- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Cheapest price on 23 Oct
£44
Average ticket price on 23 Oct
£88
Fastest journey on 23 Oct
5 h 32 m
Average journey duration on 23 Oct
5 h 33 m
Trains on 23 Oct
60
Distance
493 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Essen will cost around £88 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
On Fri 23 Oct, we found 60 trains from Munich to Essen, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 32 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 34 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.
ICE 618 · ICE 543
ICE 910 · ICE 22
ICE 910 · ICE 22
ICE 886 · 26714 · S2
ICE 886 · 26714 · U17
ICE 916 · S6
ICE 1012 · S6
ICE 1010 · S6
ICE 918 · S6
ICE 592 · ICE 102 · ICE 528Trains from Munich to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 493 km distance in 4h 53m.
Distance 493 km |
Average train duration 5h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Munich to Essen.
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Essen trains for today, Thursday 22 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 524 · ICE 22 | 18:44 Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 1:17 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 590 · ICE 100 · S9 | On time 18:45 Munich Hbf | 5h55 | 0:40 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 522 · ICE 541 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 9h37 | 5:22 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · S1 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 9h20 | 5:05 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · Bus RB32 · 31286 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 8h28 | 4:13 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · Bus RB32 · 31286 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 8h28 | 4:13 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · Bus RE1 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 8h05 | 3:50 Essen | 2 changes | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · Bus RE1 · S1 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 8h40 | 4:25 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · Bus RE1 | 19:45 Munich Hbf | 8h05 | 3:50 Essen | 2 changes | |
ICE 1500 · 16340 · ICE 1540 · 89704 | 20:21 Munich Hbf | 9h09 | 5:30 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 · 17326 · 30393 | On time 4:11 Munich Hbf | 7h36 | 11:47 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 686 · ICE 1748 · S1 | 5:11 Munich Hbf | 6h54 | 12:05 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 614 · IC 1049 · ICE 202 · S9 | 5:33 Munich Hbf | 7h07 | 12:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 820 · S6 | 5:44 Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 11:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 886 · 26714 · S2 | 6:09 Munich Hbf | 6h58 | 13:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 886 · 26714 · U17 | 6:09 Munich Hbf | 6h56 | 13:05 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 · 17334 · 30397 | On time 6:20 Munich Hbf | 7h27 | 13:47 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 1012 · S6 | On time 6:20 Munich Hbf | 5h32 | 11:52 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 728 · S6 | 6:44 Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 12:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 726 · S6 | On time 7:42 Munich Hbf | 5h50 | 13:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 882 · 26718 · S2 | On time 8:05 Munich Hbf | 7h02 | 15:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 882 · 26718 · U17 | On time 8:05 Munich Hbf | 7h00 | 15:05 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1010 · S6 | On time 8:19 Munich Hbf | 5h33 | 13:52 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · ICE 610 · S9 | On time 8:19 Munich Hbf | 7h21 | 15:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 724 · S6 | On time 8:45 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 14:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 682 · 26720 · 22044 | 9:12 Munich Hbf | 6h55 | 16:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 682 · 26720 · U17 | 9:12 Munich Hbf | 6h53 | 16:05 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 610 · IC 1645 · ICE 108 · S9 | 9:28 Munich Hbf | 7h12 | 16:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 722 · S6 | On time 9:46 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 15:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 880 · 26722 | On time 10:12 Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 16:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 918 · S6 | On time 10:19 Munich Hbf | 5h33 | 15:52 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 918 · ICE 228 | On time 10:19 Munich Hbf | 7h13 | 17:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 720 · S6 | On time 10:45 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 16:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 680 · ICE 1744 · 26724 | 11:12 Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 17:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 518 · ICE 2012 | On time 11:28 Munich Hbf | 7h04 | 18:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 628 · S6 | On time 11:45 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 17:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 788 · 26726 | 12:06 Munich Hbf | 6h39 | 18:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 916 · S6 | On time 12:20 Munich Hbf | 5h32 | 17:52 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 · ICE 516 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 6h55 | 19:40 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
ICE 626 · S6 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 18:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 564 · ICE 216 | 13:02 Munich Hbf | 5h55 | 18:57 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 588 · 26728 | On time 13:10 Munich Hbf | 6h35 | 19:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 516 · IC 1941 · ICE 104 · S9 | On time 13:28 Munich Hbf | 7h12 | 20:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 624 · S6 | On time 13:45 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 19:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 786 · 26730 | 14:06 Munich Hbf | 6h39 | 20:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 224 · S6 | 14:20 Munich Hbf | 5h52 | 20:12 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 224 · ICE 26 | 14:20 Munich Hbf | 6h58 | 21:18 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 622 | On time 14:45 Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 20:32 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 1284 · ICE 844 | On time 14:52 Munich Hbf | 6h45 | 21:37 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 586 · 26732 | 15:12 Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 21:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 514 · ICE 26 | On time 15:28 Munich Hbf | 5h50 | 21:18 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 620 | 15:45 Munich Hbf | 5h56 | 21:41 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 784 · 26734 · 22058 | 16:06 Munich Hbf | 7h01 | 23:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 912 · S6 | On time 16:20 Munich Hbf | 5h52 | 22:12 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 912 · ICE 24 | On time 16:20 Munich Hbf | 7h01 | 23:21 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 528 | 16:44 Munich Hbf | 5h35 | 22:19 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 592 · ICE 102 · ICE 528 | On time 16:45 Munich Hbf | 5h34 | 22:19 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 584 · 26736 · 22060 | 17:10 Munich Hbf | 6h57 | 0:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 512 · ICE 24 | On time 17:28 Munich Hbf | 5h53 | 23:21 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 526 | 17:46 Munich Hbf | 6h07 | 23:53 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 526 · S6 | 17:46 Munich Hbf | 5h56 | 23:42 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 782 · ICE 550 | 18:11 Munich Hbf | 6h51 | 1:02 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 910 · 26839 · S6 | On time 18:19 Munich Hbf | 5h53 | 0:12 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 910 · ICE 22 | On time 18:19 Munich Hbf | 6h58 | 1:17 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 910 · ICE 22 | On time 18:19 Munich Hbf | 6h58 | 1:17 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
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.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Essen.
The most popular day trips by train from Essen are Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Münster and Bonn. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Essen on Omio.

