Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Tue 15 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Süwex
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Süwex
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept

Cheapest price on 15 Sept

£16

Average ticket price on 15 Sept

£30

Fastest journey on 15 Sept

1 h 10 m

Average journey duration on 15 Sept

1 h 10 m

Trains on 15 Sept

25

Distance

57 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf you need to make at least one change.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 1028 · 10200
    4:001h21
    Cologne Hbf
    5:21Essen Hbf
    £161One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 541 · S6
    4:251h27
    Cologne Hbf
    5:52Essen Hbf
    £161One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 60402 · 63621
    5:471h11
    Cologne Hbf
    6:58Essen Hbf
    £161One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2200 · 63629
    13:461h12
    Cologne Hbf
    14:58Essen Hbf
    £161One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 657 · S9
    20:451h25
    Cologne Hbf
    22:10Essen Hbf
    £161One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £6 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, while a train costs an average of £10.

Distance: 57 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£10

Average Price

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

£13

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 9m

Average total duration

1h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

57m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf is a coach with an average price of £6.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf:

A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf costing on average £10.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf is by train with an average journey time of 53m.

Other travel options to Essen Hbf take longer:

Coach takes on average 1h 39m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 4m faster (53m by train vs 57m by car) and roughly £3 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£10 vs £13). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn26843 · S60:49 Cologne Hbf
1h22
2:11 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1028 · 10200
On time
4:00 Cologne Hbf
1h21
5:21 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 541 · S6
On time
4:25 Cologne Hbf
1h27
5:52 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 208 · 10202
On time
5:11 Cologne Hbf
1h10
6:21 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 618 · S6
On time
6:11 Cologne Hbf
1h21
7:32 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 206 · 10206
On time
7:11 Cologne Hbf
1h10
8:21 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2206 · 63623
On time
7:46 Cologne Hbf
1h12
8:58 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 204 · S6
On time
9:11 Cologne Hbf
1h21
10:32 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17410 · 303919:21 Cologne Hbf
1h26
10:47 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche Bahn28510 · S69:31 Cologne Hbf
1h21
10:52 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1020 · 10216
On time
12:09 Cologne Hbf
1h12
13:21 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · S9
On time
12:11 Cologne Hbf
1h29
13:40 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17416 · 3039712:21 Cologne Hbf
1h26
13:47 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche Bahn28516 · S612:31 Cologne Hbf
1h21
13:52 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 200 · 10218
On time
13:11 Cologne Hbf
1h10
14:21 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17418 · 3039913:21 Cologne Hbf
1h26
14:47 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche Bahn28518 · S613:31 Cologne Hbf
1h21
14:52 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2200 · 63629
On time
13:46 Cologne Hbf
1h12
14:58 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 104 · 10230
On time
19:11 Cologne Hbf
1h10
20:21 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche Bahn17430 · S919:21 Cologne Hbf
1h49
21:10 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche Bahn28530 · 20093 · S919:31 Cologne Hbf
1h39
21:10 Essen Hbf2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26833 · S619:49 Cologne Hbf
1h23
21:12 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 514 · S9
On time
20:11 Cologne Hbf
1h29
21:40 Essen Hbf
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf 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.

Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept

Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) and more offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.

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, Süwex or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.
  • 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 Hbf to Essen Hbf.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconFlexible
IconCheap
Disadvantages
IconSlow
IconUtilised
The ticket price is quite reasonable if you have several passengers. As there are many trains between Cologne and Essen, you don't have to wait long for the next train. It is also possible to travel from Essen to Cologne at night. However, the train does not run as frequently then.
Advantages
IconPunctual
We arrived at our destination station Essen Hauptbahnhof on time. The seats were comfortable and the train staff were nice to us. The train was clean and the toilet was also very well cleaned. Power sockets were available, as was wifi. All in all, there is nothing to complain about.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf run on average 5 times per day, taking around 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 21:49. The fastest train covers the 57 km distance in 44m.

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
57 km
Average train duration
53m
Cheapest ticket price
£4
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
44m
First train
0:08
Last train
21:49
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
21 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £4

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Süwex, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf 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
44m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£6
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

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
47m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
£4
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

Süwex

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Süwex Duration
1h 27m
Cheapest Süwex Price
£26
Süwex frequency
1 a day

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
1h 11m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£27
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf 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 Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £10.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf covers a distance of 57 km and takes approximately 44m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf is 57 km.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf leaves at 0:08.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf departs at 21:49.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf is by coach, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Köln Hbf to Essen Hbf offers a mix of urban and industrial views, with occasional glimpses of the Rhine River and the German countryside, though it is not typically considered a particularly scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Köln Hbf to Essen Hbf is feasible. The journey takes 44m, covers a distance of 57 km, and there are 8 trains per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf

Most Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf 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
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln 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: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

HomeTrainsTrains in GermanyCologne Hbf to Essen Hbf train

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