Essen to Hamburg train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sun 12 Jul
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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  • Deutsche BahnICE 618
    7:003h15
    Essen Hbf
    10:15Hamburg Hbf
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 2214
    6:033h07
    Essen Hbf
    9:10Hamburg Hbf
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1028
    4:593h19
    Essen Hbf
    8:18Hamburg Hbf
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    17:563h12
    Essen Hbf
    21:08Hamburg Hbf
    £451One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    17:562h59
    Essen Hbf
    20:55Hamburg Harburg
    £451One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Essen to Hamburg

The cheapest option from Essen to Hamburg is coach, with an average price of £23. Omio recommends booking the train, as it is the most popular option from Essen to Hamburg among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg.

Distance: 311 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£39

Average Price

£23

Average Price

Cheapest option

£212

Average Price

3h 44m

Average total duration

3h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 14m

Average total duration

4h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest option

1h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.9 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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 Hamburg train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Hamburg trains for today, Saturday 11 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 920
Delayed
1:06 3:06Essen Hbf
3h44
5:22 5:22Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Sunday 12 July
Deutsche BahnICE 1028
On time
4:59 Essen Hbf
3h19
8:18 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 2214
On time
6:03 Essen Hbf
3h07
9:10 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 618
On time
7:00 Essen Hbf
3h15
10:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 543 · ICE 686
Delayed
7:19 Essen Hbf
3h38
9:22 9:22Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 206
On time
8:00 Essen Hbf
3h15
11:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 2310
On time
8:35 Essen Hbf
3h11
11:46 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn26809 · ICE 616
Delayed
8:52 Essen Hbf
3h23
10:22 10:22Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2306 · ICE 616
Delayed
8:57 Essen Hbf
3h18
10:22 10:22Hamburg Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1036
On time
9:34 Essen Hbf
3h17
12:51 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 204
On time
10:00 Essen Hbf
3h15
13:15 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnICE 1022
On time
11:03 Essen Hbf
2h46
13:49 Hamburg Hbf
0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain11:56 Essen Hbf
2h59
14:55 Hamburg Harburg0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain11:56 Essen Hbf
3h12
15:08 Hamburg Hbf0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain17:56 Essen Hbf
3h12
21:08 Hamburg Hbf0 changesdirect
FlixTrainFlixTrain17:56 Essen Hbf
2h59
20:55 Hamburg Harburg0 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.

Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul

Why should you book Essen to Hamburg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or 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 FlixTrain or 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Hamburg

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Typically, there are 11 trains per day from Essen to Hamburg, including 7 direct trains, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 311 km distance in 2h 39m.

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 £13
Distance
311 km
Average train duration
3h 14m
Lowest ticket price
£16
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
2h 39m
First train
0:03
Last train
23:56
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 days
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 £13

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Hamburg from £13. 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 Duration
2h 39m
Cheapest Price
£16
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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.
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

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
2h 59m
Cheapest Price
£21
FlixTrain frequency
4 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 Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Price
£54
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
17 a day

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.

FAQs
The train distance from Essen to Hamburg is 311 km.
The first train from Essen to Hamburg leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Essen to Hamburg departs at 23:56.
Trains from Essen to Hamburg run approximately 11 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Hamburg. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, 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 Hbf, and it arrives at Hamburg Hbf.
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 range of scenery, including industrial landscapes, quaint villages, and verdant countryside, providing a pleasant and varied view for travellers.
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 Hbf 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 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 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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 WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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 · £0.89 · 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.

Food and drink

Food options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include McDreams.

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus

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

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