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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 28
Cheapest price
€5
Average price
€29
Fastest journey
47 m
Average duration
47 m
Trains per day
30
Distance
58 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Essen will cost around €29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €5.
Fast trains
Of the 30 trains that leave Cologne for Essen on Sun, Jun 28, 23 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 28 the direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 47 m .
On Sun, Jun 28 the slowest trains will take 47 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.
ICE 9455:24 PM0h56Cologne Hbf6:20 PMEssen Hbf€51One-way0 transfers- IC 20125:14 PM1h00Cologne Hbf6:14 PMEssen Hbf€51One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6456:25 PM0h53Cologne Hbf7:18 PMEssen Hbf€51One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6186:11 AM0h47Cologne Hbf6:58 AMEssen Hbf€71One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain5:01 PM0h52Cologne Hbf5:53 PMEssen Hbf€101One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6168:11 AM0h47Cologne Hbf8:58 AMEssen Hbf€231One-way0 transfers
- ICE 1065:11 PM0h47Cologne Hbf5:58 PMEssen Hbf€281One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5166:11 PM0h47Cologne Hbf6:58 PMEssen Hbf€191One-way0 transfers
- ICE 2049:11 AM0h47Cologne Hbf9:58 AMEssen Hbf€301One-way0 transfers
- ICE 2067:11 AM0h47Cologne Hbf7:58 AMEssen Hbf€191One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €4, and a train costs an average of €6.
Distance: 58 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€12 Average price | €5 Average price Cheapest |
1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Essen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 618 | 6:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 6:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 543 | On time 6:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h53 | 7:18 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 26807 | 6:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 7:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 206 | On time 7:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 7:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 845 | On time 7:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 8:20 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 28506 · 10209 | 7:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h07 | 8:38 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2206 · ICE 1545 | On time 7:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 8:46 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26809 | 7:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 8:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 2306 | On time 8:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 8:55 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 616 | On time 8:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 8:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 545 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h53 | 9:18 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 28508 · 10211 | 8:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h06 | 9:37 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26811 | 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 9:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 204 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 9:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 2155 | On time 9:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 10:14 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 847 | On time 9:26 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 10:20 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 28510 · 10213 | 9:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h06 | 10:37 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 9:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 10:46 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26813 | 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 12:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h49 | 1:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 4:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 5:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 5:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h52 | 5:53 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 106 | On time 5:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 2012 | Delayed 3:26 PM 5:14 PMCologne Hbf | 1h00 | 4:26 PM 4:26 PMEssen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 945 | On time 5:24 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h56 | 6:20 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 28526 · 10229 | 5:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h06 | 6:37 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26829 | 5:49 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 6:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 516 | On time 6:11 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 6:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 645 | On time 6:25 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h53 | 7:18 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 28528 · 10231 | 6:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h06 | 7:37 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Essen by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Jun 28
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Why should you book Cologne to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) and more offer trains services from Cologne to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Essen?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Essen is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne 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 Cologne to Essen.
Trains
from €5Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €6 but you can travel from only €4 by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 47m.
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 €4
Distance 58 km |
Average train duration 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €6 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 47m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 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 €4
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Cologne to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Cologne and Essen from €4. 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
47m
Cheapest Price
€7
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 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
48m
Cheapest Price
€6
FlixTrain frequency
3 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
47m
Cheapest Price
€27
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
19 a day
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Price
€17
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
15 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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 Cologne to Essen can start from as little as €6 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cologne to Essen is €12; 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 Cologne to Essen is 47m to travel the 58 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 Cologne to Essen leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cologne to Essen leaves at 11:57 PM.
Yes,there are 9 direct trains a day from Cologne to Essen with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cologne to Essen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cologne and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Essen from Cologne is worth doing with a journey time of 47m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cologne to Essen is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Essen including taking a train and bus.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Essen
Cologne
Essen
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected]
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected]
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5
Köln Messe/Deutz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
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 Cologne.
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, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus
information
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
Most popular train connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Essen
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