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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Hamburg
Showing times and prices for 28 Nov
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£64
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
2 h 55 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
311 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Hamburg will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Fast trains
Of the 20 trains that leave Essen for Hamburg every day 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 2 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 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+
FlixBus17:046h51
Essen Hbf23:55Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport
£231One-way
1 change
FlixTrain07:553h00
Essen Hbf10:55Hamburg Harburg
£481One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain07:553h13
Essen Hbf11:08Hamburg Hbf
£481One-way
0 changes
ICE 20808:003h14
Essen Hbf11:14Hamburg Hbf
£551One-way
0 changes
ICE 103016:572h52
Essen Hbf19:49Hamburg Hbf
£611One-way
0 changes
ICE 102013:002h51
Essen Hbf15:51Hamburg Hbf
£831One-way
0 changes
ICE 92815:002h51
Essen Hbf17:51Hamburg Hbf
£831One-way
0 changes
ICE 103016:572h52
Essen Hbf19:49Hamburg Hbf
£611One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain15:552h59
Essen Hbf18:54Hamburg Harburg
£661One-way
0 changes
FlixTrain07:553h00
Essen Hbf10:55Hamburg Harburg
£481One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train 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 prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a flight costs an average of £64.
Distance: 311 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£26 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £195 Average Price |
3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 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 |
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 Hamburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Hamburg trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 07:02
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 616 | Delayed 08:16 08:00Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 11:22 11:22Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 2310 | On time 08:54 Essen Hbf | 3h05 | 11:59 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 2341 · IC 2441 · ICE 882 | Delayed 09:13 09:00Essen Hbf | 3h54 | 12:54 Hamburg Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 614 | On time 09:56 Essen Hbf | 3h18 | 13:14 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1022 · ICE 614 | Delayed 10:09 10:00Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 13:14 Hamburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| FlixTrain | 14:55 Essen Hbf | 3h12 | 18:07 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 14:55 Essen Hbf | 2h59 | 17:54 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 28 November | |||||
| FlixTrain | 06:55 Essen Hbf | 3h00 | 09:55 Hamburg Harburg | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixTrain | 06:55 Essen Hbf | 3h13 | 10:08 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 208 | 07:00 Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 10:14 Hamburg Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Hamburg by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
Fri
28 Nov
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
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30 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Hamburg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Hamburg run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 311 km distance in 2h 59m.
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 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 2h 59m |
First train 00:03 |
Last train 23:56 |
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 from Essen to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain 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
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
£43
Deutsche Bahn frequency
15 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
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
£11
FlixTrain frequency
3 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
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.
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, there is a direct train between Essen and Hamburg. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
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 day trip from Essen to Hamburg is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 59m. However, trains run frequently, with 15 trips per day.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Hamburg can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £26.
The train distance from Essen to Hamburg is 311 km.
To get from Essen to Hamburg, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Hamburg is by coach, costing approximately £13.
The train journey from Essen to Hamburg covers a distance of 311 km and takes approximately 2h 59m. Trains run 15 per day.
The first train from Essen to Hamburg leaves at 0:03.
The train station in Essen that goes to Hamburg is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Hamburg Hbf.
The last train from Essen to Hamburg departs at 23:56.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Hamburg.
Trains from Essen to Hamburg run approximately 15 times per day.
There is no night train service from Essen to Hamburg.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Hamburg
Essen
Hamburg
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Hamburg.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen-Steele
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
Hotel
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Essen-Hügel
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Parkhaus Hügel
- Cafe au Lac
- ETUF
- LUJO
Hotel
- Parkhaus Hügel
Essen-Kray Nord
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Haus Gantenberg
- Wolperding
- Athena
- Porky Grill
Hotel
- Alte Lohnhalle
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
7 kmDining
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
Hotel
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
The major train station for arrivals in Hamburg is Hamburg-Harburg. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Hamburg-Harburg for your journey to Hamburg from Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
Hotel
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
Hamburg Airport
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
6 kmDining
- McDonald's
- St. Pauli
- Scoom
- McCafé
Hotel
- Leonardo Inn Airport
Hamburg Dammtor
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Hunt Coffee
- Haerlin
- Gran Sasso
- Double Coffee
Hotel
- Hotel Hanseatin
- Renaissance
- Hotel Preuß
- Hotel Amsterdam
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
Information Desk
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
Hotel
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:30 - 18:30
Distance to city center
15 kmDining
- Casa Vecchia
- Burger Lounge
- Il mío
- Olivo
Hotel
- Sachsentor
- Hotel Hanseat
Hamburg-Harburg Rathaus
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
12 kmDining
- Café Bom Dia
- Oktober Harburg
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
Hotel
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
Hamburg Hbf (S-Bahn)
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 km
Number of platforms
14Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Kirchenallee and Steintorwall.
Dining
- Block House
- Schweinske
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €1
Hotel
- Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg
- Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-14 for long-distance trains
- Hall 3: U-Bahn connections
Public transport options for Hamburg Hbf (S-Bahn)
- U-Bahn: Line U1, Line U2, Line U3
- S-Bahn: Line S1, Line S2, Line S3
- Bus: Several lines available
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
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