- 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 05 Sept
£22
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£58
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
2 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
3 h 20 m
Trains on 05 Sept
16
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 £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
To travel from Hamburg to Essen you need to make at least one change.
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
FlixTrain+
FlixBus
ICE 615 · 10156
ICE 1021 · Bus RE1
ICE 613 · 10148
ICE 1521 · S2
ICE 109 · S2
ICE 201 · S2
ICE 519 · 10132
ICE 613 · 10148Omio 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 an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, while a flight costs an average of £146.
Distance: 311 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £27 Average Price Cheapest | £146 Average Price | £49 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 44m Average total duration 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Hamburg to Essen:
A coach is £1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hamburg to Essen costing on average £28.
A coach is £119 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hamburg to Essen costing on average £146.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 14m.
Coach takes on average 4h 41m.
The journey is about 1h 7m faster (3h 14m by train vs 4h 21m by car) and roughly £20 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£28 vs £49). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 205 · 26832 | Delayed 14:53 16:45Hamburg Hbf | 3h22 | 20:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 2215 | Delayed 16:54 17:12Hamburg Hbf | 3h11 | 19:57 19:57Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 617 · S2 | On time 17:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h22 | 21:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 885 · ICE 844 · 26732 | On time 18:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 21:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 207 · S2 | On time 18:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h22 | 22:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 685 · ICE 542 · S1 | On time 19:01 Hamburg Hbf | 4h04 | 23:05 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 619 · 10236 | On time 19:10 Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 23:21 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 777 · ICE 842 · S1 | On time 19:29 Hamburg Hbf | 4h36 | 0:05 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
| Saturday 5 September | |||||
ICE 1521 · S2 | On time 8:11 Hamburg Hbf | 2h56 | 11:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 519 · 10132 | On time 9:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h29 | 13:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 787 · ICE 942 · 26716 | On time 10:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 13:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 109 · S2 | On time 10:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h22 | 14:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 587 · ICE 640 · 26718 | On time 11:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 14:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 201 · S2 | On time 12:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h22 | 16:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 589 · ICE 548 · 26722 | On time 13:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 16:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 2311 · S2 | Delayed 11:26 13:23Hamburg Harburg | 3h44 | 17:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 613 · 10148 | On time 13:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h29 | 17:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 881 · ICE 848 · 26724 | On time 14:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 17:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 14:50 Hamburg Hbf | 5h00 | 19:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixTrain+ FlixBus | 15:01 Hamburg Harburg | 4h49 | 19:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
ICE 1037 · S2 | On time 15:10 Hamburg Hbf | 3h57 | 19:07 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 615 · 10156 | On time 15:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h29 | 19:14 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 883 · ICE 846 · 26728 | On time 16:01 Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 19:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1021 · Bus RE1 | On time 16:09 Hamburg Hbf | 3h48 | 19:57 Essen | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Hamburg to Essen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 6 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 35m.
Distance 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
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 |
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-Altona is 5 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Altona 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: Ethio, Trattoria Toscana, Marta, Pavillon
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Altona. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Altona. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Altona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Nearby hotels include Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant, Hotel Hamburg Altona, Hotel Central, Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona.
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-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need