The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Hamburg
Cheapest price
€34
Average price
€61
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
18
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 €61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €34.
Of the 18 trains that leave Essen for Hamburg on Fri, Jul 10, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 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.
ICE 10284:59 AM3h40Essen Hbf8:39 AMHamburg Hbf€341One-way0 transfers
ICE 2086:00 AM3h32Essen Hbf9:32 AMHamburg Hbf€341One-way0 transfers
ICE 9203:06 AM4h02Essen Hbf7:08 AMHamburg Hbf€391One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain9:56 AM3h32Essen Hbf1:28 PMHamburg Hbf€411One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain9:56 AM3h20Essen Hbf1:16 PMHamburg Harburg€411One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain3:56 PM3h20Essen Hbf7:16 PMHamburg Harburg€531One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain9:56 AM3h20Essen Hbf1:16 PMHamburg Harburg€411One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain9:56 AM3h32Essen Hbf1:28 PMHamburg Hbf€411One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain3:56 PM3h32Essen Hbf7:28 PMHamburg Hbf€531One-way0 transfers
ICE 20410:00 AM3h32Essen Hbf1:32 PMHamburg Hbf€861One-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, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 920 | Delayed 1:06 AM 3:06 AMEssen Hbf | 4h02 | 5:08 AM 5:08 AMHamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 106 | Delayed 4:14 PM 6:00 PMEssen Hbf | 3h32 | 9:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 516 | Delayed 5:04 PM 6:59 PMEssen Hbf | 3h21 | 10:20 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 104 | Delayed 6:04 PM 8:00 PMEssen Hbf | 3h39 | 11:39 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 514 | Delayed 7:12 PM 8:59 PMEssen Hbf | 3h33 | 12:32 AM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 2541 · ICE 1080 | Delayed 12:22 AM Essen Hbf | 6h14 | 4:42 AM 4:42 AMHamburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 | 9:56 AM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 1:28 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:56 AM Essen Hbf | 3h20 | 1:16 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | |
ICE 202 | On time 12:00 PM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 3:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 612 | On time 12:59 PM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 4:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 200 | On time 2:00 PM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 5:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 610 | On time 2:59 PM Essen Hbf | 3h33 | 6:32 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:56 PM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 7:28 PM Hamburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:56 PM Essen Hbf | 3h20 | 7:16 PM Hamburg Harburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 108 | On time 4:00 PM Essen Hbf | 3h32 | 7:32 PM Hamburg 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 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.
Jul 10
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Jul 13
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Jul 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Jul 22
Jul 23
Why should you book Essen to Hamburg 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 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
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.
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 |
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
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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Hamburg
Most Essen to Hamburg trains use the Essen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Essen and Hamburg train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Essen station do trains to Hamburg leave from?
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 West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Which Hamburg station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Getting to Hamburg Hbf from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg Hbf is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg Hbf train station facilities and services
Hamburg 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: Le Crobag, Burger King, Coffee Fellows, Havin Grill, KFC, Mr. CLOU, Starbucks, dean&david, SPAR Express, Pommesfreunde, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hamburg Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg Hbf: Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station, IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Park Hyatt Hamburg.
Getting to Hamburg-Harburg from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Harburg is 13 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Harburg train station facilities and services
Hamburg-Harburg 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: Café Bom Dia, Hünkar, Yoko Sushi Harburg, Mathewes Grill
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Harburg. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Harburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Harburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Harburg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Panorama, Hotel Harburger Hof, Hotel Jeta, Hotel Süderelbe.
Getting to Hamburg-Altona from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg-Altona is 5 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg-Altona train station facilities and services
Hamburg-Altona 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: Ethio, Trattoria Toscana, Marta, Pavillon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hamburg-Altona. ATMs are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg-Altona. Information desks are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Hamburg-Altona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hamburg-Altona: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg-Altona.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 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
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