- Recommended
Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen
Art museum with modern and contemporary works and changing exhibitions. A rewarding stop for strong architecture, focused displays and a central location.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Essen to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Essen to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 10 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£6 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest |
39m Average total duration Fastest 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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.
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Gelsenkirchen 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.
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Why should you book Essen to Gelsenkirchen trains with Omio?
FlixTrain as well as Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Essen to Gelsenkirchen.
Omio is the only official third party seller for FlixTrain tickets.
Why book with Omio vs FlixTrain?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixTrain, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Gelsenkirchen.
- 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 FlixTrain with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Gelsenkirchen.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Gelsenkirchen
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
Clean train and hygienic toiletsSufficient equipmentNo delays and no need to change trainsFriendly staff with competent announcementsNo high capacity utilisationDisadvantages
Very loud in the passenger compartment due to many familiesThe train from Essen to Gelsenkirchen wasn't that full, but it was very noisy as there were a lot of families on the train. Apart from that, the seats were very comfortable and the train had power sockets and an internet connection. The seats and aisles were clean and I found the toilets to be hygienic. The staff here were friendly and made good and informative announcements, which were very competent, especially when it came to connections. This train was very punctual and I didn't have to change trains. All in all, it was a good journey!
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Gelsenkirchen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Gelsenkirchen run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 21:23. The fastest train covers the 10 km distance in 11m.
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 10 km |
Average train duration 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 11m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 21:23 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Train companies: FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Essen to Gelsenkirchen trainsFlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Essen and Gelsenkirchen from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Duration
11m
Cheapest Price
£4
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
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
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 Duration
8m
Cheapest Price
£7
Deutsche Bahn frequency
1 a day
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 Duration
9m
Cheapest Price
£19
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
4 a day
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8m
Cheapest Price
£8
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
18 a day
Complete guide to Gelsenkirchen
Things to do in Gelsenkirchen
Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
- Recommended
Schalke Museum
Museum dedicated to FC Schalke 04 with trophies, memorabilia and club history. A popular visit for football supporters and visitors curious about local culture.
Schlossmuseum Horst
Museum in Schloss Horst covering local history and archaeology. Visit for the Renaissance setting, historical collections and insight into the region’s past.
- Must visit
Nordsternpark
Extensive park on a former industrial site with canals, paths, public art and event spaces. It is ideal for a relaxed walk and seeing Ruhr regeneration.
- Recommended
Schlosspark Horst
Large landscaped grounds around Schloss Horst with water features and walking paths. A pleasant place for a quiet stroll beside a historic setting.
- Recommended
Revierpark Nienhausen
Popular local park with woodland, lawns and play areas. It offers an easy outdoor break and shows a greener side of Gelsenkirchen beyond industry.
Ruhrpott Kartoffelsuppe
A hearty potato soup from the Ruhr area, often with vegetables and sausages. It is a classic comfort dish long linked with mining families.
Himmel und Ääd
Mashed potatoes mixed with applesauce and traditionally served with black pudding or fried sausage. A well-known homestyle dish in western Germany.
- Gluten-free
Rollmops
Pickled herring fillets in a tart marinade, often served with potatoes. It reflects the strong northern and western German taste for preserved fish.
Heiner's
Refined restaurant in an elegant setting, known for modern German and international cooking with a more formal dining feel.
Schloss Berge
Traditional brewery-style restaurant serving hearty German and Ruhr classics in a lively, rustic setting near the city centre.
Haus Lüttinghof
Well-known local venue for classic German dishes and seasonal plates, with a relaxed atmosphere suited to a traditional meal.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay manageable for most 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
- €2.50-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés for good service.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.80
- Day pass
- €8.10
To the city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf -> Bahnhofstraße, Gelsenkirchen
- Distance
- 350 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Use VRR fares for Gelsenkirchen local travel; a Preisstufe A ticket covers trips within the city.
- At larger stations and customer centres, digital ticket purchase is available via the VRR App. Card or contactless acceptance on board is not confirmed from the official sources reviewed.
FAQs: Essen to Gelsenkirchen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Gelsenkirchen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £6.
The train journey from Essen to Gelsenkirchen covers a distance of 10 km and takes approximately 11m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Essen to Gelsenkirchen is 10 km.
The first train from Essen to Gelsenkirchen leaves at 0:12.
The last train from Essen to Gelsenkirchen departs at 21:23.
Trains from Essen to Gelsenkirchen run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Essen to Gelsenkirchen.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Gelsenkirchen. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
To get from Essen to Gelsenkirchen, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Essen to Gelsenkirchen.
The train station in Essen that goes to Gelsenkirchen is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Gelsenkirchen is by train, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Essen to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen is not particularly known for being scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas typical of the Ruhr region in Germany.
Yes, a day trip from Essen to Gelsenkirchen is feasible. The journey takes 11m and covers 10 km, with a frequency of 2 trains per day.
Two to three days in Gelsenkirchen should be sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Veltins-Arena, the Zoom Erlebniswelt zoo, and nearby industrial heritage sites.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Gelsenkirchen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Gelsenkirchen
Most Essen to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Essen Hbf to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Use this guide to compare Essen and Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen
Which Essen station do trains to Gelsenkirchen leave from?
Trains from Essen to Gelsenkirchen 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
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-BergeborbeckEssen-Bergeborbeck, Hafenstr. 7-11, 45356 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen-Bergeborbeck from Essen city centre
Essen-Bergeborbeck is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
BusNe16, 166 · 12m · £3 · every ~6 min
196, Ne12 · 23m · every ~6 min
Tram106 · 29m · every ~10 min
Essen-Bergeborbeck train station facilities and services
Essen-Bergeborbeck 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: Italia 2010, Grillimbis Patris, Abu Tayyeb Grill, Imbißstube Kapadokya
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Bergeborbeck. ATMs are available at Essen-Bergeborbeck.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Bergeborbeck. Information desks are available at Essen-Bergeborbeck.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Bergeborbeck. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Bergeborbeck: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Bergeborbeck: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Bergeborbeck.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Leckebusch GmbH.
Which Gelsenkirchen station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Gelsenkirchen most often arrive at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Some services arrive at Wanne-Eickel Hbf, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Gelsenkirchen arrival station.
Gelsenkirchen HbfGelsenkirchen Hbf, Bahnhofsvorplatz 10, 45879 Gelsenkirchen
City-centre transport
Getting to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
BusE51, 382, 348 · 12m · every ~10 min
Gelsenkirchen Hbf train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen 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: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Wanne-Eickel HbfWanne-Eickel Hbf, Heinz-Rühmann-Platz 1, 44649 Herne
City-centre transport
Getting to Wanne-Eickel Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRb, Re · 4m · £2 · every ~4 min
BusRe42x, Re42, S2, Rb32 · 18m · £4
E40, 340 · 21m · every ~5 min
Wanne-Eickel Hbf train station facilities and services
Wanne-Eickel Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Gelsenkirchen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Gelsenkirchen and Essen
Most popular train connections to Gelsenkirchen
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