- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Ilmenau to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ilmenau to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £39, and a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 286 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 16m Average total duration Fastest 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 40m Average total duration 12h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Ilmenau to Essen by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Ilmenau to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Ilmenau to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £39 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 08:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 286 km distance in 5h 46m.
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 £39
Distance 286 km |
Average train duration 5h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 46m |
First train 8:00 |
Last train 19:00 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 £39
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
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.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= €3.60
- Day pass
- >= €7.00
To the city centre
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP to plan journeys and buy mobile tickets.
- Essen Hbf is already in the city centre, so many central destinations are reachable on foot.
FAQs: Ilmenau to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ilmenau 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Ilmenau to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £51.
The train journey from Ilmenau to Essen covers a distance of 286 km and takes approximately 5h 46m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Ilmenau to Essen is 286 km.
The first train from Ilmenau to Essen leaves at 8:00.
The last train from Ilmenau to Essen departs at 19:00.
Trains from Ilmenau to Essen run approximately 5 times per day.
To get from Ilmenau to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Ilmenau to Essen.
The train station in Ilmenau that goes to Essen is Ilmenau station, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Ilmenau to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £39.
Booking trains from Ilmenau to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ilmenau to Essen offers a mix of scenic views, particularly as it passes through the Thuringian Forest, known for its lush landscapes and rolling hills. However, as the route progresses towards the industrial regions near Essen, the scenery becomes more urban and industrialised.
A day trip from Ilmenau to Essen is not feasible due to a travel duration of 5h 46m each way. The journey covers 286 km and there are 8 trains available per day.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Ilmenau to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ilmenau and Essen
Most Ilmenau to Essen trains use the Ilmenau to Essen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Ilmenau and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ilmenau
Arrival train stations in Essen
Which Ilmenau station do trains to Essen leave from?
Trains from Ilmenau to Essen leave from Ilmenau. The station is from Ilmenau city centre at Ilmenau, Am Bahndamm 10, 98693 Ilmenau.
IlmenauIlmenau, Am Bahndamm 10, 98693 Ilmenau
City-centre transport
Getting to Ilmenau from Ilmenau city centre
Bus300, A · 4m · every ~2 min
Ilmenau train station facilities and services
Ilmenau 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: City-Grill, MaBe`s Grillbar, Subway, Ratskeller
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ilmenau. ATMs are available at Ilmenau.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ilmenau. Information desks are available at Ilmenau.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Ilmenau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ilmenau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ilmenau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ilmenau.
Which Essen station do trains from Ilmenau arrive at?
Trains from Ilmenau to Essen arrive at Essen Hbf. Essen Hbf is 1 km from Essen city centre.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
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.
More options for your journey from Ilmenau to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Ilmenau
Most popular train connections to Essen
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