FRANKFURT AM MAIN to ESSEN train from £14 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

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ICE 822
8:081h55
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
10:03Essen Hbf
£241One-way
0 changes
ICE 820
9:081h58
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
11:06Essen Hbf
£241One-way
0 changes
ICE 728
10:081h55
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
12:03Essen Hbf
£241One-way
0 changes
4254 · 28516 · ICE 1032
9:094h24
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
13:33Essen Hbf
£251One-way
2 changes
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
9:5810h50
Frankfurt South station
20:48Essen Hbf
£321One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Frankfurt am Main to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a flight costs an average of £92.

Distance: 190 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Flight
£67 Average Price	£20 Average Price Cheapest	£122 Average Price
3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions	0.6 - 1.1kg 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

Frankfurt am Main to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Essen trains for today, Wednesday 29 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
ICE 820	Delayed 7:13 9:08Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	1h58	11:06 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
4254 · 28516 · ICE 1032	On time 9:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h24	13:33 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 376 · 26716	Delayed 7:20 9:15Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h28	13:43 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 793 · ICE 202	Delayed 7:44 9:41Frankfurt South station	2h17	11:58 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 728	Delayed 10:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	1h55	10:05 10:05Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 726	On time 11:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	1h58	13:06 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
4256 · 28520 · 10223	11:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	4h28	15:37 Essen Hbf	2 changes
FlixTrain · FlixTrain	11:58 Frankfurt South station	8h50	20:48 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 724	Delayed 10:09 12:07Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	1h57	14:04 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 722	On time 13:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	1h54	15:02 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 797 · ICE 108	Delayed 11:47 13:41Frankfurt South station	2h17	15:58 Essen Hbf	1 change
ICE 720	On time 14:07 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	1h55	16:02 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
Thursday 30 July
ICE 822	On time 8:08 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	1h55	10:03 Essen Hbf	0 changesdirect
ICE 316 · 28510 · 10213	On time 8:16 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h21	10:37 Essen Hbf	2 changes
ICE 316 · 26813	On time 8:16 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf	2h34	10:50 Essen Hbf	1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main to Essen 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.

Thu
30 Jul

Fri
31 Jul

Sat
01 Aug

Sun
02 Aug

Mon
03 Aug

Tue
04 Aug

Wed
05 Aug

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

Deutsche Bahn as well as Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), vlexx and more 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) or vlexx 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 bus, train 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 bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main to Essen.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Frankfurt am Main to Essen?

The best time to book your train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Frankfurt am Main to Essen route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Frankfurt am Main to Essen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen.

Trains

from £31

Coaches

from £14

Flights

from £100

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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen

Germany

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

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 54m.

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 £14

Distance

190 km

Average train duration

3h 10m

Cheapest ticket price

£18

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

1h 54m

First train

0:01

Last train

23:48

Cheapest Month

Jun

Cheapest Day

Sun

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Fri

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

5 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £14

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), vlexx from Frankfurt am Main to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional), vlexx trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Essen from £14. 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

1h 54m

Cheapest Price

£18

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

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

Hessische Landesbahn frequency

1 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 54m

Cheapest Price

£45

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency

12 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

2h 3m

Cheapest Price

£54

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency

9 a day

vlexx

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 58m

Cheapest Price

£51

vlexx frequency

6 a day

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.

The cost of a train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £67.

The train journey from Frankfurt am Main to Essen covers a distance of 190 km and takes approximately 1h 54m. Trains run 10 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 10 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).

To get from Frankfurt am Main to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.

There is no night train service from Frankfurt am Main to Essen.

The train station in Frankfurt am Main that goes to Essen is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.

The cheapest way to get from Frankfurt am Main to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £14.

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.

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.

A day trip from Frankfurt am Main to Essen is feasible, with a travel time of 1h 54m and a total distance of 190 km. Trains run 13 times per day.

To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.

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.