Zurich to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Thu 29 Oct
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Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV Lyria
Eurostar
ÖBB | Nightjet
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Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV Lyria
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ÖBB | Nightjet
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Oct

Cheapest price on 29 Oct

£50

Average ticket price on 29 Oct

£107

Fastest journey on 29 Oct

6 h 33 m

Average journey duration on 29 Oct

6 h 49 m

Trains on 29 Oct

9

Distance

468 km

Cheap tickets

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 £107 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.

Fast trains

To travel from Zurich to Essen you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28
    11:597h48
    Zurich HB
    19:47Essen Hbf
    £501One-way
    5 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · ICE 624
    12:596h33
    Zurich HB
    19:32Essen Hbf
    £721One-way
    4 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 626 · S6
    11:596h33
    Zurich HB
    18:32Essen Hbf
    £721One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 188 · ICE 224 · S6
    12:377h35
    Zurich HB
    20:12Essen Hbf
    £801One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · S9
    12:596h41
    Zurich HB
    19:40Essen Hbf
    £801One-way
    3 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich to Essen

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Zurich to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £24 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 468 km distance in 5h 13m.

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 £24
Distance
468 km
Average train duration
6h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£44
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
5h 13m
First train
0:08
Last train
23:36
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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 £24

Frequently asked questions about your Zurich to Essen trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Zurich to Essen.

The cost of a train ticket from Zurich to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £112.
The train journey from Zurich to Essen covers a distance of 468 km and takes approximately 5h 13m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Zurich to Essen is 468 km.
The first train from Zurich to Essen leaves at 0:08.
The last train from Zurich to Essen departs at 23:36.
Trains from Zurich to Essen run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Essen.

Live departures

Zurich to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Essen trains for today, Wednesday 28 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 200 · S9
On time
7:59 Zurich HB
6h41
14:40 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 200 · IC 1645 · 17346 · 30993
On time
7:59 Zurich HB
8h48
16:47 Essen Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 282 · S3 · ICE 918 · S6
On time
8:37 Zurich HB
7h15
15:52 Essen Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 794 · ICE 372 · S3 · ICE 9188:59 Zurich HB
6h53
15:52 Essen Hbf4 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Zurich to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as SNCF | TGV Lyria, Eurostar, ÖBB | Nightjet and more offer trains services from Zurich to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Essen.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF | TGV Lyria, Eurostar or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Essen.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF | TGV Lyria, Eurostar or ÖBB | Nightjet to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Essen.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Essen.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SNCF | TGV Lyria, Eurostar, ÖBB | Nightjet from Zurich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, SNCF | TGV Lyria, Eurostar, ÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Zurich and Essen from £24. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£44
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

SNCF | TGV Lyria

About
TGV Lyria is a high-speed train service connecting France and Switzerland, a joint venture between SNCF (French National Railway Company) and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). These trains operate daily, offering up to 17 return journeys between the two countries. Key destinations include Paris, Dijon, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, and Basel, with seasonal services to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon. TGV Lyria offers three travel classes: Standard, Première, and Première Signature, each with varying levels of comfort and services like Wi-Fi and catering options.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV Lyria Duration
8h 41m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV Lyria Price
£52
SNCF | TGV Lyria frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of luggage per person
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full meals, at-seat service in First Class, Café-bar for snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional, additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Eurostar

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Eurostar Duration
8h 24m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£66
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
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 ÖBB | Nightjet Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest ÖBB | Nightjet Price
£118
ÖBB | Nightjet frequency
2 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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Zurich and Essen

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a night train from Zurich to Essen.

Complete guide to Essen

Things to do in Essen

Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum Folkwang

Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.

  • Must visit

Ruhr Museum

Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.

  • Recommended

Red Dot Design Museum

Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.

Euro (€)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Plan your visit to Essen

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Essen.

The train journey from Zurich to Essen offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque Swiss countryside and the rolling hills of the Rhineland. Travellers can enjoy the changing landscapes and charming villages along the route.

FAQs: Zurich to Essen train

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.

FAQs
Booking trains from Zurich to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Essen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Essen

Most Zurich to Essen trains use the Zürich HB to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. 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.

Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Zurich station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Zurich to Essen leave from Zürich HB. The station is 2 km from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre

Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS, 9 · 3m · £3 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · £1 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · £2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · £2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min

Zürich HB train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.

Train stations for Zurich to Essen

Check train stations information for Zurich and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Zurich that goes to Essen is Zürich HB, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.

More options for your journey from Zurich to Essen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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