LEIPZIG to ESSEN train from €18 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leipzig to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

€78

Average ticket price on Sep 17

€126

Fastest journey on Sep 17

5 h 3 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

5 h 14 m

Trains on Sep 17

Distance

372 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leipzig to Essen will cost around €126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €78.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Leipzig to Essen without transferring at least once.

IC 2430 · ICE 1546
9:42 AM5h31
Leipzig Hbf
3:13 PMEssen Hbf
€781One-way
1 transfer
IC 2044 · ICE 944 · 26712
6:40 AM5h05
Leipzig Hbf
11:45 AMEssen Hbf
€991One-way
2 transfers
IC 2044 · 89880
6:40 AM5h49
Leipzig Hbf
12:29 PMEssen Hbf
€1131One-way
1 transfer
IC 2046 · ICE 942 · 26716
8:41 AM5h04
Leipzig Hbf
1:45 PMEssen Hbf
€1131One-way
2 transfers
IC 2430 · ICE 640 · 26718
9:42 AM5h03
Leipzig Hbf
2:45 PMEssen Hbf
€1131One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Leipzig to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leipzig to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €31 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, while a flight costs an average of €503.

Distance: 372 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight	Driving
€84 Average price	€31 Average price Cheapest	€503 Average price	€63 Average price (fuel + tolls)
5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*	5h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions	1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Leipzig to Essen is a bus with an average price of €31.

This is compared to other travel options from Leipzig to Essen:

A bus is €19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leipzig to Essen costing on average €50.

A bus is €374 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leipzig to Essen costing on average €404.

The fastest way to travel from Leipzig to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 17m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 21m.

Bus takes on average 6h 19m.

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

Live departures

Leipzig to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Leipzig to Essen trains for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 905 · ICE 822 · S6	Delayed 11:17 PM 12:48 AMLeipzig Hbf	9h44	10:32 AM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
Thursday, September 17
IC 2044 · ICE 944 · 26712	On time 6:40 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h05	11:45 AM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
IC 2044 · 89880	On time 6:40 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h49	12:29 PM Essen Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 593 · ICE 728 · S6	Delayed 4:58 AM 6:49 AMLeipzig Hbf	5h43	12:32 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 806 · ICE 642 · 26714	On time 7:16 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h29	12:45 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 1654 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020 · 10216	On time 7:27 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h54	1:21 PM Essen Hbf	3 transfers
ICE 1654 · ICE 726 · S6	On time 7:27 AM Leipzig Hbf	6h05	1:32 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 503 · ICE 750 · ICE 726 · S6	Delayed 6:02 AM 7:55 AMLeipzig Hbf	5h37	1:32 PM Essen Hbf	3 transfers
IC 2046 · ICE 942 · 26716	On time 8:41 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h04	1:45 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
IC 2046 · 89884	On time 8:41 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h48	2:29 PM Essen Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 595 · ICE 724 · S6	Delayed 6:58 AM 8:49 AMLeipzig Hbf	5h43	2:32 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
IC 2430 · ICE 640 · 26718	On time 9:42 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h03	2:45 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
IC 2430 · ICE 1546	On time 9:42 AM Leipzig Hbf	5h31	3:13 PM Essen Hbf	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leipzig to Essen 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.

Thu
Sep 17

Fri
Sep 18

Sat
Sep 19

Sun
Sep 20

Mon
Sep 21

Tue
Sep 22

Wed
Sep 23

Why should you book Leipzig to Essen trains with Omio?

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

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

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 Leipzig to Essen.
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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leipzig to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Leipzig to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leipzig to Essen

Germany

Trains from Leipzig to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 372 km distance in 4h 34m.

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

372 km

Average train duration

5h 13m

Cheapest ticket price

€18

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

4h 34m

First train

12:04 AM

Last train

11:56 PM

Cheapest Month

Aug

Cheapest Day

Mon

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Sun

Least Busy Day

Tue

Best time to book

1 day

Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Leipzig to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Leipzig and Essen 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration

4h 59m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

€67

Deutsche Bahn frequency

6 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 FlixTrain Duration

5h 44m

Cheapest FlixTrain Price

€22

FlixTrain frequency

1 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration

4h 50m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price

€70

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency

12 a day

FAQs: Trains from Leipzig to Essen

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

Cheap train tickets from Leipzig to Essen can start from as little as €22 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Leipzig to Essen is €50; 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 Leipzig to Essen is 4h 59m to travel the 372 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 Leipzig to Essen leaves at 12:04 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Leipzig to Essen leaves at 11:56 PM.

Yes,there are 1 direct trains a day from Leipzig to Essen with FlixTrain. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

When taking a train from Leipzig to Essen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Leipzig and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

A trip to Essen from Leipzig is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 59m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Leipzig to Essen is December.

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

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Leipzig to Essen

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

Departure train stations in Leipzig

Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Leipzig station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Leipzig to Essen leave from Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. The station is 1 km from Leipzig city centre at Willy-Brandt-Platz 5, 04109 Leipzig, Germany.

Leipzig HauptbahnhofWilly-Brandt-Platz 5, 04109 Leipzig, Germany+49 341 9686190 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Leipzig Hauptbahnhof from Leipzig city centre

TrainS5x, S5, S4, S3, S1, S2 · 1m · €1 · every ~23 min

BusN3, 89 · 9m · every ~11 min

Tram9 · 8m · every ~11 min

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof train station facilities and services

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Zchocolat, Vapiano Leipzig

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Leipzig.

Leipzig MesseLeipzig Messe, Merkurstraße, 04356 Leipzig Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Leipzig Messe from Leipzig city centre

Leipzig Messe is 6 km from Leipzig city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS2, Re13, S5x, S5 · 9m · €6 · every ~11 min

S5x, S5, S2 · 12m · €2 · every ~9 min

S2, S5x, S5 · 14m · €2 · every ~9 min

BusS5, S2 · 18m · €4

84 · 19m

Tram56, 16, 14 · 19m · every ~14 min

Leipzig Messe train station facilities and services

Leipzig Messe has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.