- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Erfurt to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£38
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£47
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 39 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
7 h 39 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
285 km
Cheap tickets
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 £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Erfurt to Essen, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 7 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 8 h 39 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.
13:096h39Erfurt19:48Essen£381One-way0 changes- 10:098h39Erfurt18:48Essen£561One-way0 changes
- 13:096h39Erfurt19:48Essen£381One-way0 changes
- 10:098h39Erfurt18:48Essen£561One-way0 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 an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a train costs an average of £63.
Distance: 285 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£63 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Erfurt to Essen is a coach with an average price of £25.
This is compared to other travel options from Erfurt to Essen:
A coach is £38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Erfurt to Essen costing on average £63.
The fastest way to travel from Erfurt to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 4h 39m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Erfurt and Essen including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £63 compared to roughly £45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-17.59. The journey takes 4h 39m versus 4h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Erfurt to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Erfurt to Essen trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:16 Erfurt | 5h27 | 11:43 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:09 Erfurt | 8h39 | 18:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:09 Erfurt | 8h39 | 19:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Erfurt to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Erfurt to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Erfurt to Essen.
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
GermanyGermany
Trains from Erfurt to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:22, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 285 km distance in 4h 50m.
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 £18
Distance 285 km |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 50m |
First train 0:22 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £18
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 £18. 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
4h 50m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£47
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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
4h 7m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£54
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
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.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= €3.60
- Day pass
- >= €7.00
To the city centre
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP to plan journeys and buy mobile tickets.
- Essen Hbf is already in the city centre, so many central destinations are reachable on foot.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Erfurt to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £34, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Erfurt to Essen covers a distance of 285 km and takes approximately 4h 50m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Erfurt to Essen is 285 km.
The first train from Erfurt to Essen leaves at 0:22.
The last train from Erfurt to Essen departs at 23:56.
Trains from Erfurt to Essen run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Erfurt and Essen. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Erfurt to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Erfurt to Essen.
The train station in Erfurt that goes to Essen is Erfurt Hbf, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Erfurt to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Erfurt to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Erfurt to Essen offers a mix of scenic views, including charming countryside landscapes and picturesque towns, particularly as you travel through the Thuringian Forest and the Ruhr region.
A day trip from Erfurt to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 50m. There are 13 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 285 km.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Erfurt to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Erfurt and Essen
Most Erfurt to Essen trains use the Erfurt Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Erfurt and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Erfurt
Arrival train stations in Essen
Which Erfurt station do trains to Essen leave from?
Trains from Erfurt to Essen leave from Erfurt Hbf. The station is 1 km from Erfurt city centre at Erfurt Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 12, 99084 Erfurt.
Erfurt HbfErfurt Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 12, 99084 Erfurt
City-centre transport
Getting to Erfurt Hbf from Erfurt city centre
Bus9 · 17m · every ~12 min
Tram6, 5, 1 · 5m · every ~20 min
Erfurt Hbf train station facilities and services
Erfurt 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: Istanbul Grill, McDonald's, Masala, Planet Comics
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Erfurt Hbf. ATMs are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Erfurt Hbf. Information desks are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Erfurt Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Erfurt Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Erfurt Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Krämerbrücke, Intercity Hotel, Pension am Dom, Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior.
Which Essen station do trains from Erfurt arrive at?
Trains from Erfurt to Essen most often arrive at Essen Hbf. Some services arrive at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
TRUE
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
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
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Erfurt
Most popular train connections to Essen
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