The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Frankfurt am Main
Cheapest price
£85
Average price
£106
Fastest journey
1 h 59 m
Average duration
2 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Frankfurt am Main will cost around £106 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £85.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Frankfurt am Main every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 2 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 12 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.
ICE 27
ICE 621
ICE 515 · ICE 1559
RE 10206 · ICE 121
RE 26810 · ICE 13
ICE 621
ICE 515 · ICE 1559
RE 10206 · ICE 121
RE 26810 · ICE 13
ICE 27Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Essen to Frankfurt am Main
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a flight costs an average of £79.
Distance: 190 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest | £101 Average Price |
3h 43m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Essen to Frankfurt am Main train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RE 10206 · ICE 121 | Delayed 07:47 07:21Essen Hbf | 2h10 | 09:38 09:38Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 621 | On time 07:49 Essen Hbf | 1h59 | 09:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 27 | Delayed 08:00 Essen Hbf | 3h12 | 11:17 11:17Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 515 · ICE 1559 | On time 08:05 Essen Hbf | 2h08 | 10:13 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 26810 · ICE 13 | On time 08:09 Essen Hbf | 2h22 | 10:31 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 623 | On time 08:39 Essen Hbf | 2h09 | 10:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 105 · ICE 27 | Delayed 09:00 Essen Hbf | 2h12 | 11:17 11:17Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
RB 10323 · ICE 225 · S 8 | On time 09:16 Essen Hbf | 2h27 | 11:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 625 | On time 09:54 Essen Hbf | 1h54 | 11:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 517 · ICE 1651 | Delayed 10:01 10:00Essen Hbf | 2h13 | 12:13 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 2916 · ICE 15 | On time 10:14 Essen Hbf | 2h17 | 12:31 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1052 · ICE 15 | On time 10:14 Essen Hbf | 2h17 | 12:31 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 2156 · IC 1744 · RE 19922 | Delayed 10:44 10:40Essen Hbf | 3h46 | 14:26 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 2910 · IC 1744 · RE 19922 | Delayed 10:44 10:40Essen Hbf | 3h46 | 14:26 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 627 | On time 10:53 Essen Hbf | 1h55 | 12:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 107 · ICE 796 | On time 11:00 Essen Hbf | 2h18 | 13:18 Frankfurt South station | 1 change | |
ICE 107 · S 9 | On time 11:00 Essen Hbf | 2h28 | 13:28 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 10214 · ICE 123 | On time 11:21 Essen Hbf | 2h10 | 13:31 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 10214 · ICE 123 · ICE 229 | On time 11:21 Essen Hbf | 3h52 | 15:13 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 629 | On time 11:54 Essen Hbf | 1h54 | 13:48 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 519 · ICE 901 | On time 12:00 Essen Hbf | 2h23 | 14:23 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
RE 26818 · ICE 315 | On time 12:09 Essen Hbf | 2h22 | 14:31 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 change | |
| Friday 28 November | |||||
![]() | 04:00 Essen | 2h18 | 06:18 Frankfurt am Main | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 06:14 Essen | 2h17 | 08:31 Frankfurt am Main | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Essen to Frankfurt am Main by train, coach or flight
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Frankfurt am Main

Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Frankfurt am Main
Trains from Essen to Frankfurt am Main run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 190 km distance in 1h 54m.
Distance 190 km |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 54m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, National Express from Essen to Frankfurt am Main trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, National Express trains will get you between Essen and Frankfurt am Main from £11. 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.
Hessische Landesbahn
National Express
FAQs: Essen to Frankfurt am Main train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Frankfurt am Main
- 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
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Haus Gantenberg
- Wolperding
- Athena
- Porky Grill
- Alte Lohnhalle
- Lukas
- Im Fass
- Pizzeria Spuntino Dario
- Contilla EisCafe
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Bacchos
- Döner
- Eiscafe Kemmerling
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
- Zur Krone
- Hannappel
- Pizzeria Roma
- Horster Döner
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Steigenberger Airport Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for regional and S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: access to airport terminals
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Regional trains: RE2, RE3, RE59
- Bus: Several lines available
- Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg
- Freigut
- GIOIA
- Fleischeslust
- Hotel am Berg
- Hotel Ritter
- Lindner Main Plaza
- Döpfner's im Maingau
- VierF
- Lindner Hotel & Sports Academy
- Merals Imbiss
- Bootshaus am Eisernen Steg
- Freigut
- Holbein's
- Hotel am Berg
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Frankfurt
- Hotel Ritter
- Lindner Main Plaza
- Pizzeria Da Angelo
- Miro Pizza Döner
- Pizzeria Sun
- My Masala
- Blackbox Burger
- Da Cimino
- Tandori Taste
- Amalfi
- Hotel Essential by Dorint
- Niederräder Hof
- Hotel Niederrad
- Chipotle
- McDonald's
- Estragon
- The Westin Grand Frankfurt
- Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
- Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
- Hotel Villa Orange
- Istanbul
- Dein Döner
- Da Massimo
- Damiro Westsite
- Attaché
- Fair Hotel
- Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City
- Hotel Lloyed
- Chipotle
- McDonald's
- Der Fette Bulle
- Cafe Liebfrauenberg
- Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
- Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
- Comfort Hotel Frankfurt City Center
- Münchener Hof
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas.
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: connection to Terminal 1 of the airport
- Hall 3: connection to Terminal 2 of the airport
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Bus: Several lines available
- Long-distance buses: Available at the airport
- Immer Satt
- Café Crumble
- Café Albatros
- Sissi und Franz
- Frankfurt Marriott Hotel
- Hotel West an der Bockenheimer Warte
- Attaché
- Art-Hotel Robert Mayer
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
- The italian
- Imbiss Zum "Hans Worscht"
- B'mine Frankfurt Airport
- Moxy Frankfurt Airport
- Holiday Inn Frankfurt Airport
Most popular train connections from Essen
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