- 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 on 08 Sept
£60
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£132
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
10 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
10 h 28 m
Trains on 08 Sept
32
Distance
761 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Essen will cost around £132 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £60.
To travel from Vienna to Essen you need to make at least 3 changes.
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · Bus RE1
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839
ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · 63617
RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · Bus RE1
RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · Bus RE1
RJX 19952 · ICE 118 · ICE 224 · 63615
RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · 63617
RJX19952+
ICE 118 · ICE 224+
RE100
RJX19976+
ICE 1214 · ICE 912+
RE100Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £54 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 33m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £54, while a flight costs an average of £98.
Distance: 761 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£86 Average Price | £98 Average Price | £54 Average Price Cheapest | £61 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 19m Average total duration 8h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 32m Average total duration 13h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Vienna to Essen:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Essen costing on average £86.
A coach is £43 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Essen costing on average £98.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 49m.
Coach takes on average 13h 2m.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (8h 49m by train vs 9h 14m by car). Tickets start at around £86 compared to roughly £61 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Essen trains for today, Monday 7 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839 | 13:28 Vienna | 10h52 | 0:20 Essen | 4 changes | |
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839 | 13:28 Vienna | 10h53 | 0:21 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
RJX19916+ EC 114+ ICE 910+ RE1 | 13:28 Vienna Hbf | 10h22 | 23:50 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 64 · ICE 510 · ICE 22 · S2 | On time 14:28 Vienna | 11h39 | 2:07 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · Bus RE1 | On time 18:28 Vienna | 13h09 | 7:37 Essen | 2 changes | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 624+ DB S6 | 8:02 Vienna Airport | 11h30 | 19:32 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 262+ ICE 624+ DB S6 | 8:28 Vienna Hbf | 11h04 | 19:32 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 262 · ICE 516 · ICE 28 · Bus RE1 | On time 8:28 Vienna | 11h09 | 19:37 Essen | 3 changes | |
RJX 262 · ICE 624 · S6 | On time 8:28 Vienna | 11h04 | 19:32 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
EC 1216+ ICE 224+ RE100+ REX 7 | 8:46 Vienna Airport | 11h12 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX19952+ ICE 118 · ICE 224+ RE100 | 9:02 Vienna Airport | 10h56 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
EC 1216+ ICE 224+ RE100 | 9:13 Vienna Hbf | 10h45 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
EC 1216 · ICE 224 · 63615 | On time 9:13 Vienna | 10h45 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 19952 · ICE 118 · ICE 224 · 63615 | 9:28 Vienna | 10h30 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX19952+ ICE 118 · ICE 224+ RE100 | 9:28 Vienna Hbf | 10h30 | 19:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 19952 · ICE 118 · 10230 | 9:28 Vienna | 10h53 | 20:21 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJ 752+ RJX 60+ ICE 514+ DB S9 | 10:02 Vienna Airport | 11h38 | 21:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 60+ ICE 514+ DB S9 | 10:28 Vienna Hbf | 11h12 | 21:40 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 60 · ICE 620 · Bus RE1 | On time 10:28 Vienna | 11h07 | 21:35 Essen | 2 changes | |
RJX 60 · ICE 514 · S9 | On time 10:28 Vienna | 11h12 | 21:40 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912+ RE100+ REX 7 | 10:46 Vienna Airport | 11h12 | 21:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX19976+ ICE 1214 · ICE 912+ RE100 | 11:02 Vienna Airport | 10h56 | 21:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · 63617 | On time 11:13 Vienna | 10h45 | 21:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912+ RE100 | 11:13 Vienna Hbf | 10h45 | 21:58 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · Bus RE1 | On time 11:13 Vienna | 10h37 | 21:50 Essen | 2 changes | |
RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · Bus RE1 | 11:28 Vienna | 10h22 | 21:50 Essen | 3 changes | |
RJX 19976 · ICE 1214 · ICE 912 · 63617 | 11:28 Vienna | 10h30 | 21:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX19976+ ICE 1214 · ICE 912+ RE100 | 11:28 Vienna Hbf | 10h30 | 21:58 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 642+ RJX 62+ ICE 512+ DB S9 | 11:34 Vienna Airport | 12h06 | 23:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 642+ RJX 62+ ICE 512+ DB S9 | 11:57 Vienna Hbf | 11h43 | 23:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJ 750+ RJX 62+ ICE 512+ DB S9 | 12:02 Vienna Airport | 11h38 | 23:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · S9 | On time 12:28 Vienna | 11h12 | 23:40 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
RJX 62+ ICE 512+ DB S9 | 12:28 Vienna Hbf | 11h12 | 23:40 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
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 Vienna to Essen run on average 24 times per day, taking around 8h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £28 by flight.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 761 km distance in 9h 58m.
Distance 761 km |
Average train duration 8h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 9h 58m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 Vienna 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 Vienna to Essen trains use the Wien Hauptbahnhof to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Vienna and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Wien Hauptbahnhof is 2 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, L’Osteria, Akakiko, McDonald’s, Oberlaa, Nordsee, Som Kitchen, Starbucks, Admiral Sports Bar, Asia Gourmet, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are information desks are located at each end of the main level.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
Nearby hotels include Star Inn Hotel, Quartier Belvedere, AZIMUT Hotel Vienna.
Flughafen Wien is 3 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Flughafen Wien 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, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Café Restaurant Johann Strauss, Zugvogel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Flughafen Wien. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Flughafen Wien. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Flughafen Wien: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Vienna Airport Conference Center, Moxy Vienna Airport, LifeHotel Vienna Airport.
Wien Meidling Bahnhof is 4 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Meidling Bahnhof 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 Meidlinger Markt, Gasthaus Tirolergarten
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Rainers, Austria Trend Hotel Bosei, Hotel Fabrik.
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-Steele is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Steele 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: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need