- Must visit
Autostadt
Large interactive car museum run by Volkswagen. It combines historic vehicles, design and themed exhibitions in a striking modern setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Wolfsburg
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Sept
Cheapest price on 13 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 13 Sept
£54
Fastest journey on 13 Sept
2 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 13 Sept
2 h 42 m
Trains on 13 Sept
1
Distance
280 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Wolfsburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Wolfsburg will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
Fast trains
On Sun 13 Sept, we found 1 trains from Essen to Wolfsburg, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 280 km distance in an average of 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
7:212h42Essen10:03Wolfsburg£541One-way0 changes
- 7:212h42Essen10:03Wolfsburg£541One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Essen to Wolfsburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Wolfsburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 280 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Wolfsburg is a coach with an average price of £19.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Wolfsburg:
A coach is £20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Wolfsburg costing on average £40.
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Wolfsburg is by train with an average journey time of 2h 48m.
Other travel options to Wolfsburg take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Wolfsburg including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 54m faster (2h 48m by train vs 3h 42m by car) and roughly £5 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£40 vs £44). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Essen to Wolfsburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Wolfsburg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:19 Essen | 2h49 | 12:08 Wolfsburg | 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 Wolfsburg 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.
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
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18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Why should you book Essen to Wolfsburg trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Wolfsburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Wolfsburg.
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 Wolfsburg.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Wolfsburg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Wolfsburg.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Wolfsburg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Wolfsburg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 280 km distance in 2h 43m.
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 £19
Distance 280 km |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:20 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 4 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 £19
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Wolfsburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Wolfsburg from £19. 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
2h 43m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£40
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
2h 42m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£54
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Wolfsburg
Things to do in Wolfsburg
Discover the best of Wolfsburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wolfsburg trip today.
- Must visit
phaeno
Science centre with hands-on exhibits for all ages. It is popular for architecture, experiments and a playful approach to technology.
- Recommended
Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg
Art museum focusing on modern and contemporary exhibitions. It is a strong cultural stop for changing shows in a minimalist building.
- Must visit
Allerpark
Lakeside parkland with broad paths, art, water views and seasonal events. It is one of the city’s best areas for an easy walk or break outdoors.
- Recommended
Altstadt Fallersleben
Historic quarter with timber-framed buildings, small lanes and a market square. It offers a more traditional side of Wolfsburg beyond the modern centre.
- Recommended
Willy-Brandt-Platz
Prominent urban square by the station, phaeno and Autostadt. It works well as a starting point for modern architecture and city walks.
Grünkohl mit Bregenwurst
Hearty kale stew from Lower Saxony, traditionally cooked with smoked sausage and potatoes; a cold-season classic across the region around Wolfsburg.
Spargel mit Kartoffeln
Asparagus from nearby Lower Saxony, usually served in spring with potatoes, ham, hollandaise or melted butter; a prized seasonal local favourite.
Kartoffelpuffer
Crisp potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or savoury sides. They are widely eaten in northern Germany and common at regional markets.
Terra – The Lounge
Established restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, known for refined grill dishes, steaks and polished hotel dining.
Brauhaus Fallersleben
Traditional brewery restaurant in Wolfsburg serving German classics and house beers in a lively, rustic setting.
Alter Wolf
Well-known local restaurant with hearty German cooking and a convivial pub-style atmosphere in the Fallersleben area.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are fairly priced, and local transport is manageable; cheaper than Munich or Hamburg for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.20 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is normal in restaurants. Round up for taxis, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
WVG Fahrplan-App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.20
- Day pass
- €6.40
To the city centre
Wolfsburg Hbf -> ZOB Wolfsburg
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Buy tickets in the WVG Fahrplan-App before boarding; the official WVG ticket overview lists single and day tickets for Wolfsburg.
- Wolfsburg local public transport is operated by buses. For route planning and mobile tickets, use the official WVG Fahrplan-App.
FAQs: Essen to Wolfsburg train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Wolfsburg 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 Wolfsburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Wolfsburg can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train journey from Essen to Wolfsburg covers a distance of 280 km and takes approximately 2h 43m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Essen to Wolfsburg is 280 km.
The first train from Essen to Wolfsburg leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Essen to Wolfsburg departs at 23:20.
Trains from Essen to Wolfsburg run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Wolfsburg. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Essen to Wolfsburg, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Essen to Wolfsburg.
The train station in Essen that goes to Wolfsburg is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Wolfsburg Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Wolfsburg is by coach, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Essen to Wolfsburg 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 Wolfsburg offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the industrial Ruhr area transitioning into more scenic countryside, but it is not typically considered one of the most scenic routes in Germany.
A day trip from Essen to Wolfsburg is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 43m one way. There are 13 trains per day covering a distance of 280 km.
For a fulfilling experience in Wolfsburg, plan for two to three days to explore its key attractions such as the Volkswagen Autostadt, the Phaeno Science Centre, and the Kunstmuseum.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Wolfsburg.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Wolfsburg
Most Essen to Wolfsburg trains use the Essen Hbf to Wolfsburg Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Wolfsburg 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 Wolfsburg
Which Essen station do trains to Wolfsburg leave from?
Trains from Essen to Wolfsburg 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 SüdEssen Süd, Rellinghauser Str.175, 45136 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS6 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 10m · £3
Tram105 · 9m · every ~10 min
Essen Süd train station facilities and services
Essen Süd 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, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Kettwig StauseeKettwig Stausee, Werdener Str. 77, 45219 Essen-Kettwig
City-centre transport
Getting to Kettwig Stausee from Essen city centre
Kettwig Stausee is 12 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS6 · 17m · £4 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 26m · £5 · every ~2 min
S6 · 36m · £5 · every ~2 min
Kettwig Stausee train station facilities and services
Kettwig Stausee 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: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Copper Irish Pub, Giulia
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig Stausee. ATMs are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig Stausee. Information desks are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig Stausee. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kettwig Stausee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kettwig Stausee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Henning.
Which Wolfsburg station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Wolfsburg arrive at Wolfsburg Hbf. Wolfsburg Hbf is 1 km from Wolfsburg city centre.
Wolfsburg HbfWolfsburg Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, 38440 Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg Hbf train station facilities and services
Wolfsburg 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: Lagune Foodhalls, Chardonnay, Bar BQ, Cafe & Bar Celona
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Wolfsburg Hbf. ATMs are available at Wolfsburg Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Wolfsburg Hbf. Information desks are available at Wolfsburg Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Wolfsburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Wolfsburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Wolfsburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Wolfsburg Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Goldene Henne, Internationales Boardinghaus(Penthouse Hotel), Hotel Niedersachsen, City Hotel Journal.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Wolfsburg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Wolfsburg and Essen
Most popular train connections to Wolfsburg
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