- 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 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
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.
To travel from Zurich to Essen you need to make at least 2 changes.
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 710 · ICE 28
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · ICE 624
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 626 · S6
IC 188 · ICE 224 · S6
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · S9
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · ICE 624
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 626 · S6
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · S9
IC 770 · ICE 106 · S9
IC 188 · ICE 224 · S6Trains 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.
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Zurich to Essen.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 200 · S9 | On time 7:59 Zurich HB | 6h41 | 14:40 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
ICE 200 · IC 1645 · 17346 · 30993 | On time 7:59 Zurich HB | 8h48 | 16:47 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 282 · S3 · ICE 918 · S6 | On time 8:37 Zurich HB | 7h15 | 15:52 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
IC 794 · ICE 372 · S3 · ICE 918 | 8:59 Zurich HB | 6h53 | 15:52 Essen Hbf | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Kettwig has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.
Check train stations information for Zurich and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need