- 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
£56
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
8 h 6 m
Average duration
8 h 42 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
542 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Prague to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Prague to Essen will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
Of the 9 trains that leave Prague for Essen every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 542 km distance in an average of 8 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 10 h 7 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Prague to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, and a flight costs an average of £59.
Distance: 542 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest | £104 Average Price |
9h 2m Average total duration 8h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 3m Average total duration 10h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.3kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Prague to Essen trains for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 7:00 Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 13h50 | 20:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
rj 178 · ICE 848 | On time 8:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 17:35 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
rj 178 · ICE 548 · RE 26722 | 8:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h14 | 16:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJ 178 · ICE 848 | On time 8:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 9h04 | 17:35 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
RJ 178 · ICE 548 · 26722 | On time 8:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h14 | 16:45 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:30 Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 11h18 | 20:48 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
rj 382 · ICE 546 | On time 10:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h07 | 18:38 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
RJ 382 · ICE 546 | On time 10:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h07 | 18:38 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
rj 176 · ICE 544 | On time 12:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h06 | 20:37 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
RJ 176 · ICE 544 | On time 12:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h06 | 20:37 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
RJ 174 · ICE 542 · 26838 | On time 14:41 Prague-Holešovice | 8h26 | 23:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
rj 174 · ICE 542 · RE 26838 | 14:41 Prague-Holešovice | 8h26 | 23:07 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522 · 26843 | On time 15:35 Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h15 | 1:50 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
EC 352 · R 3580 · ICE 522 · RE 26843 | 15:35 Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h15 | 1:50 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJ 386 · ICE 921 · S1 | 16:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h04 | 2:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
R 678 · RJ 250 · ICE 1540 | 17:47 Prague hlavní nádraží | 11h27 | 5:14 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
EC 458 · S35 · 16340 · ICE 1540 | On time 18:31 Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h43 | 5:14 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| Thursday 27 August | |||||
![]() | 0:00 Prague | 10h48 | 10:48 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Prague to Essen run on average 14 times per day, taking around 8h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 542 km distance in 8h 6m.
Distance 542 km |
Average train duration 8h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 8h 6m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Prague 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 Prague to Essen trains use the Praha hlavní nádraží to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen West. Use this guide to compare Prague and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Praha hlavní nádraží is 1 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha hlavní nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Fantova Kavárna, Sushi Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Esplanade Prague, Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag, Hotel City Central.
Praha-Holesovice is 2 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha-Holesovice has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Na Kovárně, Cross Club
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha-Holesovice. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha-Holesovice. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha-Holesovice: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Mama Shelter Prague, Plaza Alta Hotel, Hotel Belvedere.
Praha Masarykovo Nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Kotleta, Café Imperial
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kings Court, Grand Hotel Bohemia, Hotel Paris Prague.
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 West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
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