FRANKFURT AM MAIN to ESSEN train from £7 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Oct

Cheapest price on 29 Oct

£45

Average ticket price on 29 Oct

£62

Fastest journey on 29 Oct

2 h 35 m

Average journey duration on 29 Oct

3 h 2 m

Trains on 29 Oct

Distance

190 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main 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 to Essen will cost around £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.

Fast trains

To travel from Frankfurt am Main to Essen you need to make at least 2 changes.

33091+31325+15112
12:204h07
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
16:27Essen Hbf
£451One-way
2 changes
99121 · IC 1645 · 17346 · 30993
12:384h09
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
16:47Essen Hbf
£511One-way
3 changes
ICE 724 · S6+24336
11:572h35
Frankfurt South station
14:32Essen Hbf
£591One-way
2 changes
S8 · ICE 722 · S6
12:472h45
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
15:32Essen Hbf
£721One-way
2 changes
S9 · ICE 314 · 26821 · S6
12:023h10
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
15:12Essen Hbf
£721One-way
3 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen

Germany

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 190 km distance in 1h 50m.

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

Distance

190 km

Average train duration

2h 39m

Cheapest ticket price

£7

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

1h 50m

First train

0:01

Last train

23:48

Cheapest Month

Jun

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Fri

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Frequently asked questions about your Frankfurt am Main to Essen trip

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

The cost of a train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £66.

The train journey from Frankfurt am Main to Essen covers a distance of 190 km and takes approximately 1h 50m. Trains run 9 per day.

The train distance from Frankfurt am Main to Essen is 190 km.

The first train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen leaves at 0:01.

The last train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen departs at 23:48.

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen run approximately 9 times per day.

Yes, there is a direct train between Frankfurt am Main and Essen. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.

Live departures

Frankfurt am Main to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Essen trains for today, Wednesday 28 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
ICE 18 · 26809 · S6	On time 6:19 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h53	9:12 Essen Hbf	2 changes
IC 2241 · 17322 · 30391	On time 6:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h04	10:47 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 824 · S6	On time 6:55 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h37	9:32 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 220 · S6	On time 7:32 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h40	10:12 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 1022 · 17326 · 30393	On time 7:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h04	11:47 Essen Hbf	2 changes
S8 · ICE 1014 · S6	7:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h45	10:32 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 1014 · S6+24318	On time 7:57 Frankfurt South station	2h35	10:32 Essen Hbf	2 changes
S8 · ICE 316 · 26813 · S6	8:04 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	3h08	11:12 Essen Hbf	3 changes
Bus RE34+15108+31317	8:20 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h07	12:27 Essen Hbf	2 changes
4491 · IC 1049 · 17330 · 30395	8:38 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h09	12:47 Essen Hbf	3 changes
S8 · ICE 820 · S6	8:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h45	11:32 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 820 · S6+24322	Delayed 8:22 8:57Frankfurt South station	2h35	11:32 Essen Hbf	2 changes
4254 · ICE 1012 · S6	9:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h43	11:52 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 128 · S6	On time 9:36 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h36	12:12 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 1020 · 17334 · 30397	On time 9:43 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h04	13:47 Essen Hbf	2 changes
S8 · ICE 202 · S9	9:47 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h53	12:40 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 728 · S6+24330	Delayed 9:13 9:57Frankfurt South station	2h35	12:32 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 728 · S6	10:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h24	12:32 Essen Hbf	1 change
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Deutsche Bahn as well as Hessische Landesbahn or FlixTrain offer trains services from Frankfurt am Main to Essen.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Frankfurt am Main 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 Hessische Landesbahn or FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main 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 to Essen.

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 Frankfurt am Main to Essen.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Frankfurt am Main to Essen

The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.

Advantages

Comfort

Equipment (wifi, sockets)

Cleanliness

Disadvantages

Price

My train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Essen was really great! The comfort on the train was top, and the equipment with wifi and sockets made the journey really pleasant. I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the train, everything was tidy. But yes, the price was admittedly not exactly cheap. But, if you are willing to spend a bit more to travel in comfort, then this train ticket is definitely the right choice. I would book it again despite the price because the comfort and facilities were just great.

