FRANKFURT AM MAIN AIRPORT to ESSEN train from £12 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

2,000+ travel companies

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov

Cheapest price on 02 Nov: £20
Average ticket price on 02 Nov: £49
Fastest journey on 02 Nov: 1 h 41 m
Average journey duration on 02 Nov: 1 h 59 m
Trains on 02 Nov: 10
Distance: 191 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.

Fast trains

On Mon 02 Nov, we found 10 trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen, including 10 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 191 km distance in an average of 1 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 41 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 20 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.

7:26 2h20
Frankfurt am Main Airport
9:46
Essen
£20
1 One-way
0 changes
5:59 3h03
Frankfurt am Main Airport
9:02
Essen
£27
1 One-way
0 changes
6:26 2h20
Frankfurt am Main Airport
8:46
Essen
£29
1 One-way
0 changes
7:22 1h41
Frankfurt am Main Airport
9:03
Essen
£36
1 One-way
0 changes
6:59 3h03
Frankfurt am Main Airport
10:02
Essen
£37
1 One-way
0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen

Germany

Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 08:22. The fastest train covers the 191 km distance in 1h 38m.

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 £12

Distance

191 km

Average train duration

2h 13m

Cheapest ticket price

£16

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

1h 38m

First train

5:59

Last train

8:22

Cheapest Month

May

Cheapest Day

Mon

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Sun

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £12

Frequently asked questions about your Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.

The cost of a train ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £53.

The train journey from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen covers a distance of 191 km and takes approximately 1h 38m. Trains run 14 per day.

The train distance from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen is 191 km.

The first train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen leaves at 5:59.

The last train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen departs at 8:22.

Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen run approximately 14 times per day.

Yes, there is a direct train between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.

Live departures

Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
IC 2441 · ICE 204	On time 6:58 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	3h05	10:03 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 824	Delayed 7:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h43	8:07 8:07Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 220 · ICE 1036	Delayed 6:46 7:32Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h01	9:33 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 1022	On time 7:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	3h03	11:02 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 204	On time 8:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h36	9:58 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 316 · 26813	On time 8:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h02	10:50 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 614 · ICE 1022	On time 9:10 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h52	11:02 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 820	On time 9:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h46	11:08 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 128 · 26815	On time 9:46 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h04	11:50 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 1020	On time 9:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h59	12:58 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 728	Delayed 9:14 10:11Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h46	11:57 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 202	On time 10:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h36	11:58 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 16 · 26817	On time 10:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h02	12:50 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 612 · ICE 1020	On time 11:10 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h48	12:58 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 726	On time 11:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h45	13:07 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 1010	On time 11:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h41	13:22 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 26 · ICE 912	On time 17:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	3h23	21:22 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 104	Delayed 17:22 18:11Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h47	19:58 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 622	Delayed 18:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h40	19:04 19:04Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
S8 · IC 2349 · 26737	18:30 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	3h41	22:11 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 10 · 26833	On time 18:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h02	20:50 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 620	On time 19:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h40	21:02 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 912	On time 19:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h41	21:22 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 120 · 26835	On time 19:48 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h02	21:50 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 24 · 89741	On time 19:59 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	3h28	23:27 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 528 · 26737	On time 20:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h49	22:11 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 318 · 26837	On time 20:29 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h21	22:50 Essen Hbf	1 change
S8 · IC 2347 · ICE 1541 · 89743	20:30 Frankfurt am Main Flughafen	3h57	0:27 Essen Hbf	3 changes
ICE 526 · 10175	On time 21:22 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	1h52	23:14 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 910 · 26839	On time 21:41 Frankfurt Airport long-distance station	2h09	23:50 Essen Hbf	1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Regional or Intercity offer trains services from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.

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 Regional or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Regional or Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Regional, Intercity from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Regional, Intercity trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen from £12. 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

1h 38m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

£16

Deutsche Bahn frequency

58 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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Intercity

About

Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \InterCity\" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, \"Intercity\" or \"IC\" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph)."

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Intercity Duration

2h 48m

Cheapest Intercity Price

£25

Intercity frequency

3 a day

Luggage included

2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages

Cancellation Policy

According to ticket conditions

Refund

Full refund provided

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.

Seat reservation

Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket

Quiet zone

Learn more about Intercity

Regional

About

The term \Regional\" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, \"Regionalbahn\" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services."

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Regional Duration

1h 52m

Cheapest Regional Price

£25

Regional frequency

7 a day

Luggage included

Standard luggage allowance included with ticket

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Refunds according to ticket type and conditions

Refund

Full refund if service is canceled

Amenities on board the train

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a night train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.

Complete guide to Essen

Things to do in Essen

Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.

Must visit

Museum Folkwang

Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Ruhr Museum

Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Red Dot Design Museum

Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are often slightly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range: €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: €60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change or rounding up is customary.

Plan your visit to Essen

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Essen.

The train journey from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through picturesque regions like the Rhine Valley with its charming landscapes, vineyards, and historic castles along the way.

FAQs: Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen train

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

Booking trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.

Yes, you can take the train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen

Most Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trains use the Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Frankfurt am Main

Arrival train stations in Essen

Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen Wifi

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.

More about Essen Hbf

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.

Essen-AltenessenEssen-Altenessen, Hövelstraße 8, 45326 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Altenessen from Essen city centre

Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

BusNe1 · 8m

Tram108 · 10m · every ~10 min

SubwayU11, U17 · 4m · every ~18 min

U17, U11 · 6m · every ~18 min

Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services

Essen-Altenessen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.