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Essen to London train with National Express

Sat 17 Jan
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Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to London

Showing times and prices for 18 Jan

Cheapest price

£148

Average price

£264

Fastest journey

6 h 48 m

Average duration

7 h 17 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

494 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to London will cost around £264 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £148.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Essen for London every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 494 km distance in an average of 7 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 48 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 58 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.

Deutsche Bahn
09:597h58
Essen
17:57London
£1481One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:096h48
Essen
12:57London
£2951One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:217h06
Essen
13:27London
£3501One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Essen to London

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, and a train costs an average of £96.

Distance: 494 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£222

Average Price

£86

Average Price

£80

Average Price

Cheapest

6h 3m

Average total duration

5h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 35m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

16h 28m

Average total duration

15h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

-

CO2 emissions

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Essen to London train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to London trains for tomorrow, Sunday 18 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 18:34
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn06:09 Essen
6h48
12:57 London0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn06:21 Essen
7h06
13:27 London0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn09:59 Essen
7h58
17:57 London0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to London 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.

Sun
18 Jan
Mon
19 Jan
Tue
20 Jan
Wed
21 Jan
Thu
22 Jan
Fri
23 Jan
Sat
24 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to London

GermanyGermany
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to London run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £96 but you can travel from only £21 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 02:09, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 494 km distance in 6h 44m.

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
Flight from £21
Distance
494 km
Average train duration
5h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
£96
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
6h 44m
First train
02:09
Last train
22:00
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
Flight from £21

Train companies: National Express, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn from Essen to London trainsNational Express, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and London from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Eurostar

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 48m
Cheapest Price
£239
Eurostar frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
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
12h 20m
Cheapest Price
£194
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.
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

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 48m
Cheapest Price
£185
National Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.

Deutsche Bahn Trains from Essen to London

+

Deutsche Bahn is Germany's leading train company, running 40,000 train journeys every day. Deutsche Bahn has a wide range of tickets, offers and discount cards such as the BahnCard. Check if you can use it on the Deutsche Bahn trains from Essen to London. For more information on ticket cancellation, please visit our customer service centre.

Deutsche Bahn has different types of trains such as ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regional Rail) based on travel time and comfort. Toilets are available on all trains and some of them have an onboard restaurant or access to Wi-Fi.

At Omio, you can easily check the train schedule from Essen to London and book cheap Deutsche Bahn tickets.


More information: Deutsche Bahn
More information: Trains in Germany
More information: Trains
More information: Cheap train tickets
More information: High-speed trains

FAQs: Essen to London train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to London can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £96, while the average price tends to be around £222.
The train journey from Essen to London covers a distance of 494 km and takes approximately 6h 44m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Essen to London is 494 km.
The first train from Essen to London leaves at 2:09.
The last train from Essen to London departs at 22:00.
Trains from Essen to London run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Essen to London.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Essen to London.
To get from Essen to London, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Essen to London.
The train station in Essen that goes to London is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at London St Pancras International (STP).
The cheapest way to get from Essen to London is by flight, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Essen to London 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 London offers diverse scenery, including the industrial landscapes of the Ruhr region, charming Dutch countryside, and the picturesque Kent countryside before reaching the bustling cityscape of London.
A day trip from Essen to London is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 44m. Trains run 5 times per day.
In London, you can enjoy panoramic views from The London Eye, catch a theatrical production in the vibrant West End Theatre District, and explore the eclectic Camden Market. Take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park or visit the Tate Modern for contemporary art. Don't miss the British Museum's vast collection, the historic Tower of London, iconic Buckingham Palace, and the political landmarks of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. St. Paul's Cathedral offers architectural beauty and rich history.
For a first-time visitor to London, 3 to 4 days is usually sufficient to explore major attractions such as the British Museum, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the West End.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to London.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and London

Essen
London
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 London.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
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
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Kiepenkerl
  • Cafe Extrablatt
  • Tacos
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ambassador
  • Gästearpartment Dahl
  • WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
  • Motel One
Essen WestWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Pizzeria Don Camillo
  • Lindos
  • Zur Platte
  • Arman Döner
Hotel
Hotel
  • McDreams

Most popular train connections from Essen

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