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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf
Showing times and prices for 13 Dec
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£14
Fastest journey
47 m
Average duration
49 m
Trains per day
10
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 £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Fast trains
Of the 10 trains that leave Cologne Hbf for Essen Hbf every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 57 km distance in an average of 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 52 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.
FlixTrain16:140h48
Cologne Hbf17:02Essen Hbf
£71One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain10:140h48
Cologne Hbf11:02Essen Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain06:130h48
Cologne Hbf07:01Essen Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain06:590h53
Cologne Hbf07:52Essen Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain15:000h52
Cologne Hbf15:52Essen Hbf
£91One-way
0 changes
ICE 61608:110h47
Cologne Hbf08:58Essen Hbf
£181One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain16:140h48
Cologne Hbf17:02Essen Hbf
£71One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain10:140h48
Cologne Hbf11:02Essen Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain06:130h48
Cologne Hbf07:01Essen Hbf
£81One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain15:000h52
Cologne Hbf15:52Essen Hbf
£91One-way
0 changes
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 prices starting from £3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £3, and a train costs an average of £5.
Distance: 57 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£11 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf trains for today, Friday 12 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 15:39
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 18:50 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 13 December | |||||
| FlixTrain | 05:13 Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 06:01 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 05:59 Cologne Hbf | 0h53 | 06:52 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 2306 | On time 07:01 Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 07:55 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 616 | Delayed 07:11 Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 08:01 08:01Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 545 | On time 07:25 Cologne Hbf | 0h56 | 08:21 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| RE 28508 · RE 10211 | On time 07:31 Cologne Hbf | 1h06 | 08:37 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| RE 26811 | On time 07:49 Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 08:50 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 09:14 Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 10:02 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 14:00 Cologne Hbf | 0h52 | 14:52 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 15:14 Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 16:02 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf
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
FlexibleCheapDisadvantages
SlowUtilisedThe 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
PunctualWe 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
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf run on average 8 times per day, taking around 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £3 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 21:49. The fastest train covers the 57 km distance in 47m.
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 £3
Distance 57 km |
Average train duration 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 47m |
First train 00:09 |
Last train 21:49 |
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 £3
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf from £3. 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 Duration
47m
Cheapest Price
£6
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.
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 Duration
48m
Cheapest Price
£6
FlixTrain frequency
3 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
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 26m
Cheapest Price
£26
National Express frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
£21
TRANS REGIO Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH frequency
13 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.
Yes, a day trip from Köln Hbf to Essen Hbf is feasible. The journey takes 47m, covers a distance of 57 km, and there are 8 trains per day.
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.
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 cost of a train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £11.
The train distance from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf is 57 km.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf is by coach, costing approximately £3.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.
The train journey from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf covers a distance of 57 km and takes approximately 47m. Trains run 8 per day.
To get from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf leaves at 0:09.
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf departs at 21:49.
Trains from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf run approximately 8 times per day.
There is no night train service from Cologne Hbf to Essen Hbf.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne Hbf and Essen Hbf
Cologne
Essen
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Most popular train connections from Cologne Hbf
Most popular trains to and from Essen Hbf and Cologne Hbf
Most popular train connections to Essen Hbf
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