The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen
Cheapest price
£114
Average price
£124
Fastest journey
5 h 46 m
Average duration
5 h 50 m
Trains per day
7
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 £124 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £114.
To travel from Munich to Essen you need to make at least one change.
ICE 690 · ICE 200 · S9
ICE 1010 · S6
ICE 1010 · 28516 · Bus RE1 · S3
ICE 1010 · 20079 · S9
ICE 1010 · 28516 · Bus RE1
ICE 1010 · 28516 · Bus RE1 · S3
ICE 1010 · 28516 · Bus RE1
ICE 724 · S6
ICE 1010 · 20079 · S9
ICE 1010 · S6Travel 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 |
|---|---|---|
£113 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest | £146 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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, Friday 23 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 21:28 Munich | 7h30 | 04:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 24 January | |||||
ICE 882 · 26718 | On time 07:14 Munich Hbf | 6h31 | 13:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1010 · S6 | On time 07:19 Munich Hbf | 5h53 | 13:12 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 1010 · 28516 · Bus RE1 · S3 | On time 07:19 Munich Hbf | 5h46 | 13:05 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 1010 · 20079 · S9 | On time 07:19 Munich Hbf | 5h51 | 13:10 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1010 · 28516 · Bus RE1 | On time 07:19 Munich Hbf | 5h49 | 13:08 Essen | 2 changes | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 · S9 | On time 07:45 Munich Hbf | 5h55 | 13:40 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 724 · S6 | On time 07:52 Munich Hbf | 5h50 | 13:42 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 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.
24 Jan
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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 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.
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 |
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
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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
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