ESSEN to BERLIN train from £12 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Berlin

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Sept

Cheapest price on 01 Sept

£18

Average ticket price on 01 Sept

£48

Fastest journey on 01 Sept

3 h 44 m

Average journey duration on 01 Sept

3 h 47 m

Trains on 01 Sept

Distance

454 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Berlin will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

On Tue 01 Sept, we found 28 trains from Essen to Berlin, including 19 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 3 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 44 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 51 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.

FlixTrain
17:044h06
Essen Hbf
21:10Berlin Spandau
£181One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain
17:044h30
Essen Hbf
21:34Berlin Südkreuz station
£181One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain
17:044h16
Essen Hbf
21:20Berlin Hbf
£181One-way
0 changes
ICE 1055
16:323h59
Essen Hbf
20:31Berlin Spandau
£321One-way
0 changes
26731 · ICE 645
19:133h57
Essen Hbf
23:10Berlin Hbf
£361One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Essen to Berlin

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, while a flight costs an average of £141.

Distance: 454 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Flight
£33 Average Price	£30 Average Price Cheapest	£141 Average Price
6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions	1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Most popular airline
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Essen to Berlin train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Berlin trains for today, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
26721 · ICE 641	On time 14:13 Essen Hbf	4h59	19:12 Berlin Hbf	1 change
ICE 943	Delayed 15:19 Essen Hbf	4h55	18:22 18:22Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
FlixTrain	16:54 Essen Hbf	4h26	21:20 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
FlixTrain	16:54 Essen Hbf	4h16	21:10 Berlin Spandau	0 changesdirect
FlixTrain	16:54 Essen Hbf	4h40	21:34 Berlin Südkreuz station	0 changesdirect
ICE 945	Delayed 17:20 Essen Hbf	4h48	20:22 20:22Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
26729 · ICE 645	On time 18:13 Essen Hbf	4h57	23:10 Berlin Hbf	1 change
ICE 947	On time 19:21 Essen Hbf	5h00	0:21 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
89733 · 14585 · ICE 274	On time 19:29 Essen Hbf	6h25	1:54 Berlin Hbf	2 changes
Tuesday 1 September
ICE 541	On time 5:19 Essen Hbf	3h51	9:10 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 843	On time 6:21 Essen Hbf	3h51	10:12 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
89707 · ICE 1543	On time 6:29 Essen Hbf	4h02	10:31 Berlin Spandau	1 change
ICE 553+31302	Delayed 5:32 6:34Essen Hbf	4h21	10:55 Berlin Hbf	1 change
ICE 543	On time 7:19 Essen Hbf	3h51	11:10 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 845	On time 8:21 Essen Hbf	3h51	12:12 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 1545	On time 8:47 Essen Hbf	3h44	12:31 Berlin Spandau	0 changesdirect
ICE 545	On time 9:19 Essen Hbf	3h51	13:10 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 847	On time 10:20 Essen Hbf	3h52	14:12 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 1547	On time 10:47 Essen Hbf	3h44	14:31 Berlin Spandau	0 changesdirect
ICE 547	On time 11:19 Essen Hbf	3h51	15:10 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 849	On time 12:21 Essen Hbf	3h51	16:12 Berlin Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 1053	On time 12:32 Essen Hbf	3h59	16:31 Berlin Spandau	0 changesdirect
26719 · ICE 549	On time 13:13 Essen Hbf	3h57	17:10 Berlin Hbf	1 change
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Berlin by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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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Why should you book Essen to Berlin trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Berlin.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Berlin.

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 FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Berlin.
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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Berlin.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Berlin.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Berlin

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

good atmosphere

clean air

comfort

That was my return trip and it was great. I went inside and it smelled very fresh. Then I sat down. I ordered something for myself and it arrived very quickly and was very fresh. Then I got out my tablet and used the internet and the internet was very strong. I looked out the window and the atmosphere was very good. My train also came on time, I pass on this trip.

Advantages

Good connection

No change

Disadvantages

Delays

There was only a minimal delay on the journey from Berlin to Essen. The train was not completely full at this time of day, which made the journey very pleasant. The wifi had a fairly stable connection. There were no problems with seat reservations. The train attendants were also friendly. The price-performance ratio was right here.

