Karlsruhe to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,EC,RE,IC,RB)

Sat 22 Nov
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Essen

Showing times and prices for 25 Nov

Cheapest price

£41

Average price

£58

Fastest journey

3 h 46 m

Average duration

3 h 54 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

290 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Essen will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Essen every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 290 km distance in an average of 3 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 46 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 58 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.

Deutsche Bahn
06:003h58
Karlsruhe
09:58Essen
£411One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
05:013h57
Karlsruhe
08:58Essen
£581One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
12:123h46
Karlsruhe
15:58Essen
£761One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Karlsruhe to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe 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 train which can get you there in 3h 29m. 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 train costs an average of £19.

Distance: 290 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£73

Average Price

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 50m

Average total duration

5h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Karlsruhe to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Essen trains for today, Monday 24 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 01:54
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn05:01 Karlsruhe
3h57
08:58 Essen0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn06:00 Karlsruhe
3h58
09:58 Essen0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn06:51 Karlsruhe
2h49
09:40 Essen0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Essen by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Karlsruhe to Essen run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:32, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 290 km distance in 2h 57m.

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 £13
Distance
290 km
Average train duration
3h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 57m
First train
00:32
Last train
23:55
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 £13

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Karlsruhe to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Essen from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Price
£19
Deutsche Bahn frequency
17 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

FAQs: Karlsruhe to Essen train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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.

FAQs
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
The cost of a train ticket from Karlsruhe to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £73.
The cheapest way to get from Karlsruhe to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £13.
The train distance from Karlsruhe to Essen is 290 km.
The last train from Karlsruhe to Essen departs at 23:55.
A day trip from Karlsruhe to Essen is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 57m. However, there are 13 trains available per day for this route. The distance is 290 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Karlsruhe and Essen. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
Booking trains from Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe to Essen covers a distance of 290 km and takes approximately 2h 57m. Trains run 13 per day.
There is no night train service from Karlsruhe to Essen.
The train station in Karlsruhe that goes to Essen is Karlsruhe Hbf, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The first train from Karlsruhe to Essen leaves at 0:32.
Trains from Karlsruhe to Essen run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Karlsruhe to Essen.
To get from Karlsruhe to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train journey from Karlsruhe to Essen offers a mix of scenic views, especially as it passes through the lush greenery of the Rhineland and picturesque towns in the Ruhr region, though some sections are more industrial.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Karlsruhe and Essen

Karlsruhe
Essen
The major train station for departures in Karlsruhe is Karlsruhe Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Karlsruhe Hbf for your trip from Karlsruhe to Essen.
Karlsruhe HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Karlsruhe Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1a, 76137 Karlsruhe
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
  • Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
  • Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
  • Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
  • Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
  • Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Vinarte
  • Am Tiergarten
  • Panorama
  • Alter Brauhof
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Barbarossa
  • Hotel Avisa
  • Am Tiergarten
  • Aparthotel Aijana
Karlsruhe-DurlachWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Karlsruhe-Durlach, Hauptbahnstr. 1, 76227 Karlsruhe
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
  • Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
  • Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
  • Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
  • Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Dining
Dining
  • Hubraum
  • Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
  • Asia Gourmet
  • Borsalino
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Große Linde
  • Zum Erwin
  • Der Blaue Reiter

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