- 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 on 18 Sept
£17
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£18
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 2 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
31 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Düsseldorf to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Düsseldorf to Essen will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
To travel from Düsseldorf to Essen you need to make at least one change.
IC 2206 · Bus RE1
ICE 618 · Bus RE1
IC 2206 · Bus RE1
ICE 618 · Bus RE1Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Düsseldorf to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 58m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £3, while a train costs an average of £5.
Distance: 31 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£5 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest | £5 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
58m Average total duration Fastest 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 4m Average total duration 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Düsseldorf to Essen:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Düsseldorf to Essen costing on average £5.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Coach takes on average 34m.
The journey is about 13m faster (28m by train vs 41m by car) and roughly £0.07 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£5 vs £5). 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), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Düsseldorf to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 618 · Bus RE1 | 6:34 Düsseldorf Hbf | 1h03 | 7:37 Essen | 1 change | |
IC 2206 · Bus RE1 | On time 8:11 Düsseldorf Hbf | 1h01 | 9:12 Essen | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Düsseldorf to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 24m.
Distance 31 km |
Average train duration 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 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 Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf to Essen trains use the Düsseldorf Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Düsseldorf and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Düsseldorf Hbf is 1 km from Düsseldorf city centre. Public transport options include:
Düsseldorf 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: Zaxopondeiva Cafe, Lauren's Cafe, China Imbiss, Fu chu yuan
Wi-Fi is available at Düsseldorf Hbf. ATMs are available at Düsseldorf Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Düsseldorf Hbf. Information desks are available at Düsseldorf Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Düsseldorf Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Düsseldorf Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Düsseldorf Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Düsseldorf Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lindenhof, Hotel Batavia, Sir Astor, Lady Astor.
Düsseldorf Flughafen is 1 km from Düsseldorf city centre. Public transport options include:
Düsseldorf Flughafen 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: Telefónica Kantine, Telefónica Cafeteria, Snack Point, Imbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Düsseldorf Flughafen. ATMs are available at Düsseldorf Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Düsseldorf Flughafen. Information desks are available at Düsseldorf Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Düsseldorf Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Düsseldorf Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Düsseldorf Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Düsseldorf Flughafen.
Nearby hotels include Novotel, Ibis.
Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal is 6 km from Düsseldorf city centre. Public transport options include:
Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal 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: L'Osteria, Bauernstube Deppe, Luxor Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal. ATMs are available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal. Information desks are available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Düsseldorf Airport Hotel, Lindner Airport, Hotel Maritim.
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, 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.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
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