Munich to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB)

Tue 09 Dec
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen

Showing times and prices for 10 Dec

Cheapest price

£73

Average price

£95

Fastest journey

5 h 13 m

Average duration

5 h 30 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

493 km

Cheap tickets

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 £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £73.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Munich for Essen every day 5 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 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 13 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.

Deutsche Bahn
05:276h31
Munich
11:58Essen
£731One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
06:275h13
Munich
11:40Essen
£921One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
04:255h15
Munich
09:40Essen
£921One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
07:276h32
Munich
13:59Essen
£1041One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
09:276h31
Munich
15:58Essen
£1151One-way
0 changes

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 £23. 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 £23, and a flight costs an average of £55.

Distance: 493 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£114

Average Price

£39

Average Price

Cheapest

£147

Average Price

6h 16m

Average total duration

5h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 15m

Average total duration

12h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 11m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

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 today, Tuesday 9 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:46
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn14:18 Munich
7h44
22:02 Essen0 changesdirect
Wednesday 10 December
deutsche_bahn05:27 Munich
6h31
11:58 Essen0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn06:27 Munich
5h13
11:40 Essen0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn07:27 Munich
6h32
13:59 Essen0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn08:48 Munich
5h14
14:02 Essen0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn09:27 Munich
6h31
15:58 Essen0 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.

Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
Sat
13 Dec
Sun
14 Dec
Mon
15 Dec
Tue
16 Dec
Wed
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22 Dec
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23 Dec
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24 Dec
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25 Dec
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26 Dec
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27 Dec
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28 Dec
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29 Dec
Tue
30 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Essen?

The best time to book your train from Munich to Essen is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Munich to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Munich to Essen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Munich to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Munich to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Munich to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. 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 23:57. The fastest train covers the 493 km distance in 5h 12m.

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
Distance
493 km
Average train duration
5h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
£16
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
5h 12m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:57
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Munich and Essen from £16. 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
5h 12m
Cheapest Price
£16
Deutsche Bahn frequency
18 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
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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.

FAQs
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
A day trip from Munich to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 12m each way. The distance between the two cities is 493 km, with train frequency being 15 per day.
Booking trains from Munich to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train distance from Munich to Essen is 493 km.
The train journey from Munich to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the Bavarian countryside, including rolling hills and charming villages, before transitioning to more industrial and urban landscapes as the train approaches the Ruhr area.
The train journey from Munich to Essen covers a distance of 493 km and takes approximately 5h 12m. Trains run 15 per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Munich to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £114.
Yes, there is a direct train between Munich and Essen. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
The cheapest way to get from Munich to Essen is by train, costing approximately £16.
The first train from Munich to Essen leaves at 0:01.
The train station in Munich that goes to Essen is Munich Hbf, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The last train from Munich to Essen departs at 23:57.
To get from Munich to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
Yes, you can take the train from Munich to Essen.
Trains from Munich to Essen run approximately 15 times per day.
There is no night train service from Munich to Essen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Munich and Essen

Munich
Essen
The major train station for departures in Munich is München Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at München Hbf for your trip from Munich to Essen.
München HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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
address
Address
Bayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
Lockers
Lockers
  • The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
Dining
  • Cantina Estación Mediterrano
  • Rischart Bakery
  • Ditsch Pretzels
  • backWERK
  • Cafe-Shop
  • Le Crobag
  • Yorma's
  • Coffee Fellows
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • McDonald's
  • & many more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • a&o München Hauptbahnhof
  • IntercityHotel München
  • Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
München OstWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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
address
Address
München Ost, Orleansplatz 11, 81667 München
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Haidhauser Augustiner
  • Burger King
  • Tassilogarten
  • Mitani
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton Munich City
  • MOMA1890
  • Mk Hotel
  • Hotel Pension Christl
München HackerbrückeWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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
address
Address
München-Hackerbrücke, Arnulfstr. 31, 80335 München
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Augustiner Bräustuben
  • Lenz
  • Das Bad
  • Subway
Hotel
Hotel
  • Theresienhöhe
  • Hotel Schweiz
  • Hotel Uhland
  • Germania

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