The cheapest and fastest trains from Leipzig to Essen
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£37
Fastest journey
6 h 7 m
Average duration
6 h 14 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
372 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leipzig to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leipzig to Essen will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
Of the 2 trains that leave Leipzig for Essen every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 372 km distance in an average of 6 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 20 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Leipzig to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leipzig to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £238.
Distance: 372 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £378 Average Price |
5h 57m Average total duration 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg 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
Leipzig to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Leipzig to Essen trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 08:38 Leipzig | 4h57 | 13:35 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 16:38 Leipzig | 5h34 | 22:12 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 28 November | |||||
![]() | 04:41 Leipzig | 6h07 | 10:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leipzig 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.
28 Nov
29 Nov
30 Nov
01 Dec
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leipzig to Essen
Trains from Leipzig to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 372 km distance in 4h 53m.
Distance 372 km |
Average train duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 00:04 |
Last train 23:57 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Leipzig to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Leipzig and Essen from £17. 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: Leipzig to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leipzig 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 Leipzig and Essen
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Willy-Brandt-Platz.
- Restaurant Zchocolat
- Vapiano Leipzig
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
- a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Leipzig
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-13 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 14-23
- Hall 3: shopping and dining area
- Tram: Lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S5X, S6
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Parkhaus Hügel
- Cafe au Lac
- ETUF
- LUJO
- Parkhaus Hügel
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
Most popular train connections from Leipzig
More options for your journey from Leipzig to Essen
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