.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Hamburg
Showing times and prices for May 26
Cheapest price
€37
Average price
€63
Fastest journey
3 h 32 m
Average duration
3 h 32 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
311 km
Cheap tickets
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 €63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €37.
Fast trains
Of the 21 trains that leave Essen for Hamburg on Tue, May 26, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 3 h 32 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 · FlixTrain9:04 AM7h30Essen Hbf4:34 PMHamburg Hbf€371One-way1 transfer
ICE 9203:08 AM4h13Essen Hbf7:21 AMHamburg Hbf€401One-way0 transfers- ICE 2086:00 AM3h32Essen Hbf9:32 AMHamburg Hbf€401One-way0 transfers
- FlixTrain+
FlixBus5:04 PM6h01Essen Hbf11:05 PMHamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof€431One-way1 transfer - ICE 10284:59 AM3h40Essen Hbf8:39 AMHamburg Hbf€481One-way0 transfers
- ICE 2068:00 AM3h32Essen Hbf11:32 AMHamburg Hbf€501One-way0 transfers
- ICE 20212:00 PM3h32Essen Hbf3:32 PMHamburg Hbf€841One-way0 transfers
- ICE 20410:00 AM3h32Essen Hbf1:32 PMHamburg Hbf€721One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6187:00 AM3h32Essen Hbf10:32 AMHamburg Hbf€481One-way0 transfers
- ICE 2086:00 AM3h32Essen Hbf9:32 AMHamburg Hbf€401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 €15. 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 €15, and a flight costs an average of €82.
Distance: 311 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€44 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €237 Average price |
3h 44m Average total duration 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration 4h 44m 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 today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 920 | Delayed 1:08 AM 3:06 AMEssen Hbf | 4h02 | 5:21 AM 5:21 AMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 202 | Delayed 10:04 AM 12:00 PMEssen Hbf | 3h32 | 1:34 PM 1:34 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 612 | Delayed 11:03 AM 12:59 PMEssen Hbf | 3h33 | 4:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 7h29 | 8:34 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 200 | Delayed 2:00 PM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 3:34 PM 3:34 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 610 | Delayed 2:59 PM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 4:34 PM 4:34 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 108 | Delayed 4:00 PM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 5:34 PM 5:34 PMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 518 | On time 4:59 PM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 8:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 6h01 | 11:05 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain | 5:56 PM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 9:28 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain | 5:56 PM Essen Hbf | 3h20 | 9:16 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
| ICE 1028 | On time 4:59 AM Essen Hbf | 3h40 | 8:39 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 208 | On time 6:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 9:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 618 | On time 7:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 10:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 206 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 11:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 616 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 12:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 7h30 | 4:34 PM Hamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixTrain+FlixBus | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 5h46 | 2:50 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 204 | On time 10:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 1:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 614 | On time 10:59 AM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 2:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Hamburg 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.
Mon
May 25
May 25
Tue
May 26
May 26
Wed
May 27
May 27
Thu
May 28
May 28
Fri
May 29
May 29
Sat
May 30
May 30
Sun
May 31
May 31
Why should you book Essen to Hamburg trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Hamburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Hamburg.
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 Hamburg.
- 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 Hamburg.
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 Hamburg.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Hamburg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Hamburg run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 but you can travel from only €15 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 39m.
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 €15
Distance 311 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 €15
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Hamburg from €15. 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
2h 39m
Cheapest Price
€18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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
2h 59m
Cheapest Price
€23
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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Price
€60
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
17 a day
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.
Cheap train tickets from Essen to Hamburg can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Essen to Hamburg is €44; 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 Hamburg is 2h 39m to travel the 311 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 Hamburg leaves at 12:03 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Essen to Hamburg leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes,there are 7 direct trains a day from Essen to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Hamburg. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Essen and Hamburg and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Hamburg from Essen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 39m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Essen to Hamburg is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Hamburg including taking a train, bus, and flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Hamburg
Essen
Hamburg
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 Hamburg.
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 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
Essen-Werden
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
7 kmDining
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
Hotel
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
The major train station for arrivals in Hamburg is Hamburg Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Hamburg Hbf for your journey to Hamburg from Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
Information Desk
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Hamburg-Harburg
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
Hotel
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
Hamburg-Altona
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
Hotel
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Hamburg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hamburg and Essen
Most popular train connections to Hamburg
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
