The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Essen
Cheapest price
£43
Average price
£57
Fastest journey
2 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 3 m
Trains per day
13
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 £43.
Of the 13 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 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 13 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 15218:192h35Hamburg Harburg10:54Essen Hbf£431One-way0 changes
ICE 1056:453h13Hamburg Hbf9:58Essen Hbf£431One-way0 changes
ICE 783 · ICE 9466:133h22Hamburg Harburg9:35Essen Hbf£501One-way1 change
ICE 585 · ICE 6429:133h25Hamburg Harburg12:38Essen Hbf£551One-way1 change
ICE 1078:423h16Hamburg Hbf11:58Essen Hbf£551One-way0 changes
ICE 15218:192h35Hamburg Harburg10:54Essen Hbf£431One-way0 changes
ICE 103311:233h00Hamburg Harburg14:23Essen Hbf£551One-way0 changes
ICE 1056:453h13Hamburg Hbf9:58Essen Hbf£431One-way0 changes
ICE 10910:453h13Hamburg Hbf13:58Essen Hbf£551One-way0 changes
ICE 20112:453h13Hamburg Hbf15:58Essen Hbf£551One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach 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 £13. 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 £13, and a flight costs an average of £65.
Distance: 311 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £190 Average Price |
3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m 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 tomorrow, Wednesday 22 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 783 · ICE 946 | On time 6:13 Hamburg Harburg | 3h22 | 9:35 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 105 | On time 6:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h13 | 9:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 583 · ICE 644 | On time 7:13 Hamburg Harburg | 3h25 | 10:38 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1521 | On time 8:19 Hamburg Harburg | 2h35 | 10:54 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 107 | On time 8:42 Hamburg Hbf | 3h16 | 11:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 585 · ICE 642 | On time 9:13 Hamburg Harburg | 3h25 | 12:38 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 519 · 26818 | On time 9:45 Hamburg Hbf | 3h22 | 13:07 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 Hamburg 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.
22 Jul
23 Jul
24 Jul
25 Jul
26 Jul
27 Jul
28 Jul
Why should you book Hamburg to Essen trains with Omio?
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 FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Hamburg to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hamburg to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Essen
Trains from Hamburg to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. 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 34m.
Distance 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Hamburg to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Hamburg and Essen from £8. 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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
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.
Which Hamburg station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Hamburg Hbf from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Getting to Hamburg-Harburg from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Getting to Hamburg-Altona from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Altona is 5 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Altona train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Ethio, Trattoria Toscana, Marta, Pavillon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Altona. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Altona. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Altona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant, Hotel Hamburg Altona, Hotel Central, Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona.
Which Essen station do trains from Hamburg arrive at?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Getting to Essen-Altenessen from Essen city centre
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Essen
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