Essen to Berlin train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,RB)

Sat, Jan 10
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Berlin

Showing times and prices for Jan 10

Cheapest price

€30

Average price

€32

Fastest journey

4 h 24 m

Average duration

4 h 43 m

Trains per day

2

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 €32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Essen for Berlin on Sat, Jan 10, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jan 10 the direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 4 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 24 m .

On Sat, Jan 10 the slowest trains will take 5 h 2 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
02:26PM5h02
Essen
07:28PMBerlin
301One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
03:04PM4h24
Essen
07:28PMBerlin
351One-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 €18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. 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 €18, and a flight costs an average of €50.

Distance: 454 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€47

Average price

€35

Average price

Cheapest

€186

Average price

4h 50m

Average total duration

4h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 20m

Average total duration

6h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 12m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 12m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.4 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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, Friday, January 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:00 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 845
Delayed
7:21 AM Essen Hbf
3h55
11:17 AM 11:17 AMBerlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1545
On time
7:47 AM Essen Hbf
3h55
11:42 AM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain8:04 AM Essen Hbf
4h36
12:40 PM Berlin Ostbahnhof0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain8:04 AM Essen Hbf
4h22
12:26 PM Berlin Hbf0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain8:04 AM Essen Hbf
4h06
12:10 PM Berlin Spandau0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 545
On time
8:19 AM Essen Hbf
3h57
12:16 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 847
Delayed
9:20 AM Essen Hbf
3h56
1:17 PM 1:17 PMBerlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1547
On time
9:47 AM Essen Hbf
3h55
1:42 PM Berlin Hbf
0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain12:04 PM Essen Hbf
4h33
4:37 PM Berlin Südkreuz station0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain12:04 PM Essen Hbf
4h06
4:10 PM Berlin Spandau0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain12:04 PM Essen Hbf
4h16
4:20 PM Berlin Hbf0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain4:04 PM Essen Hbf
4h30
8:34 PM Berlin Südkreuz station0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain4:04 PM Essen Hbf
4h18
8:22 PM Berlin Hbf0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain4:04 PM Essen Hbf
4h06
8:10 PM Berlin Spandau0 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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Jan 10
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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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Berlin

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Berlin run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 but you can travel from only €18 by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 3h 52m.

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 €18
Distance
454 km
Average train duration
4h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
€19
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
3h 52m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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 €18

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Essen to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Essen and Berlin from €18. 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
3h 46m
Cheapest Price
€54
Deutsche Bahn frequency
15 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

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 24m
Cheapest Price
€11
FlixTrain frequency
4 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

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.

FAQs
On average the Essen to Berlin train travel time is 4 h 4 min   for the 453 km long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Essen to Berlin leaves at 06: 44. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Essen to Berlin leaves at 22: 52.
There are 20 trains a day from Essen to Berlin which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Essen to Berlin, you can count on Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain 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.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 22: 52.

When departing from Essen, you have various train station options to start your journey from including Essen Hbf, Essen-Altenessen station and Essen-Werden station. When arriving in Berlin, you can end your trip in train stations like Berlin Hbf, Berlin Alexanderplatz and Berlin Südkreuz station.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Essen Hbf, which is located around 1 mile (1.6 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Berlin Hbf, located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month for a train from Essen to Berlin is September.
You have options as you can travel to Berlin from Essen 3 different ways: coach, flight or train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Berlin

Essen
Berlin
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Berlin.
Essen HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
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
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Kiepenkerl
  • Cafe Extrablatt
  • Tacos
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ambassador
  • Gästearpartment Dahl
  • WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
  • Motel One
Essen SüdWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Haus Wilmes
  • Mana Mana
  • Karawane
Hotel
Hotel
  • Webers
Essen-AltenessenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Werner
  • Bückmannsmühle
  • Muckel-Eis

Most popular train connections from Essen

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