The cheapest and fastest trains from Erfurt to Essen
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£82
Fastest journey
4 h 34 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
285 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Erfurt to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Erfurt to Essen will cost around £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
To travel from Erfurt to Essen you need to make at least one change.
FlixTrain · FlixTrain10:136h35Erfurt Hbf16:48Essen Hbf£311One-way1 change
FlixTrain · FlixTrain14:096h39Erfurt Hbf20:48Essen Hbf£411One-way1 change
ICE 1654 · 3654 · ICE 886 · ICE 10528:165h08Erfurt Hbf13:24Essen Hbf£841One-way3 changes
ICE 804 · IC 2046 · ICE 9428:235h12Erfurt Hbf13:35Essen Hbf£851One-way2 changes
ICE 1654 · ICE 7268:164h50Erfurt Hbf13:06Essen Hbf£911One-way1 change
ICE 2595 · ICE 7249:304h34Erfurt Hbf14:04Essen Hbf£1091One-way1 change
ICE 1654 · ICE 7268:164h50Erfurt Hbf13:06Essen Hbf£911One-way1 change
26104 · ICE 684 · IC 2046 · 268209:075h00Erfurt Hbf14:07Essen Hbf£931One-way3 changes
ICE 1654 · 3654 · ICE 886 · ICE 10528:165h08Erfurt Hbf13:24Essen Hbf£841One-way3 changes
ICE 804 · IC 2046 · ICE 9428:235h12Erfurt Hbf13:35Essen Hbf£851One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Erfurt to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Erfurt to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a train costs an average of £33.
Distance: 285 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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.
Live departures
Erfurt to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Erfurt to Essen trains for tomorrow, Saturday 13 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1654 · ICE 726 | On time 8:16 Erfurt Hbf | 4h50 | 13:06 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1654 · 3654 · ICE 886 · ICE 1052 | On time 8:16 Erfurt Hbf | 5h08 | 13:24 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 804 · IC 2046 · ICE 942 | On time 8:23 Erfurt Hbf | 5h12 | 13:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 503 · 4612 · ICE 926 · ICE 200 | On time 8:35 Erfurt Hbf | 5h23 | 13:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
26104 · ICE 684 · IC 2046 · 26820 | 9:07 Erfurt Hbf | 5h00 | 14:07 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 2595 · ICE 724 | On time 9:30 Erfurt Hbf | 4h34 | 14:04 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 10:13 Erfurt Hbf | 6h35 | 16:48 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 14:09 Erfurt Hbf | 6h39 | 20:48 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 Erfurt to Essen 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.
13 Jun
14 Jun
15 Jun
16 Jun
17 Jun
18 Jun
19 Jun
Why should you book Erfurt to Essen trains with Omio?
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Erfurt to Essen.
- 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 Erfurt to Essen.
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 Erfurt to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Erfurt to Essen
Trains from Erfurt to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:22, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 285 km distance in 4h 51m.
Distance 285 km |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 51m |
First train 0:22 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Erfurt to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Erfurt and Essen from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Erfurt to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Erfurt 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Erfurt and Essen
- Monday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 08:30 - 18:30
- Saturday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Sunday: 09:30 - 16:30
- Istanbul Grill
- McDonald's
- Masala
- Planet Comics
- Hotel Krämerbrücke
- Intercity Hotel
- Pension am Dom
- Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior
- Zur Schuhleiste
- Bachstelze
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Most popular train connections from Erfurt
More options for your journey from Erfurt to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

