- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Cheapest price on 20 Oct
£41
Average ticket price on 20 Oct
£57
Fastest journey on 20 Oct
2 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 20 Oct
3 h 24 m
Trains on 20 Oct
7
Distance
311 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg to Essen will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
To travel from Hamburg to Essen you need to make at least one change.
ICE 583 · ICE 644
ICE 783 · ICE 946
ICE 105 · 10120
ICE 515 · 10116
ICE 103 · 10112
ICE 1521 · S2
ICE 105 · 10120
ICE 515 · 10116
ICE 107 · 10128
ICE 103 · 10112Trains from Hamburg to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 311 km distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 · 10112 | On time 4:41 Hamburg Hbf | 3h33 | 8:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 515 · 10116 | On time 5:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h29 | 9:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 783 · ICE 946 | On time 6:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h36 | 9:37 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 105 · 10120 | On time 6:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h29 | 10:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 583 · ICE 644 | On time 7:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h39 | 10:40 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1521 · S2 | On time 8:11 Hamburg Hbf | 2h56 | 11:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 107 · 10128 | On time 8:42 Hamburg Hbf | 3h32 | 12:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg 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.

Most Hamburg to Essen trains use the Hamburg Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Hamburg and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg 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 options include: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg 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 options include: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Hamburg Airport is 6 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg Airport 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 options include: McDonald's, St. Pauli, Scoom, McCafé
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg Airport. ATMs are available at Hamburg Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Airport. Information desks are available at Hamburg Airport.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg Airport: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Airport.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Inn Airport.
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden 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 options include: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
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