The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Essen
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£44
Fastest journey
2 h 59 m
Average duration
3 h 7 m
Trains per day
8
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 £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Of the 8 trains that leave Hamburg for Essen every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 12 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.
FlixTrain
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FlixTrain
ICE 91 · ICE 944
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ICE 519Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Hamburg to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg 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 1h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a flight costs an average of £55.
Distance: 311 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£34 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £188 Average Price |
3h 43m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.9kg 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
Hamburg to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 91 · ICE 944 · RE 26712 | On time 07:02 Hamburg Hbf | 3h43 | 10:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 91 · ICE 944 · IC 2156 | Delayed 07:02 Hamburg Hbf | 3h36 | 10:39 10:39Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 107 | On time 07:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h13 | 10:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 07:49 Hamburg Hbf | 3h12 | 11:01 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 08:01 Hamburg Harburg | 3h00 | 11:01 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 519 | On time 08:46 Hamburg Hbf | 3h12 | 11:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 787 · ICE 942 · RE 26716 | On time 09:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 12:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain | 13:50 Hamburg Hbf | 3h10 | 17:00 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixTrain | 14:01 Hamburg Harburg | 2h59 | 17:00 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg 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.
06 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Essen
Trains from Hamburg to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 311 km distance in 2h 57m.
Distance 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 57m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Hamburg to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Hamburg 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
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
FAQs: Hamburg to Essen train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Hamburg and Essen
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Essino
- Schanzenbäcker
- Novum Hotel Belmondo Hamburg
- Mercure Hamburg City
- Eleazar Novum
- Terminus
- McDonald's
- St. Pauli
- Scoom
- McCafé
- Leonardo Inn Airport
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
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