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

Sun 13 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
SBB
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
SBB
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Sept

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

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 £106 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £82.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnIR 2292 · ICE 204 · Bus RE1
    1:089h29
    Zurich HB
    10:37Essen
    £821One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIR 2292 · ICE 204 · S6
    1:089h34
    Zurich HB
    10:42Essen Hbf
    £821One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIR 2292 · ICE 204 · IC 2441 · S9
    1:089h32
    Zurich HB
    10:40Essen Hbf
    £821One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 758 · ICE 202 · Bus RE1
    5:596h38
    Zurich HB
    12:37Essen
    £1091One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 758 · ICE 202 · S6
    5:596h43
    Zurich HB
    12:42Essen Hbf
    £1091One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Zurich to Essen

Omio 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

Compare train with

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

FlixBus

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Essen is a coach with an average price of £41.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 12m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Train takes on average 6h 15m.

Coach takes on average 8h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Essen including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

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.

Live departures

Zurich to Essen train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 6 · ICE 918 · 63611+TGVTGV 9210
Delayed
8:46 9:34Zurich HB
6h21
15:55 Essen Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 6 · ICE 918 · Bus RE1+TGVTGV 9210
Delayed
8:46 9:34Zurich HB
6h28
16:02 Essen
3 changes
Sunday 13 September
Deutsche BahnIR 2292 · ICE 204 · Bus RE11:08 Zurich HB
9h29
10:37 Essen2 changes
Deutsche BahnIR 2292 · ICE 204 · S61:08 Zurich HB
9h34
10:42 Essen Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIR 2292 · ICE 204 · IC 2441 · S91:08 Zurich HB
9h32
10:40 Essen Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 758 · ICE 202 · Bus RE15:59 Zurich HB
6h38
12:37 Essen2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 758 · ICE 202 · S65:59 Zurich HB
6h43
12:42 Essen Hbf2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 758 · ICE 202 · IC 2049 · S95:59 Zurich HB
6h41
12:40 Essen Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 284 · ICE 1010 · Bus RE1
On time
6:37 Zurich HB
7h25
14:02 Essen
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 10206:59 Zurich HB
6h22
13:21 Essen Hbf4 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 760 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · S96:59 Zurich HB
6h41
13:40 Essen Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 760 · ICE 374 · IC 2047 · ICE 2006:59 Zurich HB
7h22
14:21 Essen Hbf4 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zurich 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.

Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept

Why should you book Zurich to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as SBB or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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 SBB or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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 or Wanderu?

  • 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich to Essen

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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 £32
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
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 £32

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SBB, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Zurich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, SBB, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Zurich and Essen from £32. 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 48m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£47
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

SBB

About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SBB Duration
5h 59m
Cheapest SBB Price
£81
SBB frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
11h 59m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£99
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
1 a day

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.

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
The cost of a train ticket from Zurich to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £84.
The train journey from Zurich to Essen covers a distance of 468 km and takes approximately 5h 48m. Trains run 8 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 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Essen.
To get from Zurich to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Zurich to Essen.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Essen is Zurich HB, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £32.
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.
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.
A day trip from Zurich to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 48m. However, there are 17 train trips available per day.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
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-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.

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 · £0.90 · 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.

Zürich StadelhofenStadelhoferstrasse 8, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 900 300 300WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich Stadelhofen from Zurich city centre

TramLine 11, Line 15
BusSeveral lines available
S-BahnLines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16

Zürich Stadelhofen train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof NordHofwiesenstrasse 369, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland+41 848 446 688Accessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord from Zurich city centre

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS8, S2, S24, Ir36, S14, Re48, S19, S, Ir13, Ic1, S21, S15, S9, Sn8, Ir, N1 · 4m · £2 · every ~31 min
9, S · 12m · £4 · every ~3 min
BusE · 13m · £3
N10 · 12m · £3
Tram10, 11, 17, 50, 51, 8 · 12m · £3 · every ~19 min

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord train station facilities and services

Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord.

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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