- 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
£4
Average price
£32
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
55 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
58 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne 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 to Essen will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
Of the 35 trains that leave Cologne for Essen every day 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 2310
ICE 845
FlixTrain
ICE 2310
ICE 845
IC 2206 · ICE 1545
10923 · ICE 916Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne 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 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 58 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £5 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 24m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Essen trains for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 | Delayed 0:19 2:19Cologne Hbf | 1h03 | 1:22 1:22Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 618 | 6:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h18 | 7:29 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 206 · S1 · IC 2206 · S1 | On time 7:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h44 | 8:55 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
FlixTrain | 8:38 Cologne Hbf | 1h15 | 9:53 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
S12 · ICE 1014 | On time 8:51 Cologne Hbf | 1h23 | 10:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89715 | 9:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 10:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
89721 | 12:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 13:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 612 · 30774 | 12:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h47 | 13:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
17416 · 17341 · S9 | 12:21 Cologne Hbf | 1h49 | 14:10 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
17415 · S8 · 26721 | 12:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h30 | 14:11 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
S12 · ICE 1010 | On time 12:51 Cologne Hbf | 1h23 | 14:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89723 | 13:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 14:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17417 · 26821 | 13:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 15:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89725 | 14:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 15:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 610 · 30778 | 14:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h47 | 15:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
17419 · 26823 | 14:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 16:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
S12 · ICE 918 | On time 14:50 Cologne Hbf | 1h24 | 16:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
93518 · ICE 943 | On time 15:00 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 16:20 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89727 | 15:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 16:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17422 · S1 · ICE 1520 | 15:21 Cologne Hbf | 1h33 | 16:54 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain | 15:35 Cologne Hbf | 1h27 | 17:02 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
89729 | 16:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 17:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 518 · 30782 | On time 16:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h47 | 17:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
17423 · 26827 | 16:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 18:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
S12 · ICE 916 | On time 16:50 Cologne Hbf | 1h24 | 18:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89731 | 17:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 18:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
17425 · 26829 | 17:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 19:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89733 | 18:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 19:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 516 · 30786 | On time 18:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h47 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
17427 · 26831 | 18:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 20:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
S11 · ICE 118 | On time 18:47 Cologne Hbf | 1h28 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
89735 | 19:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 20:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 104 · S1 | On time 19:11 Cologne Hbf | 1h44 | 20:55 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
17429 · 26833 | 19:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 21:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 657 · 20092 · S9 | 19:44 Cologne Hbf | 1h26 | 21:10 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
89737 | 20:07 Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 21:27 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
81694 | 20:08 Cologne Hbf | 1h26 | 21:34 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
10931 · ICE 912 | On time 20:22 Cologne Hbf | 1h30 | 21:52 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
17431 · 26835 | 20:41 Cologne Hbf | 1h22 | 22:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 47m.
Distance 58 km |
Average train duration 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 47m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
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 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 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 and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
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 storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz 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: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
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