ESSEN to BERLIN train from €13 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Berlin

Showing times and prices for Aug 24

Cheapest price

€20

Average price

€70

Fastest journey

3 h 44 m

Average duration

3 h 50 m

Trains per day

Distance

454 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Essen to Berlin will cost around €70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.

Fast trains

Of the 22 trains that leave Essen for Berlin on Mon, Aug 24, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Aug 24 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 44 m .

On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 3 h 51 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.

FlixTrain
5:04 PM4h06
Essen Hbf
9:10 PMBerlin Spandau
€201One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
5:04 PM4h16
Essen Hbf
9:20 PMBerlin Hbf
€201One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
5:04 PM4h30
Essen Hbf
9:34 PMBerlin Südkreuz station
€201One-way
0 transfers
ICE 541
5:19 AM3h51
Essen Hbf
9:10 AMBerlin Hbf
€431One-way
0 transfers
ICE 843
6:21 AM3h51
Essen Hbf
10:12 AMBerlin Hbf
€431One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Berlin

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 €20, and a flight costs an average of €77.

Distance: 454 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight
€38 Average price	€34 Average price Cheapest	€167 Average price
6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m 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

Essen to Berlin train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Berlin trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
89737 · Bus S1 · ICE 1272	On time 9:29 PM Essen Hbf	8h55	6:24 AM Berlin Spandau	2 transfers
Monday, August 24
26844 · ICE 551	On time 1:09 AM Essen Hbf	7h46	8:55 AM Berlin Hbf	1 transfer
26845 · ICE 920 · ICE 551+95773	2:52 AM Essen Hbf	6h03	8:55 AM Berlin Hbf	3 transfers
ICE 541	On time 5:19 AM Essen Hbf	3h51	9:10 AM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 843	On time 6:21 AM Essen Hbf	3h51	10:12 AM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 543	On time 7:19 AM Essen Hbf	3h51	11:10 AM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 845	On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf	3h51	12:12 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 545	On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf	3h51	1:10 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 847	On time 10:20 AM Essen Hbf	3h52	2:12 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 1547	On time 10:47 AM Essen Hbf	3h44	2:31 PM Berlin Spandau	0 transfersDirect
ICE 547	On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf	3h51	3:10 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 849	On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf	3h51	4:12 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26719 · ICE 549	On time 1:13 PM Essen Hbf	3h57	5:10 PM Berlin Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 941	On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf	3h51	6:12 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26723 · ICE 641	On time 3:13 PM Essen Hbf	3h59	7:12 PM Berlin Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 943	On time 4:21 PM Essen Hbf	3h52	8:13 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain	5:04 PM Essen Hbf	4h06	9:10 PM Berlin Spandau	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain	5:04 PM Essen Hbf	4h16	9:20 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain	5:04 PM Essen Hbf	4h30	9:34 PM Berlin Südkreuz station	0 transfersDirect
26727 · ICE 643	On time 5:13 PM Essen Hbf	3h57	9:10 PM Berlin Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 945	On time 6:21 PM Essen Hbf	3h51	10:12 PM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26731 · ICE 645	On time 7:13 PM Essen Hbf	3h57	11:10 PM Berlin Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 947	On time 8:21 PM Essen Hbf	4h00	12:21 AM Berlin Hbf	0 transfersDirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Berlin 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 Essen to Berlin trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Berlin.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Berlin.

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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Berlin.
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 Essen to Berlin.

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 Essen to Berlin.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Essen to Berlin?

The best time to book your train from Essen to Berlin is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Essen to Berlin route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Essen to Berlin 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 Essen to Berlin.

Trains

from €23

Buses

from €26

Flights

from €200

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Berlin

Germany

Trains from Essen to Berlin run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €13 if you book in advance.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 4h 6m.

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 32m

Cheapest ticket price

€13

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

4h 6m

First train

12:02 AM

Last train

11:58 PM

Cheapest Month

Jul

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Apr - Jun

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Thu

Best time to book

28 days

Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Berlin from €13. 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 28m

Cheapest Price

€34

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.

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

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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

4h 6m

Cheapest Price

€13

FlixTrain frequency

6 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

3h 51m

Cheapest Price

€80

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency

16 a day

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Berlin

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Cheap train tickets from Essen to Berlin can start from as little as €13 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Essen to Berlin is €38; 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 Essen to Berlin is 4h 6m 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 Essen to Berlin leaves at 12:02 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Essen to Berlin leaves at 11:58 PM.

Yes,there are 10 direct trains a day from Essen to Berlin 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 Essen to Berlin, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Berlin. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Essen and Berlin and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

A trip to Berlin from Essen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 6m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Essen to Berlin is July.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Berlin including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Berlin

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

Departure train stations in Essen

Arrival train stations in Berlin

Which Essen station do trains to Berlin leave from?

Trains from Essen to Berlin leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.

Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min

Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

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.

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

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.

Essen WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre

Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe14 · 2m · €1 · every ~1 min

BusRb33, S1, S9, S3 · 12m · €3

Tram101 · 24m · every ~10 min

Essen West train station facilities and services

Essen West 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.