The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Hamburg
Cheapest price
€26
Average price
€65
Fastest journey
2 h 59 m
Average duration
3 h 6 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
311 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Hamburg will cost around €65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.
Of the 15 trains that leave Essen for Hamburg on Sat, Nov 22, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 22 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .
On Sat, Nov 22 the slowest trains will take 3 h 13 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
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 614
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
IC 2310
FlixTrain
FlixTrainTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Essen to Hamburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a flight costs an average of €70.
Distance: 311 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€29 Average price | €25 Average price Cheapest | €212 Average price |
3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.9kg 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 Hamburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Hamburg trains for tomorrow, Saturday, November 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 6:55 AM Essen Hbf | 3h00 | 9:55 AM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 6:55 AM Essen Hbf | 3h13 | 10:08 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 208 | On time 7:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 10:14 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2575 · ICE 886 | On time 7:20 AM Essen Hbf | 3h38 | 10:58 AM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 616 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 11:14 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2310 | On time 8:54 AM Essen Hbf | 3h05 | 11:59 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2577 · ICE 882 | On time 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 3h34 | 12:54 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 | On time 10:01 AM Essen Hbf | 3h13 | 1:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 547 · ICE 680 | On time 10:22 AM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 1:55 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 202 | On time 11:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 2:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2579 · ICE 880 | On time 11:20 AM Essen Hbf | 3h35 | 2:55 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 | On time 11:57 AM Essen Hbf | 3h17 | 3:14 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 549 · ICE 588 | On time 12:22 PM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 3:55 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 2:55 PM Essen Hbf | 3h12 | 6:07 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 2:55 PM Essen Hbf | 2h59 | 5:54 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Hamburg by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Hamburg
Trains from Essen to Hamburg run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €15 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 311 km distance in 2h 59m.
Distance 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price €15 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 2h 59m |
First train 00:03 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Essen to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Essen and Hamburg from €14. 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
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Hamburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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 Hamburg Hbf, located 1.8 miles (2.9 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Hamburg
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Parkhaus Hügel
- Cafe au Lac
- ETUF
- LUJO
- Parkhaus Hügel
- Haus Gantenberg
- Wolperding
- Athena
- Porky Grill
- Alte Lohnhalle
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- McDonald's
- St. Pauli
- Scoom
- McCafé
- Leonardo Inn Airport
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Hunt Coffee
- Haerlin
- Gran Sasso
- Double Coffee
- Hotel Hanseatin
- Renaissance
- Hotel Preuß
- Hotel Amsterdam
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
- Monday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Casa Vecchia
- Burger Lounge
- Il mío
- Olivo
- Sachsentor
- Hotel Hanseat
- Café Bom Dia
- Oktober Harburg
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Kirchenallee and Steintorwall.
- Block House
- Schweinske
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg
- Reichshof Hamburg, Curio Collection by Hilton
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-14 for long-distance trains
- Hall 3: U-Bahn connections
- U-Bahn: Line U1, Line U2, Line U3
- S-Bahn: Line S1, Line S2, Line S3
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Hamburg
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