- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£177
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£228
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
5 h 52 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
6 h 3 m
Trains on 08 Sept
4
Distance
494 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Essen will cost around £228 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £177.
Fast trains
To travel from London to Essen you need to make at least one change.
9132 · 945913:016h14London St Pancras International (STP)20:15Essen Hbf£1771One-way1 change- 9140 · 947115:046h11London St Pancras International (STP)22:15Essen Hbf£1901One-way1 change
- 9140 · 947115:045h52London St Pancras International (STP)21:56Duisburg Hbf£2471One-way1 change
- 9132 · 945913:015h54London St Pancras International (STP)19:55Duisburg Hbf£2991One-way1 change
- 9140 · 947115:045h52London St Pancras International (STP)21:56Duisburg Hbf£2471One-way1 change
- 9132 · 945913:015h54London St Pancras International (STP)19:55Duisburg Hbf£2991One-way1 change
- 9140 · 947115:046h11London St Pancras International (STP)22:15Essen Hbf£1901One-way1 change
- 9132 · 945913:016h14London St Pancras International (STP)20:15Essen Hbf£1771One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for London to Essen
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £46 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 19m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £46, while a train costs an average of £234.
Distance: 494 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£234 Average Price | £46 Average Price Cheapest | £71 Average Price | £33 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 16h 16m Average total duration 15h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from London to Essen is a flight with an average price of £46.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Essen:
A flight is £26 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from London to Essen costing on average £71.
A flight is £189 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Essen costing on average £234.
The fastest way to travel from London to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 19m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 55m.
Coach takes on average 15h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Essen including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2h 51m sooner (4h 55m by train vs 7h 46m by car). Tickets start at around £234 compared to roughly £33 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
London to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Essen trains for today, Monday 7 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9132 · 9459 | 13:01 London St Pancras International (STP) | 5h54 | 19:55 Duisburg Hbf | 1 change | |
| 9140 · 9471 | 15:04 London St Pancras International (STP) | 5h52 | 21:56 Duisburg Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London 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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
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11 Sept
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14 Sept
Why should you book London to Essen trains with Omio?
Eurostar as well as Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from London to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Eurostar, but also compare tickets for the likes of Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from London 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 Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Essen
United Kingdom
Germany
Trains from London to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £118 but you can travel from only £22 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 494 km distance in 5h 11m.
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
Flight from £22
Distance 494 km |
Average train duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £118 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 5h 11m |
First train 0:14 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Flight from £22
Train companies: Eurostar, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from London to Essen trainsEurostar, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between London and Essen from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Eurostar Duration
7h 11m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£235
Eurostar frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
6h 11m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
£210
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
3 a day
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.
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FAQs: London to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £118, while the average price tends to be around £234.
The train journey from London to Essen covers a distance of 494 km and takes approximately 5h 11m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from London to Essen is 494 km.
The first train from London to Essen leaves at 0:14.
The last train from London to Essen departs at 23:00.
Trains from London to Essen run approximately 4 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from London to Essen.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London to Essen.
To get from London to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from London to Essen.
The train station in London that goes to Essen is London St Pancras International (STP), and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from London to Essen is by flight, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from London 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 London to Essen offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the countryside of Kent and the picturesque landscapes of Belgium and the Netherlands before reaching Germany.
A day trip from London to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 11m. However, there are 4 train journeys available per day for this 494 km route.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Essen
Most London to Essen trains use the London St Pancras International to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen Süd. Use this guide to compare London and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Essen
London St Pancras InternationalPancras Road, London, Greater London, N1C 4QP, UK+44 2078437688
City-centre transport
Getting to London St Pancras International from London city centre
Bus91, N91 · 23m · £10 · every ~28 min
73, N73 · 26m · £2 · every ~33 min
390 · 48m · £2 · every ~27 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 11m · £2 · every ~91 min
London St Pancras International train station facilities and services
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
Which Essen station do trains from London arrive at?
Trains from London to Essen most often arrive at Essen Hbf. Some services arrive at Essen Süd, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
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.
Essen SüdEssen Süd, Rellinghauser Str.175, 45136 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS6 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 10m · £3
Tram105 · 9m · every ~10 min
Essen Süd train station facilities and services
Essen Süd 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, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Essen WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe14 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
BusRb33, S1, S9, S3 · 12m · £3
Tram101 · 24m · every ~10 min
Essen West train station facilities and services
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
More options for your journey from London to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and London
Most popular train connections to Essen
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