Munich to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Fri, Sep 18
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

€35

Average ticket price on Sep 18

€109

Fastest journey on Sep 18

5 h 32 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

5 h 34 m

Trains on Sep 18

56

Distance

493 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Munich to Essen will cost around €109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €35.

Fast trains

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

  • Deutsche BahnICE 520 · IC 60402 · 63621
    8:45 PM10h13
    Munich Hbf
    6:58 AMEssen Hbf
    351One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 522 · ICE 920 · Bus RE1
    7:45 PM8h05
    Munich Hbf
    3:50 AMEssen
    501One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 908 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 · 63621
    8:49 PM10h09
    Munich Hbf
    6:58 AMEssen Hbf
    501One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 522 · ICE 920 · S2
    7:45 PM8h22
    Munich Hbf
    4:07 AMEssen Hbf
    501One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 522 · 26843 · Bus RE1
    7:45 PM6h35
    Munich Hbf
    2:20 AMEssen
    621One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €39 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €39, while a flight costs an average of €126.

Distance: 493 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus
Driving

€72

Average price

€126

Average price

€39

Average price

Cheapest

€54

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 10m

Average total duration

5h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 9m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

13h 41m

Average total duration

13h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 2m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

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 Munich to Essen is a bus with an average price of €39.

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

A bus is €32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Essen costing on average €72.

A bus is €86 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Essen costing on average €126.

The fastest way to travel from Munich to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 9m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 40m.

Bus takes on average 13h 11m.

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

Live departures

Munich to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Munich to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 888 · 267104:03 AM Munich Hbf
6h42
10:45 AM Essen Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1014 · ICE 1022 · S6
On time
4:20 AM Munich Hbf
7h12
11:32 AM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 822 · S6
On time
4:41 AM Munich Hbf
5h51
10:32 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 614 · IC 2049 · ICE 202 · S65:33 AM Munich Hbf
6h59
12:32 PM Essen Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 820 · S6
On time
5:44 AM Munich Hbf
5h48
11:32 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 886 · 267146:09 AM Munich Hbf
6h36
12:45 PM Essen Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1012 · ICE 1020 · 10216
On time
6:20 AM Munich Hbf
7h01
1:21 PM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1012 · S6
On time
6:20 AM Munich Hbf
5h32
11:52 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 728 · S66:44 AM Munich Hbf
5h48
12:32 PM Essen Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 684 · 26716
On time
7:07 AM Munich Hbf
6h38
1:45 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · ICE 1020 · 102167:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h53
1:21 PM Essen Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 726 · S67:42 AM Munich Hbf
5h50
1:32 PM Essen Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 882 · 26718
On time
8:05 AM Munich Hbf
6h40
2:45 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · ICE 926 · Bus RE1
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
7h18
3:37 PM Essen
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · ICE 926 · S6
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
7h13
3:32 PM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · S6
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
5h33
1:52 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 724 · S68:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h47
2:32 PM Essen Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 690 · ICE 200 · 102188:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h36
2:21 PM Essen Hbf2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Munich to Essen 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Munich to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Munich to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Munich 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Munich 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Munich to Essen.

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 Munich to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Munich to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Munich to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 493 km distance in 5h 3m.

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
493 km
Average train duration
5h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
€19
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
5h 3m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:56 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Munich and Essen from €19. 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
5h 3m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€19
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
5h 2m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
€85
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Duration
5h 38m
Cheapest Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Price
€276
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Munich to Essen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Munich to Essen can start from as little as €19 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Munich to Essen is €72; 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 Munich to Essen is 5h 3m to travel the 493 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 Munich to Essen leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Munich to Essen leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes,there are 3 direct trains a day from Munich to Essen with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Munich to Essen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Munich and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Essen from Munich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 3m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Munich to Essen is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Munich to Essen

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

Departure train stations in Munich
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Munich station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Munich to Essen leave from München Hbf. The station is 1 km from Munich city centre at Bayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany.
München HbfBayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München Hbf from Munich city centre

München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus100 · 15m · every ~11 min
Tram21 · 12m · €2 · every ~12 min

München Hbf train station facilities and services

München 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: Cantina Estación Mediterrano, Rischart Bakery, Ditsch Pretzels, backWERK, Cafe-Shop, Le Crobag, Yorma's, Coffee Fellows, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München Hbf. Information desks are there is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.

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 München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.

München-PasingMünchen-Pasing, Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz 7-9 6-10, 81241 MünchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München-Pasing from Munich city centre

München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe72, Re96 · 5m · €2 · every ~2 min
Rb · 7m · €2
S3, S8, S6, S5, S4, S2 · 13m · €2 · every ~37 min
Tram19, N19 · 33m · €3 · every ~13 min

München-Pasing train station facilities and services

München-Pasing 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: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.

München OstMünchen Ost, Orleansplatz 11, 81667 MünchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München Ost from Munich city centre

München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS8, S1, S2, S3, S6, S4, S5 · 5m · €1 · every ~61 min
Drf, 961, 963, 965, 967, 969 · 8m · €2 · every ~1 min
Bus62 · 11m · every ~15 min
N45 · 22m · €3
Tram21, N19 · 17m · €3 · every ~13 min
SubwayU5 · 4m · €3 · every ~20 min

München Ost train station facilities and services

München Ost 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: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.

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