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The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen
Showing times and prices for 11 Dec
Cheapest price
£60
Average price
£66
Fastest journey
1 h 53 m
Average duration
2 h 3 m
Trains per day
4
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 £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £60.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Essen every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 16 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.
ICE 82208:091h53
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf10:02Essen Hbf
£601One-way
0 changes
ICE 16 · ICE 101209:342h06
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf11:40Essen Hbf
£601One-way
1 change
ICE 1656 · ICE 614 · ICE 102208:422h16
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf10:58Essen Hbf
£631One-way
2 changes
ICE 82009:091h56
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf11:05Essen Hbf
£811One-way
0 changes
ICE 82208:091h53
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf10:02Essen Hbf
£601One-way
0 changes
ICE 82009:091h56
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf11:05Essen Hbf
£811One-way
0 changes
ICE 16 · ICE 101209:342h06
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf11:40Essen Hbf
£601One-way
1 change
ICE 1656 · ICE 614 · ICE 102208:422h16
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf10:58Essen Hbf
£631One-way
2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach 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 £13. 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 £13, and a flight costs an average of £81.
Distance: 190 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£61 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £106 Average Price |
3h 44m Average total duration 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m 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 10 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 08:35
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:42 Frankfurt am Main | 3h16 | 12:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:27 Frankfurt am Main | 2h23 | 14:50 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:42 Frankfurt am Main | 4h08 | 21:50 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 11 December | |||||
| ICE 822 | On time 07:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h53 | 09:02 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 1656 · ICE 614 · ICE 1022 | On time 07:42 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h16 | 09:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| ICE 820 | On time 08:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h56 | 10:05 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
| ICE 16 · ICE 1012 | On time 08:34 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h06 | 10:40 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main to Essen by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
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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 £28Coaches
from £13Flights
from £92ReviewsReviews 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
ComfortEquipment (wifi, sockets)CleanlinessDisadvantages
PriceMy 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 connectionSpeedServiceDisadvantages
FrequencyCapacity utilisationCleanlinessMy 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 wellGood connectionDisadvantages
The train was unfortunately very fullThe staff was overwhelmedThe 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 connectionComfortable travelDisadvantages
ColdAs 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
GermanyGermany
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 190 km distance in 1h 53m.
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 £13
Distance 190 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 53m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:46 |
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 £13
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn from Frankfurt am Main to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Hessische Landesbahn trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main and Essen from £13. 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 53m
Cheapest Price
£18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
21 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.
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
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
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
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.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
A day trip from Frankfurt am Main to Essen is feasible, with a travel time of 1h 53m and a total distance of 190 km. Trains run 13 times per day.
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.
The train distance from Frankfurt am Main to Essen is 190 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Frankfurt am Main and Essen. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
The cost of a train ticket from Frankfurt am Main to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £61.
To get from Frankfurt am Main to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The train journey from Frankfurt am Main to Essen covers a distance of 190 km and takes approximately 1h 53m. Trains run 13 per day.
The first train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen leaves at 0:01.
The cheapest way to get from Frankfurt am Main to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £13.
The last train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen departs at 23:46.
The train station in Frankfurt am Main that goes to Essen is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen.
There is no night train service from Frankfurt am Main to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Frankfurt am Main and Essen
Frankfurt am Main
Essen
The major train station for departures in Frankfurt am Main is Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for your trip from Frankfurt am Main to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located in the main hall.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Burger King
- Ciao Bella
- Coffee Fellows
- Crepes de France Express
- dean&david
- Starbucks
- Uddin's Sky Sportsbar
- McDonald's
- Dunkin Donuts
- & many more
Accessibility
- Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Hotel Cristall
- Grand Hotel Empire
- Hotel Carlton
Information Desk
- Located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
10 kmDining
- Wunderbar
- Pizza Ciro
- Schiffsmeldestelle
- Mainod
Hotel
- Lindner Congress Hotel Frankfurt
- Parkside Hotel
- Höchster Hof
- Hotel am Schloss
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
10 km
Number of platforms
3Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Dining
- Restaurant Käfer's
- McDonald's
- Asia Snack Box
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €1
Hotel
- Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
- Hilton Frankfurt Airport
- Steigenberger Airport Hotel
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for regional and S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: access to airport terminals
Public transport options for Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf
- S-Bahn: Lines S8, S9
- Regional trains: RE2, RE3, RE59
- Bus: Several lines available
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Frankfurt am Main.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen-Steele
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
Hotel
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
Kettwig
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmDining
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
More options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Frankfurt am Main
Most popular train connections to Essen
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