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The cheapest and fastest trains from Vienna to Essen
Showing times and prices for 10 Dec
Cheapest price
£110
Average price
£130
Fastest journey
8 h 49 m
Average duration
9 h 58 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
761 km
Cheap tickets
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 £130 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £110.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Vienna 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 761 km distance in an average of 9 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 12 h 30 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.
04:138h49
Vienna13:02Essen
£1101One-way
0 changes
16:2812h30
Vienna04:58Essen
£1101One-way
0 changes
09:139h45
Vienna18:58Essen
£1281One-way
0 changes
08:138h49
Vienna17:02Essen
£1471One-way
0 changes
12:289h58
Vienna22:26Essen
£1561One-way
0 changes
04:138h49
Vienna13:02Essen
£1101One-way
0 changes
08:138h49
Vienna17:02Essen
£1471One-way
0 changes
09:139h45
Vienna18:58Essen
£1281One-way
0 changes
12:289h58
Vienna22:26Essen
£1561One-way
0 changes
16:2812h30
Vienna04:58Essen
£1101One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Vienna to Essen
Omio 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 prices starting from £32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, and a flight costs an average of £31.
Distance: 761 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£121 Average Price | £145 Average Price | £58 Average Price Cheapest |
11h 14m Average total duration 10h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 54m Average total duration 13h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg 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
Vienna to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Essen trains for today, Tuesday 9 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 12:47
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:28 Vienna | 12h30 | 04:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 10 December | |||||
| 04:13 Vienna | 8h49 | 13:02 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:13 Vienna | 8h49 | 17:02 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:13 Vienna | 9h45 | 18:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:28 Vienna | 9h58 | 22:26 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Vienna 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Vienna to Essen?
The best time to book your train from Vienna to Essen is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Vienna to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Vienna to Essen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Vienna to Essen.
Trains
from £62Coaches
from £45Flights
from £187Journey information
Overview: Train from Vienna to Essen
Austria
Germany
Trains from Vienna to Essen run on average 31 times per day, taking around 10h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 but you can travel from only £31 by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 761 km distance in 8h 45m.
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
Flight from £31
Distance 761 km |
Average train duration 10h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 8h 45m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:51 |
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
Flight from £31
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity from Vienna to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity trains will get you between Vienna and Essen from £31. 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
8h 49m
Cheapest Price
£46
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 a day
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
ÖBB | ICE
About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest Price
£80
ÖBB | ICE frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
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
11h 20m
Cheapest Price
£90
ÖBB Nightjet frequency
3 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
ÖBB | InterCity
About
ÖBB Intercity is a domestic high-speed rail service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) in Austria. They are addition to the Eurocity and the Railjet for long-distance travels and also include first class cars, the trains are air-conditioned, hve power sockets a minibar service and are comfortable. ÖBB Intercity trains mostly run on the inner alpine lines to cities like Graz, Linz and Salzburg and Inssbruck.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 49m
Cheapest Price
£166
ÖBB | InterCity frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (on most routes) and at-seat service in first class. Snacks and drinks available
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for €3 in second class, included in first class ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
FAQs: Vienna to Essen train
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.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
The train distance from Vienna to Essen is 761 km.
The train journey from Vienna to Essen covers a distance of 761 km and takes approximately 8h 45m. Trains run 31 per day.
A day trip from Vienna to Essen is not feasible due to the journey duration of 8h 45m. The distance of 761 km also adds to the impracticality. Train services operate 31 times per day.
The first train from Vienna to Essen leaves at 0:01.
The train journey from Vienna to Essen offers a scenic experience, with views of the Austrian countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, especially in the early stages of the trip. As the train progresses towards Germany, the scenery transitions into the industrial yet charming landscapes of the Ruhr area.
The last train from Vienna to Essen departs at 23:51.
Booking trains from Vienna to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Trains from Vienna to Essen run approximately 31 times per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Vienna to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £45, while the average price tends to be around £121.
Yes, there is a direct train between Vienna and Essen. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE.
Yes, there is a night train from Vienna to Essen.
The cheapest way to get from Vienna to Essen is by flight, costing approximately £31.
To get from Vienna to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The train station in Vienna that goes to Essen is Vienna Hbf, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
Yes, you can take the train from Vienna to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Vienna and Essen
Vienna
Essen
The major train station for departures in Vienna is Wien Westbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Wien Westbahnhof for your trip from Vienna 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 - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 km
Number of platforms
10Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at Felberstraße 1.
Dining
- Restaurant Westpol
- Vapiano Wien Westbahnhof
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €1
Hotel
- Hotel Mercure Wien Westbahnhof
- Fleming's Hotel Wien-Stadthalle
- Motel One Wien-Westbahnhof
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-10 for regional and suburban trains
- Hall 3: access to metro and tram connections
Public transport options for Wien Westbahnhof
- Metro: Line U3, Line U6
- Tram: Line 5, Line 6, Line 9, Line 18, Line 52, Line 60
- Bus: Several lines available
Flughafen Wien
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
3 kmNumber of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via the A4 motorway.
Dining
- Café Restaurant Johann Strauss
- Zugvogel
Taxis
- Outside the main terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €1
Hotel
- NH Vienna Airport Conference Center
- Moxy Vienna Airport
- LifeHotel Vienna Airport
Shower
- Cost €6
Lounge
- Located in the main terminal
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main terminal
Car Rental
- Green Motion
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main terminal
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: CAT connections
Public transport options for Flughafen Wien
- S-Bahn: Line S7
- Bus: Several lines available
- CAT (City Airport Train) to Vienna city center
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
- Sat: 09:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
Dining
- Burger King
- L’Osteria
- Akakiko
- McDonald’s
- Oberlaa
- Nordsee
- Som Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Admiral Sports Bar
- Asia Gourmet
- & many more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
Hotel
- Star Inn Hotel
- Quartier Belvedere
- AZIMUT Hotel Vienna
Information Desk
- Information desks are located at each end of the main level.
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 Vienna.
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-Steele
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
Hotel
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
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
Most popular train connections from Vienna
More options for your journey from Vienna to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Vienna
Most popular train connections to Essen
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