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The cheapest and fastest trains from Utrecht to Essen
Showing times and prices for 28 Nov
Cheapest price
£32
Average price
£41
Fastest journey
1 h 58 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
148 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Utrecht to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Utrecht to Essen will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Utrecht 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 148 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 56 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.
07:001h58
Utrecht08:58Essen
£321One-way
0 changes
06:393h56
Utrecht10:35Essen
£431One-way
0 changes
17:403h55
Utrecht21:35Essen
£431One-way
0 changes
07:392h56
Utrecht10:35Essen
£431One-way
0 changes
07:233h53
Utrecht11:16Essen
£461One-way
0 changes
07:001h58
Utrecht08:58Essen
£321One-way
0 changes
07:392h56
Utrecht10:35Essen
£431One-way
0 changes
07:233h53
Utrecht11:16Essen
£461One-way
0 changes
17:403h55
Utrecht21:35Essen
£431One-way
0 changes
06:393h56
Utrecht10:35Essen
£431One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Utrecht to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Utrecht to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £18.
Distance: 148 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Utrecht to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Utrecht to Essen trains for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 07:53
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 225 · ICE 1022 | Delayed 08:00 Utrecht Centraal | 1h58 | 10:12 10:12Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3031+ VIA 21211 · VIA 20019+S 3 | 08:53 Utrecht Centraal | 2h42 | 11:35 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 123 · ICE 1020 | Delayed 10:04 Utrecht Centraal | 1h54 | 12:07 12:07Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| IC 3039+VIA 21215 · VIA 20023+S 3 | 10:53 Utrecht Centraal | 2h42 | 13:35 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| ICE 125 · ICE 928 | Delayed 12:04 Utrecht Centraal | 1h54 | 14:07 14:07Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
| 06:39 Utrecht | 3h56 | 10:35 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:00 Utrecht | 1h58 | 08:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:23 Utrecht | 3h53 | 11:16 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:39 Utrecht | 2h56 | 10:35 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Utrecht to Essen by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Fri
28 Nov
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
04 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Utrecht to Essen
Netherlands
Germany
Trains from Utrecht to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:17, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 148 km distance in 1h 58m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £7
Distance 148 km |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 00:17 |
Last train 23:08 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £7
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity from Utrecht to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH, ÖBB Nightjet, Intercity trains will get you between Utrecht and Essen from £7. 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
1h 58m
Cheapest Price
£18
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.
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.
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.
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
VIAS Rail GmbH
About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
ÖBB Nightjet
About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
£133
ÖBB Nightjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Intercity
About
Intercity is a widely recognized brand for express train services that connect cities over longer distances, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \Intercity\" originated in the United Kingdom in 1966 with British Rail's electrification of the West Coast Main Line, becoming a brand for their main-line passenger routes. Today, Intercity services vary across Europe, with some countries like Switzerland offering modern, high-standard trains, while in others, they may be older compared to newer high-speed options. Many European countries use \"InterCity\" as an official brand name for regular, long-distance train services meeting specific speed and comfort criteria. For example, PKP Intercity is a major Polish rail operator connecting cities and tourist resorts within Poland and across Europe. Trenitalia's Intercity trains in Italy offer an affordable and widespread means of rail transport, connecting various cities and towns. These trains typically offer Standard and First Class services, with amenities like power sockets and sometimes catering."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 59m
Cheapest Price
£42
Intercity frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
FAQs: Utrecht to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Utrecht 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.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
A day trip from Utrecht to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 58m, and there are 11 trains per day covering a distance of 148 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Utrecht and Essen. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by ÖBB Nightjet.
The train distance from Utrecht to Essen is 148 km.
Booking trains from Utrecht to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To get from Utrecht to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
The train journey from Utrecht to Essen covers a distance of 148 km and takes approximately 1h 58m. Trains run 11 per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Utrecht to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The cheapest way to get from Utrecht to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £7.
The train station in Utrecht that goes to Essen is Utrecht Centraal, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The first train from Utrecht to Essen leaves at 0:17.
The last train from Utrecht to Essen departs at 23:08.
Yes, you can take the train from Utrecht to Essen.
Trains from Utrecht to Essen run approximately 11 times per day.
Yes, there is a night train from Utrecht to Essen.
The train journey from Utrecht to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, showcasing the picturesque Dutch countryside with its green fields and charming windmills, as well as crossing into Germany where the landscape includes industrial areas and quaint villages.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Utrecht and Essen
Utrecht
Essen
The major train station for departures in Utrecht is Utrecht Centraal. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Utrecht Centraal for your trip from Utrecht to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
16Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Spoorstraat and Jaarbeursplein.
Dining
- Restaurant De Rechtbank
- Humphrey's Utrecht
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €0.70
Hotel
- Crowne Plaza Utrecht
- NH Utrecht
- Park Plaza Utrecht
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 12,656 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for international and regional trains
- Hall 2: domestic intercity and sprinter services
- Hall 3: tram and bus connections
Public transport options for Utrecht Centraal
- Tram: Line 22
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Domestic and international connections
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Utrecht.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Essen-Bergeborbeck
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Italia 2010
- Grillimbis Patris
- Abu Tayyeb Grill
- Imbißstube Kapadokya
Hotel
- Leckebusch GmbH
Essen-Frohnhausen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Pizza Farm
- Call a Pizza
- Nefeli
Essen-Zollverein Nord
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Casino Zollverein
- Warsteiner Stiefel
- Schacht XII, Bistro
- Cafe Kohlenwäsche
Most popular train connections from Utrecht
More options for your journey from Utrecht to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Utrecht
Most popular train connections to Essen
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