The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen
Cheapest price
£162
Average price
£181
Fastest journey
5 h 3 m
Average duration
5 h 31 m
Trains per day
6
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 £181 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £162.
Of the 6 trains that leave Munich 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 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 31 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 7248:455h19Munich Hbf14:04Essen Hbf£1621One-way0 changes
ICE 690 · ICE 2008:455h13Munich Hbf13:58Essen Hbf£1791One-way1 change
ICE 6109:285h30Munich Hbf14:58Essen Hbf£1791One-way0 changes
ICE 10108:195h03Munich Hbf13:22Essen Hbf£1791One-way0 changes
ICE 682 · 267209:126h31Munich Hbf15:43Essen Hbf£1941One-way1 change
ICE 10108:195h03Munich Hbf13:22Essen Hbf£1791One-way0 changes
ICE 690 · ICE 2008:455h13Munich Hbf13:58Essen Hbf£1791One-way1 change
ICE 7248:455h19Munich Hbf14:04Essen Hbf£1621One-way0 changes
ICE 6109:285h30Munich Hbf14:58Essen Hbf£1791One-way0 changes
ICE 682 · 267209:126h31Munich Hbf15:43Essen Hbf£1941One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Munich to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a flight costs an average of £59.
Distance: 493 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£95 Average Price | £150 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 14m Average total duration 12h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Munich to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Essen trains for tomorrow, Saturday 25 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 882 · 26718 | On time 8:05 Munich Hbf | 6h40 | 14:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1010 | On time 8:19 Munich Hbf | 5h03 | 13:22 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 8:45 Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 13:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 724 | On time 8:45 Munich Hbf | 5h19 | 14:04 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 682 · 26720 | On time 9:12 Munich Hbf | 6h31 | 15:43 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 610 | On time 9:28 Munich Hbf | 5h30 | 14:58 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Munich 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.
25 Apr
26 Apr
27 Apr
28 Apr
29 Apr
30 Apr
01 May
02 May
03 May
04 May
05 May
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Why should you book Munich to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Munich to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Munich to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Essen?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Munich to Essen
Trains from Munich to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £24 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 493 km distance in 5h 3m.
Distance 493 km |
Average train duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 3m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Munich and Essen from £24. 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.
FAQs: Munich to Essen train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Munich and Essen
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
- 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
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
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