- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 24 Sept
Cheapest price on 24 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 24 Sept
£20
Fastest journey on 24 Sept
48 m
Average journey duration on 24 Sept
1 h 6 m
Trains on 24 Sept
3
Distance
65 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Fast trains
On Thu 24 Sept, we found 3 trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 17 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.
15:140h48Cologne Bonn Airport16:02Essen£71One-way0 changes
7:031h17Cologne Bonn Airport8:20Essen£251One-way0 changes- 6:091h13Cologne Bonn Airport7:22Essen£281One-way0 changes
- 15:140h48Cologne Bonn Airport16:02Essen£71One-way0 changes
- 6:091h13Cologne Bonn Airport7:22Essen£281One-way0 changes
- 7:031h17Cologne Bonn Airport8:20Essen£251One-way0 changes
Live departures
Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen trains for tomorrow, Thursday 24 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:09 Cologne Bonn Airport | 1h13 | 7:22 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:03 Cologne Bonn Airport | 1h17 | 8:20 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:14 Cologne Bonn Airport | 0h48 | 16:02 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
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24 Sept
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25 Sept
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Why should you book Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Regional, Regional-Express and more offer trains services from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 FlixTrain, Regional or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, Regional or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:09, the last at 07:03. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 48m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £4
Distance 65 km |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 6:09 |
Last train 7:03 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £4
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Regional-Express, Regional from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Regional-Express, Regional trains will get you between Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen from £4. 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
54m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£10
Deutsche Bahn frequency
22 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
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
48m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£5
FlixTrain frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Regional-Express
About
Regional-Express (RE, or REX in Austria) is a type of regional train service found in Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria. It functions as a semi-fast train, making fewer stops than a Regionalbahn or S-Bahn but more than an Intercity or Intercity Express. RE services typically reach top speeds of 160 km/h, with some reaching 200 km/h on high-speed lines. While initially operated by DB Regio, many lines are now run by various private operators. These trains often use double-deck cars with electric or diesel locomotives.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional-Express Duration
1h 14m
Cheapest Regional-Express Price
£23
Regional-Express frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory, available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Regional
About
The term \Regional\" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, \"Regionalbahn\" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional Duration
1h 4m
Cheapest Regional Price
£23
Regional frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type and conditions
Refund
Full refund if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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: Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £30.
The train journey from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen covers a distance of 65 km and takes approximately 48m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is 65 km.
The first train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen leaves at 6:09.
The last train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen departs at 7:03.
Trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Regional.
There is no night train service from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Booking trains from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen offers a mix of urban and industrial views typical of the North Rhine-Westphalia region, with some glimpses of the Rhine River and surrounding countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen
Most Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen trains use the Köln Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Essen
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 ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
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Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe14 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
BusRb33, S1, S9, S3 · 12m · £3
Tram101 · 24m · every ~10 min
Essen West train station facilities and services
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Most popular train connections from Cologne Bonn Airport
More options for your journey from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Cologne Bonn Airport
Most popular train connections to Essen
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