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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen
Showing times and prices for Nov 05
Cheapest price
€134
Average price
€138
Fastest journey
5 h 12 m
Average duration
5 h 26 m
Trains per day
6
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 €138 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €134.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Munich for Essen on Wed, Nov 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 12 m .
On Wed, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 5 h 48 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 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314 · IC 220009:02AM5h41
Munich Hbf02:43PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
4 transfers
ICE 72408:47AM5h15
Munich Hbf02:02PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
0 transfers
ICE 101008:27AM5h13
Munich Hbf01:40PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
0 transfers
ICE 690 · ICE 20008:46AM5h12
Munich Hbf01:58PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
1 transfer
ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314 · RE 2682109:02AM5h48
Munich Hbf02:50PMEssen Hbf
€1461One-way
3 transfers
ICE 690 · ICE 20008:46AM5h12
Munich Hbf01:58PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
1 transfer
ICE 101008:27AM5h13
Munich Hbf01:40PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
0 transfers
ICE 72408:47AM5h15
Munich Hbf02:02PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
0 transfers
ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314 · IC 220009:02AM5h41
Munich Hbf02:43PMEssen Hbf
€1341One-way
4 transfers
ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314 · RE 2682109:02AM5h48
Munich Hbf02:50PMEssen Hbf
€1461One-way
3 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 prices starting from €25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 493 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€125 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €161 Average price |
6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 15m Average total duration 12h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg 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
Munich to Essen train times
Showing trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 5
Last updated at 7:42 PM
Last updated at 7:42 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 882 · RE 26718 | On time 7:17 AM Munich Hbf | 6h28 | 1:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1010 | On time 7:27 AM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 12:40 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 7:46 AM Munich Hbf | 5h12 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 724 | On time 7:47 AM Munich Hbf | 5h15 | 1:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314 · RE 26821 | On time 8:02 AM Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 1:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 568 · ICE 578 · ICE 314 · IC 2200 | On time 8:02 AM Munich Hbf | 5h41 | 1:43 PM Essen Hbf | 4 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
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Essen?
The best time to book your train from Munich to Essen is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Munich to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Munich to Essen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Munich to Essen.
Trains
from €32Buses
from €31Flights
from €97Journey information
Overview: Train from Munich to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Munich to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
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 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 12m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
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 from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Munich 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 Duration
5h 12m
Cheapest Price
€18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
18 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
FAQs: Trains from Munich to Essen
FAQs: Travel by train from Munich to Essen easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Munich to Essen.
Cheap train tickets from Munich to Essen can start from as little as €21 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Munich to Essen is €110; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Munich to Essen train time is 5 h 12 min covering the 493 km long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Munich to Essen leaves at 06: 20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Munich to Essen leaves at 22: 15.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Munich to Essen without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn. There is 1 direct train from Munich to Essen each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a train from Munich to Essen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service from Munich to Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 22: 15.
When departing from Munich, you have various train station options to start your route from including Munich Hbf, Munich Airport Terminal station and Munich Ost. When arriving in Essen, you can end your route in train stations like Essen Hbf, Essen-Altenessen station and Essen Süd station.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Munich Hbf, which is located around 1.3 miles (2.1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Essen Hbf, located 1 mile (1.6 km) away from the city centre.
The cheapest month to travel from Munich to Essen by train is January.
You have options as you can travel from Munich to Essen 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Munich to Essen
Munich
Essen
The major train station for departures in Munich is München Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at München Hbf for your trip from Munich to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
Lockers
- The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
Accessibility
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Information Desk
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
München Ost
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
Hotel
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
München Hackerbrücke
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Augustiner Bräustuben
- Lenz
- Das Bad
- Subway
Hotel
- Theresienhöhe
- Hotel Schweiz
- Hotel Uhland
- Germania
München Marienplatz
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Dining
- Ratskeller
- Klenze 17
- Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
- Burger King
Hotel
- Unsöld's Factory Hotel
- Hotel Domus
- Hotel Mercure München Altstadt
- Hotel Herzog Wilhelm Tannenbaum Nebengebäude
München-Pasing
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
8 kmDining
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
Hotel
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
München, Hbf Nord
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmThe major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Munich.
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-Steele
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
Hotel
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
Kettwig
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
11 kmDining
- Döbbe
- Der Bonner Hof
- Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation
- Pizza Pasta
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
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-Altenessen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Most popular train connections from Munich
More options for your journey from Munich to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Munich
Most popular train connections to Essen
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