- 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 13 Sept
£82
Average ticket price on 13 Sept
£106
Fastest journey on 13 Sept
6 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 13 Sept
6 h 37 m
Trains on 13 Sept
10
Distance
468 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Essen will cost around £106 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £82.
To travel from Zurich to Essen you need to make at least 2 changes.
IR 2292 · ICE 204 · Bus RE1
IR 2292 · ICE 204 · S6
IR 2292 · ICE 204 · IC 2441 · S9
IC 758 · ICE 202 · Bus RE1
IC 758 · ICE 202 · S6
IC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020
IC 758 · ICE 202 · Bus RE1
IC 758 · ICE 202 · IC 2049 · S9
IC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · S9
IC 758 · ICE 202 · S6Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, while a flight costs an average of £110.
Distance: 468 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£84 Average Price | £110 Average Price | £41 Average Price Cheapest | £138 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 10m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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 Zurich to Essen:
A coach is £42 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Essen costing on average £84.
A coach is £69 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Essen costing on average £110.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 15m.
Coach takes on average 8h 40m.
The journey is about 1m faster (6h 15m by train vs 6h 16m by car) and roughly £54 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£84 vs £138). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Essen trains for today, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · 63611+ TGV 9210 | Delayed 8:46 9:34Zurich HB | 6h21 | 15:55 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · Bus RE1+ TGV 9210 | Delayed 8:46 9:34Zurich HB | 6h28 | 16:02 Essen | 3 changes | |
| Sunday 13 September | |||||
IR 2292 · ICE 204 · Bus RE1 | 1:08 Zurich HB | 9h29 | 10:37 Essen | 2 changes | |
IR 2292 · ICE 204 · S6 | 1:08 Zurich HB | 9h34 | 10:42 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IR 2292 · ICE 204 · IC 2441 · S9 | 1:08 Zurich HB | 9h32 | 10:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 758 · ICE 202 · Bus RE1 | 5:59 Zurich HB | 6h38 | 12:37 Essen | 2 changes | |
IC 758 · ICE 202 · S6 | 5:59 Zurich HB | 6h43 | 12:42 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 758 · ICE 202 · IC 2049 · S9 | 5:59 Zurich HB | 6h41 | 12:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 284 · ICE 1010 · Bus RE1 | On time 6:37 Zurich HB | 7h25 | 14:02 Essen | 2 changes | |
IC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020 | 6:59 Zurich HB | 6h22 | 13:21 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
IC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · S9 | 6:59 Zurich HB | 6h41 | 13:40 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 760 · ICE 374 · IC 2047 · ICE 200 | 6:59 Zurich HB | 7h22 | 14:21 Essen Hbf | 4 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 Zurich to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 468 km distance in 5h 48m.
Distance 468 km |
Average train duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 48m |
First train 0:08 |
Last train 23:36 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Zurich 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 Zurich to Essen trains use the Zürich HB to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen-Werden. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB 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 Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Stadelhofen 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: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord.
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-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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need