Advantages

Air conditioning

Punctuality

Comfort

Disadvantages

Reservations

Too full

Here I would like to share my positive experiences on the journey from Berlin to Essen. I travelled by ICE 1st class. Thank God I had booked my seat in advance, the train was very full. The cool air conditioning in the train was pleasant. The toilets were really very clean and the service was done right after the start. At every seat there was the possibility to put the laptop on a folding table and directly at the seat there were sockets so that you could charge the device directly. My train was also on time and the connecting trains were reached, I will travel 1st class by ICE again. The price was also reasonable.

Advantages

good wifi

tasty food

free space on the square

I travelled in second class and this was my return journey. I rate this journey with five stars as I have nothing to criticise. The train looked very nice from the inside and also from the outside. The food was very tasty, there were also vegan and vegetarian dishes. The internet was very good, although many people used it, so I was able to complete my work on the computer. My seat was very comfortable and I had a lot of space at my seat. My train was also on time. It was a wonderful journey.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Berlin

Germany

Trains from Essen to Berlin run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 4h 0m.

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

Distance

454 km

Average train duration

5h 32m

Cheapest ticket price

£12

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

4h 0m

First train

0:02

Last train

23:58

Cheapest Month

Jul

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Mon

Best time to book

42 days

Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Berlin from £12. 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 0m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

£30

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.

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.

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.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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 FlixTrain Duration

4h 10m

Cheapest FlixTrain Price

£12

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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration

3h 51m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price

£72

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency

16 a day

Complete guide to Berlin

Things to do in Berlin

Discover the best of Berlin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Berlin trip today.

Must visit

Neues Museum

A major museum of ancient civilisations, known for monumental architecture and celebrated collections from Egypt and the Near East.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Neue Nationalgalerie

A leading collection of 20th-century art, showing key works of modernism in Mies van der Rohe’s striking glass building.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Gemäldegalerie

A world-class art museum with European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the 13th to 18th centuries.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe: hostels and hotels vary widely, dining is fair-value, and public transport is good value for a capital city.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range: €18-30 per person for a meal.
Fine dining: €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. In cafés, round up small bills. For taxis, round up the fare or add about 5-10%.

FAQs: Essen to Berlin train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Berlin can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £33.

The train journey from Essen to Berlin covers a distance of 454 km and takes approximately 4h 0m. Trains run 12 per day.

The train distance from Essen to Berlin is 454 km.

The first train from Essen to Berlin leaves at 0:02.

The last train from Essen to Berlin departs at 23:58.

Trains from Essen to Berlin run approximately 12 times per day.

Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Berlin. The service operates 10 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).

To get from Essen to Berlin, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

There is no night train service from Essen to Berlin.

The train station in Essen that goes to Berlin is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Berlin Hbf.

The cheapest way to get from Essen to Berlin is by train, costing approximately £12.

Booking trains from Essen to Berlin in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.

The train journey from Essen to Berlin, while efficient and comfortable, primarily passes through urban and industrial areas, offering limited scenic views compared to more rural routes.

A day trip from Essen to Berlin is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 0m. Trains operate 15 times per day, covering a distance of 454 km.

In Berlin, you can explore the vibrant street art scene in Kreuzberg and enjoy a leisurely boat tour on the River Spree. Visit the bustling markets at Mauerpark and experience the nightlife in the trendy district of Friedrichshain. Don't miss attending a classical concert at the Berlin Philharmonic. For sightseeing, the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Reichstag Building, and Charlottenburg Palace offer rich historical and cultural experiences.

To fully experience Berlin, a visit of 3 to 4 days is recommended, allowing time to explore key attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and Museum Island.

Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Berlin.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Berlin

Most Essen to Berlin trains use the Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Berlin Spandau. Use this guide to compare Essen and Berlin train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Essen

Arrival train stations in Berlin

Which Essen station do trains to Berlin leave from?

Trains from Essen to Berlin leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.

Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen Wifi

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.

More about Essen Hbf

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

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.

Essen WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre

Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe14 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~1 min

BusRb33, S1, S9, S3 · 12m · £3

Tram101 · 24m · every ~10 min

Essen West train station facilities and services

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.