- 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
£33
Average price
£44
Fastest journey
1 h 56 m
Average duration
2 h 42 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
148 km
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 £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Of the 6 trains that leave Utrecht for Essen every day 6 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 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 52 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 Utrecht to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 11m. 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 £12, and a train costs an average of £23.
Distance: 148 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£40 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 4m Average total duration 2h 34m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Utrecht 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 225 · 89715 | On time 8:32 Utrecht Centraal | 1h55 | 10:27 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3227+ 20017+ S3 | 9:06 Utrecht Centraal | 2h29 | 11:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3529 · 20077 · 10131 | 9:24 Utrecht Centraal | 2h50 | 12:14 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3231+ 20019+ S3 | 10:04 Utrecht Centraal | 2h31 | 12:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 123 · 26817 | On time 11:02 Utrecht Centraal | 2h01 | 13:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3235+ 20021+ S3 | 11:06 Utrecht Centraal | 2h29 | 13:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3537 · 20081 · 10139 | 11:24 Utrecht Centraal | 2h50 | 14:14 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3239+ 20023+ S3 | 12:04 Utrecht Centraal | 2h31 | 14:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 125 · 26821 | On time 13:04 Utrecht Centraal | 1h59 | 15:03 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 3243+ 20025+ S3 | 13:07 Utrecht Centraal | 2h28 | 15:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3545 · 20085 · 10147 | 13:24 Utrecht Centraal | 2h50 | 16:14 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 3247+ 20027+ S3 | 14:04 Utrecht Centraal | 2h31 | 16:35 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 127 · ICE 1520 | On time 15:04 Utrecht Centraal | 1h50 | 16:54 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Utrecht to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:32, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 148 km distance in 1h 49m.
Distance 148 km |
Average train duration 2h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 0:32 |
Last train 23:08 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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 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.

Most Utrecht to Essen trains use the Utrecht Centraal to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Utrecht and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Utrecht Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Rechtbank, Humphrey's Utrecht
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Utrecht Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Utrecht Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Utrecht Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Utrecht Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Centraal: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Utrecht, NH Utrecht, Park Plaza Utrecht.
Utrecht Leidsche Rijn is 3 km from Utrecht city centre. Public transport options include:
Utrecht Leidsche Rijn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.
ATMs are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.
Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Parking.
Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.
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, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden 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: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need