4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Essen
- Cheapest price on Nov 11
- €7
- Average ticket price on Nov 11
- €20
- Fastest journey on Nov 11
- 47 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 11
- 50 m
- Trains on Nov 11
- 10
- Distance
- 58 km
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 €20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €7.
On Wed, Nov 11, we found 10 trains from Cologne to Essen, including 6 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 11 the direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 47 m .
On Wed, Nov 11 the slowest trains will take 55 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.
FlixTrain8:14 AM 0h48 Cologne Hbf 9:02 AM Essen Hbf €7 1 One-way 0 transfers
S11 · ICE 7222:07 PM 0h55 Cologne Hbf 3:02 PM Essen Hbf €14 1 One-way 1 transfer- ICE 926 · ICE 641
2:11 PM 1h07 Cologne Hbf 3:18 PM Essen Hbf €18 1 One-way 1 transfer - ICE 204
9:11 AM 0h47 Cologne Hbf 9:58 AM Essen Hbf €18 1 One-way 0 transfers - ICE 545
8:25 AM 0h53 Cologne Hbf 9:18 AM Essen Hbf €18 1 One-way 0 transfers
- ICE 204
9:11 AM 0h47 Cologne Hbf 9:58 AM Essen Hbf €18 1 One-way 0 transfers - FlixTrain
8:14 AM 0h48 Cologne Hbf 9:02 AM Essen Hbf €7 1 One-way 0 transfers - ICE 1036
8:45 AM 0h48 Cologne Hbf 9:33 AM Essen Hbf €18 1 One-way 0 transfers - ICE 545
8:25 AM 0h53 Cologne Hbf 9:18 AM Essen Hbf €18 1 One-way 0 transfers - S11 · ICE 722
2:07 PM 0h55 Cologne Hbf 3:02 PM Essen Hbf €14 1 One-way 1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Cologne to Essen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €5 but you can travel from only €4 by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 43m.
Distance 58 km |
Average train duration 1h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price €5 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 43m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Live departures
Cologne to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Essen trains for today, Tuesday, November 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 9:02 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 545 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h53 | 9:18 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 28508 · 10314 | 8:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h12 | 9:43 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26811 | 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 9:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 204 · 26713 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 10:11 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1745 | On time 9:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 10:14 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 847 | On time 9:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 10:19 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 28510 · 10316 | 9:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h12 | 10:43 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26813 | 9:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 89717 | 10:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 11:27 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1022 · 26715 | On time 10:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 11:11 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 10911 · ICE 1012 | On time 10:22 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 11:22 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 28512 · 10318 | 10:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h12 | 11:43 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26815 | 10:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 11:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 89719 | 11:07 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h20 | 12:27 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 202 · 26717 | On time 11:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 12:11 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1053 · 10320 | On time 11:38 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h05 | 12:43 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 26817 | 11:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 12:50 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1020 | On time 12:09 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h49 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10915 · ICE 1010 | On time 12:22 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 1:22 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 28516 · 10322 | 12:31 PM Cologne Hbf | 1h12 | 1:43 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cologne to Essen trains with Omio?
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 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.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain 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
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cologne and Essen
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Essen
Most Cologne to Essen trains use the Köln Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cologne station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf train station facilities and services
Köln 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 and drink
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services
Köln Messe/Deutz 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 and drink
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre
Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services
Köln/Bonn Flughafen 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 and drink
Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.
Which Essen station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Getting to Essen-Steele from Essen city centre
Essen-Steele is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Steele train station facilities and services
Essen-Steele 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 and drink
Food options include: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
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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