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

Sat, Mar 21
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen

Showing times and prices for Mar 21

Cheapest price

€76

Average price

€106

Fastest journey

5 h 13 m

Average duration

5 h 14 m

Trains per day

36

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 €106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €76.

Fast trains

Of the 36 trains that leave Munich for Essen on Sat, Mar 21, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Mar 21 the direct trains cover the 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 13 m .

On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest trains will take 5 h 16 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.

Deutsche BahnICE 586 · IC 2444 · ICE 207
03:12PM6h46
Munich Hbf
09:58PMEssen Hbf
€761One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 784 · ICE 842
04:06PM7h29
Munich Hbf
11:35PMEssen Hbf
€761One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 584 · IC 2446 · 26840
05:10PM6h57
Munich Hbf
12:07AMEssen Hbf
€801One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 682 · IC 2048 · ICE 201
09:12AM6h46
Munich Hbf
03:58PMEssen Hbf
€811One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 588 · IC 2442 · ICE 205
01:10PM6h48
Munich Hbf
07:58PMEssen Hbf
€811One-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 prices starting from €26. 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 €26, and a flight costs an average of €65.

Distance: 493 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€104

Average price

€165

Average price

€43

Average price

Cheapest

6h 12m

Average total duration

5h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 11m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

13h 14m

Average total duration

12h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

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

The table below shows live departures for Munich to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:51 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 882 · ICE 1746
On time
7:05 AM Munich Hbf
6h57
2:02 PM Essen Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 724
On time
7:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h19
1:04 PM Essen Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 690 · ICE 200
On time
7:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h13
12:58 PM Essen Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 682 · IC 2048 · ICE 201
On time
8:12 AM Munich Hbf
6h46
2:58 PM Essen Hbf		2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 610 · ICE 1645 · 268258:28 AM Munich Hbf
7h22
3:50 PM Essen Hbf2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 6108:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h30
1:58 PM Essen Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 722
On time
8:46 AM Munich Hbf
5h16
2:02 PM Essen Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 880 · ICE 1050
On time
9:12 AM Munich Hbf
7h12
4:24 PM Essen Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 598 · ICE 108
On time
9:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h13
2:58 PM Essen Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 720
On time
9:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h17
3:02 PM Essen Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 680 · IC 2152 · ICE 20310:12 AM Munich Hbf
6h46
4:58 PM Essen Hbf2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 680 · IC 2152
On time
10:12 AM Munich Hbf
6h39
4:51 PM Essen Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 518 · IC 2012 · 2682910:28 AM Munich Hbf
7h22
5:50 PM Essen Hbf2 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 51810:28 AM Munich Hbf
5h30
3:58 PM Essen Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 62810:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h22
4:07 PM Essen Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 788 · ICE 154411:06 AM Munich Hbf
7h07
6:13 PM Essen Hbf1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 596 · ICE 106
On time
11:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h13
4:58 PM Essen Hbf		1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 62611:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h18
5:03 PM Essen Hbf0 transfersDirect

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.

Sat
Mar 21
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Why should you book Munich to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all 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?

  • 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.

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.

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 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €30 but you can travel from only €26 by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €26
Distance
493 km
Average train duration
5h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
€30
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
5h 3m
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €26

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Munich and Essen from €26. 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 3m
Cheapest Price
€30
Deutsche Bahn frequency
16 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

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 €30 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Munich to Essen is €104; 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 11:57 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Munich to Essen with Deutsche Bahn. 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 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 October.
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

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.
München HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Bayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
Lockers
Lockers
  • The station has luggage lockers.
Dining
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
  • Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • a&o München Hauptbahnhof
  • IntercityHotel München
  • Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
München-PasingWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
München-Pasing, Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz 7-9 6-10, 81241 München
ticketOfficeHours
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
8 km
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • McDonald's
  • Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
  • Orexi Taverna
Hotel
Hotel
  • Guenstigwohnen24.de
  • Jagdschloss Residenz
  • Hotel Miano
München OstWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
München Ost, Orleansplatz 11, 81667 München
ticketOfficeHours
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Haidhauser Augustiner
  • Burger King
  • Tassilogarten
  • Mitani
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hilton Munich City
  • MOMA1890
  • Mk Hotel
  • Hotel Pension Christl

More options for your journey from Munich to Essen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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Tickets and more information for trains to Essen

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