Advantages

Direct connection

Speed

Service

Disadvantages

Frequency

Capacity utilisation

Cleanliness

My journey from Frankfurt to Essen went without a hitch. The direct connection is comfortable, fast and the service on board on the day of travel was top class. On the negative side, the occupancy rate was high during my journey and the cleanliness in one of the compartments was in part worthy of criticism. Also, the train only runs every 2 hours as a direct connection. All in all, I am very satisfied with my journey from Frankfurt to Essen and would use the train again in the future,

Advantages

Everything works well

Good connection

Disadvantages

The train was unfortunately very full

The staff was overwhelmed

The ICE had wifi and also a power socket. The seats were comfortable, the noise level was OK, we didn't use the catering. The toilet was okay, but not particularly clean. The ICE was on time and the price-performance ratio was okay. We got our connecting train. The travel connection was fast. It is better to travel by train than by car.

Advantages

Fast connection

Comfortable travel

Disadvantages

Cold

As with the outward journey, the return journey was also satisfactory. Fast connection without changing trains, which made the journey very pleasant. Unfortunately, it was again a bit chilly on the train and the conductor was not in a particularly good mood either. But not every day is the same. The wifi connection held up for the most part and the train was relatively clean.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Hessische Landesbahn from Frankfurt am Main to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Hessische Landesbahn trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Essen from £7. 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 50m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

£7

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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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 FlixTrain Duration

8h 10m

Cheapest FlixTrain Price

£15

FlixTrain frequency

1 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

Hessische Landesbahn

About

Hessische Landesbahn (HLB) is a regional transport company owned by the German state of Hesse, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. It provides extensive bus and rail passenger transport services within Hesse and extends its operations into neighboring states like Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Thuringia. HLB operates as a holding company with subsidiaries managing rail services (HLB Hessenbahn GmbH), bus services (HLB Hessenbus GmbH), and infrastructure/vehicle resources (HLB Basis AG). Their diverse fleet includes modern train types such as Stadler FLIRT, Alstom LINT, and Coradia Continental trains. Tickets from Deutsche Bahn are also valid on HLB trains.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Hessische Landesbahn Duration

3h 50m

Cheapest Hessische Landesbahn Price

£44

Hessische Landesbahn frequency

2 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage free of charge

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Snack and beverage service available on some routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available for an additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require a ticket and must be leashed

Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Frankfurt am Main 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 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 journey from Frankfurt am Main to Essen by train offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the Rhine River, industrial landscapes, and picturesque countryside, especially in the initial and final stretches of the journey.

FAQs: Frankfurt am Main to Essen train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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 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 to Essen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Frankfurt am Main and Essen

Most Frankfurt am Main 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 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

Which Frankfurt am Main station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen leave from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. The station is 2 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre at Im Hauptbahnhof, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Frankfurt (Main) HbfIm Hauptbahnhof, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Frankfurt am Main city centre

Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS9, S8, S6, S5, S4, S3, S2, S1 · 5m · £1 · every ~51 min

BusN5, N12, N4 · 5m · every ~1 min

Tram18, 14, 12, 11 · 6m · £3 · every ~38 min

SubwayU5, U4 · 4m · £3 · every ~39 min

Frankfurt (Main) Hbf train station facilities and services

Frankfurt (Main) 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: asiagourmet, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.

More about Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Frankfurt Flughafen FernbfFrankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof, 60549 Frankfurt am Main, Germany+49 69 2651055 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf from Frankfurt am Main city centre

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainIce · 11m · £2

Trn · 12m · £3

S8, S9 · 19m · £3 · every ~5 min

BusS8e · 28m · £6

X61, 61 · 41m · every ~13 min

61, X61 · 42m · every ~13 min

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf train station facilities and services

Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.