1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
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Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Essen to Hamburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, while a flight costs an average of £158.
Distance: 443 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£140 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest | £158 Average Price | £49 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 50m Average total duration Fastest 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 30m Average total duration 12h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 10m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Hamburg is a coach with an average price of £34.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Hamburg:
A coach is £106 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Hamburg costing on average £140.
A coach is £124 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Hamburg costing on average £158.
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Hamburg is by train with an average journey time of 6h 20m.
Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 10m.
Coach takes on average 12h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Hamburg including taking a train, coach and flight.
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 £140 compared to roughly £49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-91.73. The journey takes 6h 20m versus 5h 41m 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
Essen to Hamburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Hamburg trains for today, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:37 Essen | 9h20 | 19:57 Hamburg | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Hamburg 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 Hamburg trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Hamburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Hamburg.
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 Essen to Hamburg.
- 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 Hamburg.
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 Hamburg.
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Hamburg
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
wifiDisadvantages
CleanlinessThe train journey from Essen to Hamburg was alright overall, but there was room for improvement in terms of comfort and cleanliness.The comfort during the journey was quite good. The seats were acceptable but not particularly comfortable for longer journeys. The availability of power outlets was limited but the wifi was stable. Cleanliness was OK but there were occasional spills that would have required more thorough cleaning.Train staff were polite but not particularly present. There were limited announcements and information about the next stops.The value for money of the train journey was reasonable. Ticket prices were fair, but there was potential for more comfort and improved cleanliness.
Advantages
HygieneDisadvantages
NoneI have absolutely nothing to criticise about the return journey. The train was very punctual and also kept very hygienic and clean. The benches were very comfortable and I could feel a sense of security. The staff always helped me with any questions I had and were very friendly. I rate the price-performance ratio as very good and I can give the train connection a positive review.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Hamburg
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Essen to Hamburg run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £125 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:46, the last at 18:46. The fastest train covers the 443 km distance in 7h 2m.
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 £33
Distance 443 km |
Average train duration 6h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £125 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 7h 2m |
First train 6:46 |
Last train 18:46 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 £33
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Hamburg from £33. 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
7h 2m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£125
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
What's included in each class
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
2nd Class
- Power plugs
- WC
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£54
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Hamburg
Things to do in Hamburg
Discover the best of Hamburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hamburg trip today.
- Must visit
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Major art museum with European painting, modern works and temporary exhibitions, all within walking distance of the main station.
- Recommended
Deichtorhallen Hamburg
Striking contemporary art gallery in the HafenCity area, showing rotating exhibitions in a modern waterside building.
- Recommended
Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg
Interactive maritime museum in a historic warehouse, covering ship models, navigation, naval history and global sea trade.
- Must visit
Speicherstadt
Historic warehouse district of canals, bridges and red-brick buildings. Ideal for walks, photography and easy access to nearby museums.
- Must visit
HafenCity
Modern waterfront quarter with promenades, architecture and public plazas. Good for walking between the Elbe, museums and concert hall.
- Must visit
Jungfernstieg
Long lakeside promenade by the Inner Alster, popular for strolling, boat views and classic city-centre scenery close to shops and arcades.
- Gluten-free
Finkenwerder Scholle
Hamburg’s pan-fried fillet of plaice, usually served with bacon, shrimps and potatoes. A classic North German fish dish tied to the port and nearby coast.
- Gluten-free
Birnen, Bohnen und Speck
A hearty stew of pears, beans and bacon, often with potatoes. It is a beloved late-summer Hamburg and northern German comfort dish.
Grünkohl mit Pinkel
Traditional North German kale stew cooked with sausages and pork, usually served with potatoes. A winter favourite in and around Hamburg.
Fischereihafen Restaurant
Historic fish restaurant by the harbour, known for classic Hamburg seafood and maritime atmosphere.
Rive
Well-known waterside restaurant focusing on northern German fish and seafood with a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Old Commercial Room
Traditional St Pauli restaurant serving northern German dishes such as Labskaus in a lively, old Hamburg setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller cities, but public transport is efficient and daily food options remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is customary but modest: round up or add 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, and leave small change in cafés.
hvv
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €4.10
- Day pass
- €8.20
To the city centre
Hamburg Hbf -> Rathausmarkt, Hamburg
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Buy single and day tickets in the hvv app or online shop for a 7% discount; the standard Hamburg AB single ticket is €4.10 and day ticket €8.20.
- On buses in Hamburg, cash is not accepted; you need the hvv app, a ticket machine, or the hvv Prepaid Card.
FAQs: Essen to Hamburg train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Hamburg can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £125, while the average price tends to be around £140.
The train journey from Essen to Hamburg covers a distance of 443 km and takes approximately 7h 2m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Essen to Hamburg is 443 km.
The first train from Essen to Hamburg leaves at 6:46.
The last train from Essen to Hamburg departs at 18:46.
Trains from Essen to Hamburg run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Hamburg. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Essen to Hamburg, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Essen to Hamburg.
The train station in Essen that goes to Hamburg is Essen station, and it arrives at Hamburg Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Hamburg is by coach, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Essen to Hamburg 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 Hamburg offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, featuring industrial areas, small towns, and stretches of countryside, though it is not particularly known for scenic views compared to more picturesque routes in Germany.
A day trip from Essen to Hamburg is not feasible as the journey takes 7h 2m. There are 6 trains per day for this route, covering a distance of 443 km.
In Hamburg, visitors can explore the vibrant nightlife of the Reeperbahn, take a scenic boat tour of the Port of Hamburg, and visit the lively Hamburg Fish Market. Discover the city's rich maritime history at the International Maritime Museum, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Alster Lakes, and visit top sights such as Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie, and Speicherstadt. St. Michael's Church offers sweeping views, while Planten un Blomen provides themed gardens and recreational activities.
A visit of three to four days is generally recommended to explore the main attractions in Hamburg, including the Miniatur Wunderland, the Elbphilharmonie, and the Port of Hamburg.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Hamburg.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Hamburg
Most Essen to Hamburg trains use the Essen to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Essen and Hamburg 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 Hamburg
Which Essen station do trains to Hamburg leave from?
Trains from Essen to Hamburg leave from Essen. The station is from Essen city centre at 2910 Essen, Belgium.
Essen2910 Essen, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen from Essen city centre
TrainIntercity · 3h 54m · £41 · every ~4 min
Ice · 4h 58m · £47
Bus023 · 4h 5m · £20
Essen train station facilities and services
Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Essen.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Essen.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.
Which Hamburg station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Hamburg most often arrive at Hamburg Hbf. Some services arrive at Hamburg-Harburg, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Hamburg arrival station.
Hamburg HbfHachmannplatz 16, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Hamburg Hbf from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS5, S3, S1 · 2m · £3 · every ~44 min
BusX35, 16, 606, 17, 6 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
SubwayU4, U2 · 1m · £2 · every ~33 min
Hamburg Hbf train station facilities and services
Hamburg 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: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Hamburg-HarburgHamburg-Harburg, Hannoversche Str. 85, 21079 Hamburg
City-centre transport
Getting to Hamburg-Harburg from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS3, S5 · 10m · £3 · every ~25 min
S3, S5 · 18m · £3 · every ~14 min
Bus641 · 24m · £3
Hamburg-Harburg train station facilities and services
Hamburg-Harburg 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: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Hamburg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hamburg and Essen
Most popular train connections to Hamburg
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