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The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Essen
Showing times and prices for May 29
Cheapest price
€48
Average price
€99
Fastest journey
3 h 49 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
454 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berlin to Essen will cost around €99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €48.
Fast trains
Of the 26 trains that leave Berlin for Essen on Fri, May 29, 25 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 3 h 52 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixTrain12:40 PM4h08Berlin Hbf4:48 PMEssen Hbf€481One-way0 transfers- FlixTrain12:22 PM4h26Berlin Südkreuz station4:48 PMEssen Hbf€481One-way0 transfers
- FlixTrain12:49 PM3h59Berlin Spandau4:48 PMEssen Hbf€481One-way0 transfers
- FlixTrain4:39 PM4h09Berlin Hbf8:48 PMEssen Hbf€501One-way0 transfers
- FlixTrain4:28 PM4h20Berlin Südkreuz station8:48 PMEssen Hbf€501One-way0 transfers
ICE 9429:46 AM3h49Berlin Hbf1:35 PMEssen Hbf€1361One-way0 transfers- ICE 94011:46 AM3h49Berlin Hbf3:35 PMEssen Hbf€1361One-way0 transfers
- ICE 8481:46 PM3h49Berlin Hbf5:35 PMEssen Hbf€1361One-way0 transfers
- ICE 9447:46 AM3h49Berlin Hbf11:35 AMEssen Hbf€1201One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6428:46 AM3h52Berlin Hbf12:38 PMEssen Hbf€1361One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Berlin to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 €22, and a flight costs an average of €62.
Distance: 454 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€48 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €197 Average price |
5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Berlin to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Essen trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 842 | On time 7:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 11:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1540 | On time 10:49 PM Berlin Hbf | 6h25 | 5:14 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 273 · ICE 1540 | On time 11:28 PM Berlin Hbf | 5h46 | 5:14 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, May 29 | |||||
| ICE 646 | On time 4:23 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h15 | 8:38 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 277 · ICE 646 | On time 4:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h10 | 8:38 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 946 | On time 5:28 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h07 | 9:35 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 644 | On time 6:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 3h52 | 10:38 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1548 | On time 7:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h03 | 11:13 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 944 | On time 7:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 11:35 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 8:28 AM Berlin Südkreuz station | 4h20 | 12:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 8:39 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h09 | 12:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 642 | On time 8:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 3h52 | 12:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 8:50 AM Berlin Spandau | 3h58 | 12:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1052 | On time 9:12 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h12 | 1:24 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 942 | On time 9:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 1:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 640 | On time 10:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 3h52 | 2:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1546 | On time 11:13 AM Berlin Hbf | 4h00 | 3:13 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 940 | On time 11:46 AM Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 3:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:22 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 4h26 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h08 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 548 | On time 12:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 3h52 | 4:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:49 PM Berlin Spandau | 3h59 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1050 | On time 1:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h11 | 5:24 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 848 | On time 1:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 3h49 | 5:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 546 | On time 2:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 3h52 | 6:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1544 | On time 3:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h00 | 7:13 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 4:28 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 4h20 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 4:39 PM Berlin Hbf | 4h09 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 4:50 PM Berlin Spandau | 3h58 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Berlin 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.
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Why should you book Berlin to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) and more offer trains services from Berlin to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Berlin 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 FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Berlin 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 Berlin 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 Berlin to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Berlin to Essen?
The best time to book your train from Berlin to Essen is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Berlin to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Berlin to Essen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Berlin to Essen.
Trains
from €27Buses
from €25Flights
from €212Journey information
Overview: Train from Berlin to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Berlin to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 3h 58m.
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
Distance 454 km |
Average train duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 58m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Berlin to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Berlin and Essen from €21. 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 0m
Cheapest Price
€31
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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.
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.
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.
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
FlixTrain
About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 58m
Cheapest Price
€21
FlixTrain frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
WestfalenBahn
About
WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.
Luggage & cancellation policy
WestfalenBahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 49m
Cheapest Price
€80
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Trains from Berlin to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin 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.
Cheap train tickets from Berlin to Essen can start from as little as €21 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Berlin to Essen is €48; 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 Berlin to Essen is 3h 58m to travel the 454 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 Berlin to Essen leaves at 12:03 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Berlin to Essen leaves at 11:57 PM.
Yes,there are 10 direct trains a day from Berlin to Essen with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Berlin to Essen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn, 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 Berlin and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Essen from Berlin is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 58m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Berlin to Essen is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Berlin and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Berlin to Essen
Berlin
Essen
The major train station for departures in Berlin is Berlin Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Berlin Hbf for your trip from Berlin to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 22:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Dining
- backWERK
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Einstein Kaffee
- Le Crobag
- McDonald's
- Hans im Glück
- Pret A Manger
- Starbucks
- & many more
Accessibility
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof
Information Desk
- Located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Berlin Spandau
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
Distance to city center
14 kmDining
- Unvernunft
- Taverna Teloneio
- Burger King
- Hasir
Hotel
- Hotel Benn
- Hotel Herbst
- Hotel Lindenufer
- Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
Distance to city center
6 kmDining
- Biertempel 2
- McDonald's
- Eis Bär
- Cafe Mon Cherie
Hotel
- Appartements Eisemann
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Berlin.
Essen Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Essen-Altenessen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Most popular train connections from Berlin
More options for your journey from Berlin to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Berlin
Most popular train connections to Essen
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