Leipzig to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Thu 28 May
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Deutsche Bahn
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leipzig to Essen

Showing times and prices for 28 May

Cheapest price

£46

Average price

£77

Fastest journey

4 h 52 m

Average duration

4 h 54 m

Trains per day

27

Distance

372 km

Cheap tickets

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 £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.

Fast trains

To travel from Leipzig to Essen you need to make at least one change.

  • FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain
    5:007h48
    Leipzig, Hbf
    12:48Essen Hbf
    £461One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnS3 · 16302 · IC 2042 · ICE 946
    3:365h59
    Leipzig Hbf
    9:35Essen Hbf
    £561One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2440 · ICE 848
    12:414h54
    Leipzig Hbf
    17:35Essen Hbf
    £601One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2434 · ICE 644
    5:464h52
    Leipzig Hbf
    10:38Essen Hbf
    £601One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 905 · ICE 822
    1:048h59
    Leipzig Hbf
    10:03Essen Hbf
    £601One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train 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 £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 23m. 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 £15, and a flight costs an average of £177.

Distance: 372 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£59

Average Price

£26

Average Price

Cheapest

£383

Average Price

5h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 3m

Average total duration

5h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 0m

Average total duration

8h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.2kg

CO2 emissions

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 tomorrow, Thursday 28 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnS5 · 16342 · 80340 · ICE 646
On time
0:07 Leipzig Hbf
8h31
8:38 Essen Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnS3 · 16302 · IC 2042 · ICE 946
On time
3:36 Leipzig Hbf
5h59
9:35 Essen Hbf
3 changes
FlixBusFlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain5:00 Leipzig, Hbf
7h48
12:48 Essen Hbf1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2434 · ICE 644
On time
5:46 Leipzig Hbf
4h52
10:38 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2044 · ICE 944
On time
6:40 Leipzig Hbf
4h55
11:35 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 593 · ICE 728
On time
6:49 Leipzig Hbf
5h14
12:03 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 806 · ICE 642
On time
7:16 Leipzig Hbf
5h22
12:38 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2238 · IC 2432 · ICE 1052
On time
7:42 Leipzig Hbf
5h42
13:24 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 503 · ICE 9590 · ICE 726
On time
7:55 Leipzig Hbf
5h11
13:06 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2046 · ICE 942
On time
8:41 Leipzig Hbf
4h54
13:35 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 595 · ICE 724
On time
8:49 Leipzig Hbf
5h15
14:04 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2430 · ICE 640
On time
9:42 Leipzig Hbf
4h56
14:38 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 505 · ICE 837 · ICE 722
On time
9:55 Leipzig Hbf
5h07
15:02 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2048 · ICE 940
On time
10:41 Leipzig Hbf
4h54
15:35 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 597 · ICE 720
On time
10:49 Leipzig Hbf
5h13
16:02 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2038 · ICE 548
On time
11:42 Leipzig Hbf
4h56
16:38 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 507 · ICE 839 · ICE 628 · ICE 643
On time
11:55 Leipzig Hbf
5h23
17:18 Essen Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2440 · ICE 848
On time
12:41 Leipzig Hbf
4h54
17:35 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 599 · ICE 626
On time
12:49 Leipzig Hbf
5h14
18:03 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 2036 · ICE 546
On time
13:42 Leipzig Hbf
4h56
18:38 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 509 · ICE 931 · ICE 624
On time
13:55 Leipzig Hbf
5h08
19:03 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 2442 · ICE 846
On time
14:41 Leipzig Hbf
4h54
19:35 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 691 · ICE 622
On time
14:48 Leipzig Hbf
5h14
20:02 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 Leipzig to Essen by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train 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.

Thu
28 May
Fri
29 May
Sat
30 May
Sun
31 May
Mon
01 Jun
Tue
02 Jun
Wed
03 Jun

Why should you book Leipzig to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Leipzig to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leipzig to Essen.

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 Leipzig 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leipzig to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leipzig to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leipzig to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Leipzig to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 372 km distance in 4h 49m.

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 £15
Distance
372 km
Average train duration
5h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 49m
First train
0:04
Last train
23:56
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
84 days
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 £15

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Leipzig to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Leipzig and Essen from £15. 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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 49m
Cheapest Price
£24
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 44m
Cheapest Price
£25
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest Price
£64
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Leipzig to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £59.
The train journey from Leipzig to Essen covers a distance of 372 km and takes approximately 4h 49m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Leipzig to Essen is 372 km.
The first train from Leipzig to Essen leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Leipzig to Essen departs at 23:56.
Trains from Leipzig to Essen run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Leipzig and Essen. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
To get from Leipzig to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Leipzig to Essen.
The train station in Leipzig that goes to Essen is Leipzig Hbf, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Leipzig to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Leipzig 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 Leipzig to Essen offers varied scenery, with stretches of picturesque countryside, charming small towns, and industrial landscapes, providing a diverse visual experience along the route.
A day trip from Leipzig to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 49m each way. However, there are 11 trains per day covering a distance of 372 km.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Leipzig to Essen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leipzig and Essen

Leipzig
Essen
The major train station for departures in Leipzig is Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof for your trip from Leipzig to Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
23
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Willy-Brandt-Platz.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Zchocolat
  • Vapiano Leipzig
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • €1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof
  • a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
  • IntercityHotel Leipzig
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Sixt
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • 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
Public transport options for Leipzig Hauptbahnhof
  • 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
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
Dining
Dining
  • Dönerhaus
  • Grand Canyon
  • Graf Zeppelin
  • Glücksboot Asia-Erlebnisgastronomie
Leipzig MarktWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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
Dining
Dining
  • China White
  • Cafe Barbakane
  • X-Maza
  • Vodkaria
Hotel
Hotel
  • Seaside Park
  • Pentahotel Leipzig
  • Victors Residenzhotel
  • Marriott

More options for your journey from Leipzig to Essen

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