Basel to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Mon, Aug 03
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Regionale
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Essen

Showing times and prices for Aug 03

Cheapest price

€101

Average price

€141

Fastest journey

4 h 42 m

Average duration

7 h 3 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

435 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Basel to Essen will cost around €141 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €101.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Basel to Essen without transferring at least once.

  • FlixTrainFlixTrain · FlixTrain
    8:44 AM12h04
    Basel Bad Bhf
    8:48 PMEssen Hbf
    1011One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 374 · IC 2577 · 28518 · 10221
    8:16 AM6h21
    Basel SBB
    2:37 PMEssen Hbf
    1361One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 374 · ICE 1010
    8:16 AM5h06
    Basel SBB
    1:22 PMEssen Hbf
    1641One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020
    8:16 AM4h42
    Basel SBB
    12:58 PMEssen Hbf
    1641One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €83.

Distance: 435 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€121

Average price

€49

Average price

Cheapest

€254

Average price

5h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 17m

Average total duration

7h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 27m

Average total duration

9h 27m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.6kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Basel to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Basel to Essen trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 374 · ICE 1010
On time
8:16 AM Basel SBB
5h06
1:22 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020
On time
8:16 AM Basel SBB
4h42
12:58 PM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 374 · IC 2577 · 28518 · 10221
On time
8:16 AM Basel SBB
6h21
2:37 PM Essen Hbf
3 transfers
FlixTrainFlixTrain · FlixTrain8:44 AM Basel Bad Bhf
12h04
8:48 PM Essen Hbf1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Basel to Essen by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09

Why should you book Basel to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Basel to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Essen

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €32 by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 435 km distance in 4h 36m.

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
Bus from €32
Distance
435 km
Average train duration
5h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
€40
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 36m
First train
12:03 AM
Last train
11:41 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 days
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
Bus from €32

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Basel to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Basel 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 Duration
4h 36m
Cheapest Price
€40
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 33m
Cheapest Price
€80
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Trains from Basel to Essen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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
Cheap train tickets from Basel to Essen can start from as little as €40 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Basel to Essen is €121; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Basel to Essen is 4h 36m to travel the 435 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Basel to Essen leaves at 12:03 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Basel to Essen leaves at 11:41 PM.
Yes,there are 1 direct trains a day from Basel to Essen with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Basel to Essen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Basel and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Essen from Basel is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 36m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Basel to Essen is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Basel to Essen

Most Basel to Essen trains use the Basel SBB to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Duisburg Hbf. Use this guide to compare Basel and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Basel
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Basel station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Basel to Essen leave from Basel SBB. The station is 2 km from Basel city centre at Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel SBBCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland+41 51 221 22 22WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre

Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainTer · 5m · €1 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 4m · €2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 5m · €2
1, 3, 2 · 7m · €2 · every ~25 min

Basel SBB train station facilities and services

Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, 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 Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.

Basel Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre

Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus30 · 11m · €3 · every ~18 min
Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · €3 · every ~20 min

Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services

Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.

Basel MarkthalleCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, SwitzerlandAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Basel Markthalle from Basel city centre

Basel Markthalle is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainTer · 8m · €1 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 6m · €2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 3m · €2
1, 3, 2 · 6m · €2 · every ~25 min

Basel Markthalle train station facilities and services

Basel Markthalle has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Markthalle.

More options for your journey from Basel to Essen

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

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