Düsseldorf is known for fashion, contemporary art and its lively Altstadt on the Rhine. Sleek shopping streets, traditional breweries and bold modern architecture give it a polished yet sociable character.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 21m.

Cologne is known for its towering cathedral, Roman heritage and relaxed Rhineland spirit. Museums, riverfront views and a strong brewing culture give the city an open, sociable feel.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 43m.

Dortmund is a Ruhr city known for football, brewing heritage and its industrial roots. Former worksites, parks and modern cultural venues give it a practical, lively character.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 20m.

Münster is a historic university city known for its cycling culture, rebuilt old town and links to the Peace of Westphalia. Gothic churches, Prinzipalmarkt and a strong student presence give it a lively but relaxed feel.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 70 km distance in 46m.

Bonn is best known as Beethoven’s birthplace and the former capital of West Germany. Set on the Rhine, it feels calm and cultured, with museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a strong university presence.
The earliest train runs at 00:33, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 80 km distance in 1h 8m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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.

Most Munich to Essen trains use the München Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Munich and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München 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 options include: Cantina Estación Mediterrano, Rischart Bakery, Ditsch Pretzels, backWERK, Cafe-Shop, Le Crobag, Yorma's, Coffee Fellows, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, & many more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at München Hbf. Information desks are there is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München-Pasing 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 options include: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna
Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.
Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.
Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.
Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.
München Hackerbrücke is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München Hackerbrücke 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 options include: Augustiner Bräustuben, Lenz, Das Bad, Subway
Wi-Fi is available at München Hackerbrücke. ATMs are available at München Hackerbrücke.
Ticket office support is available at München Hackerbrücke. Information desks are available at München Hackerbrücke.
Luggage storage is available at München Hackerbrücke. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Hackerbrücke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Hackerbrücke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hackerbrücke.
Nearby hotels include Theresienhöhe, Hotel Schweiz, Hotel Uhland, Germania.
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen-Zollverein Nord is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Zollverein Nord 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 options include: Casino Zollverein, Warsteiner Stiefel, Schacht XII, Bistro, Cafe Kohlenwäsche
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. ATMs are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Information desks are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Check train stations information for Munich and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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