RJX 19972+
79404
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 · S6
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 · Bus RE1
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 526 · Bus RE1Omio 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 an average ticket price of £67 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £67, while a flight costs an average of £110.
Distance: 972 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£84 Average Price | £110 Average Price | £67 Average Price Cheapest | £189 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 28m Average total duration 12h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 19h 29m Average total duration 18h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Essen:
A coach is £17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Essen costing on average £84.
A coach is £42 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Essen costing on average £110.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 58m.
Coach takes on average 18h 59m.
Tickets start at around £84 compared to roughly £189 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £105. The journey takes 12h 58m versus 12h 13m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Essen trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 4632 · EC 140 · RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 | 8:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h49 | 23:29 Essen Hbf | 7 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 · S6 | On time 9:30 Budapest Keleti | 14h12 | 23:42 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 526 · Bus RE1 | On time 9:30 Budapest Keleti | 14h35 | 0:05 Essen | 2 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 · Bus RE1 | On time 9:30 Budapest Keleti | 14h20 | 23:50 Essen | 3 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 526 · S2 | On time 9:30 Budapest Keleti | 14h37 | 0:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 | 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h02 | 23:42 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 584 · IC 2446 | 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h57 | 0:37 Essen | 4 changes | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 584 · IC 2446 | 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h55 | 0:35 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 526 · S2 | 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h27 | 0:07 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 | 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h10 | 23:50 Essen | 4 changes | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ICE 526 · Bus RE1 | 9:40 Budapest-Deli | 14h25 | 0:05 Essen | 3 changes | |
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · Bus RE1 | On time 15:30 Budapest Keleti | 16h07 | 7:37 Essen | 2 changes | |
R 4626 · RJX 68 · ICE 618 · Bus RE1 | 15:40 Budapest-Deli | 15h57 | 7:37 Essen | 3 changes | |
EC 148 · RJX 19972 · ICE 1014 · S6 | 16:30 Budapest Keleti | 17h22 | 9:52 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
R 4636 · EC 148 · RJX 19972 · ICE 888 | 16:40 Budapest-Deli | 18h05 | 10:45 Essen Hbf | 5 changes | |
R 4636 · EC 148 · RJX 19972 · ICE 1014 | 16:40 Budapest-Deli | 17h12 | 9:52 Essen Hbf | 5 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Budapest to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 12h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 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 42m.
Distance 972 km |
Average train duration 12h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 12h 42m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
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.

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.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
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 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
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
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 storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
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-Steele is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need