- 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
£10
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 23 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
65 km
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 £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £10.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne Bonn Airport for Essen every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 1 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 39 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.
10614 · ICE 1010
89723 · ICE 200
89723
S19 · 26819
10616 · 28518 · 10221
89723 · ICE 200
10614 · ICE 1010
S19 · 26819
10616 · 28518 · 10221
89723Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £7.
Distance: 65 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£20 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration 1h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen trains for tomorrow, Monday 10 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10614 · ICE 1010 | On time 12:09 Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 1h13 | 13:22 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
S19 · 26819 | 12:23 Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 1h27 | 13:50 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89723 | 12:48 Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 1h39 | 14:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
89723 · ICE 200 | On time 12:48 Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 1h10 | 13:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
10616 · 28518 · 10221 | 13:09 Cologne/Bonn Flughafen | 1h28 | 14:37 Essen Hbf | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 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 19:53. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 48m.
Distance 65 km |
Average train duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 6:09 |
Last train 19:53 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 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.

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.
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-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden 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: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need