The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen
Cheapest price
£50
Average price
£82
Fastest journey
5 h 2 m
Average duration
5 h 7 m
Trains per day
19
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 £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
Of the 19 trains that leave Munich for Essen every day 8 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 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 13 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 62413:455h18Munich Hbf19:03Essen Hbf£501One-way0 changes
ICE 62015:455h17Munich Hbf21:02Essen Hbf£501One-way0 changes
ICE 514 · IC 234915:286h30Munich Hbf21:58Essen Hbf£561One-way1 change
ICE 62612:455h18Munich Hbf18:03Essen Hbf£581One-way0 changes
ICE 91216:205h02Munich Hbf21:22Essen Hbf£581One-way0 changes
ICE 91612:205h02Munich Hbf17:22Essen Hbf£681One-way0 changes
ICE 91216:205h02Munich Hbf21:22Essen Hbf£581One-way0 changes
ICE 10108:195h03Munich Hbf13:22Essen Hbf£1201One-way0 changes
ICE 596 · ICE 10612:455h13Munich Hbf17:58Essen Hbf£681One-way1 change
ICE 690 · ICE 2008:455h13Munich Hbf13:58Essen Hbf£1201One-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 £28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. 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 £28, and a flight costs an average of £68.
Distance: 493 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£113 Average Price | £183 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m 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 today, Friday 24 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 724 | On time 8:45 Munich Hbf | 5h19 | 14:04 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 | Delayed 6:47 8:45Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 12:00 12:00Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 788 · 26726 | On time 12:06 Munich Hbf | 6h39 | 18:45 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 916 | On time 12:20 Munich Hbf | 5h02 | 17:22 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 5h18 | 18:03 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 · ICE 645 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 19:18 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 12:45 Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 17:58 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| Saturday 25 July | |||||
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 | |
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 Jul
26 Jul
27 Jul
28 Jul
29 Jul
30 Jul
31 Jul
Why should you book Munich to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Munich 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 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 11 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Munich and Essen from £28. 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
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
Most Munich to Essen trains use the München Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen West. 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.
Which Munich station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to München Hbf from Munich city centre
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
Getting to München-Pasing from Munich city centre
München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München-Pasing train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.
Getting to München Ost from Munich city centre
München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München Ost train station facilities and services
München Ost 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: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.
Which Essen station do trains from Munich arrive at?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
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.
Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
More options for your journey from Munich to Essen
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