The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Munich to Essen without transferring at least once.
ICE 520 · IC 60402 · 636218:45 PM10h13Munich Hbf6:58 AMEssen Hbf€351One-way2 transfers
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · Bus RE17:45 PM8h05Munich Hbf3:50 AMEssen€501One-way2 transfers
ICE 908 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 · 636218:49 PM10h09Munich Hbf6:58 AMEssen Hbf€501One-way3 transfers
ICE 522 · ICE 920 · S27:45 PM8h22Munich Hbf4:07 AMEssen Hbf€501One-way2 transfers
ICE 522 · 26843 · Bus RE17:45 PM6h35Munich Hbf2:20 AMEssen€621One-way2 transfers
ICE 916 · S612:20 PM5h32Munich Hbf5:52 PMEssen Hbf€1191One-way1 transfer
ICE 1012 · S66:20 AM5h32Munich Hbf11:52 AMEssen Hbf€1191One-way1 transfer
ICE 1010 · S68:19 AM5h33Munich Hbf1:52 PMEssen Hbf€921One-way1 transfer
ICE 596 · ICE 106 · 1022612:45 PM5h36Munich Hbf6:21 PMEssen Hbf€1331One-way2 transfers
ICE 690 · ICE 200 · 102188:45 AM5h36Munich Hbf2:21 PMEssen Hbf€1531One-way2 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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.
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.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 40m.
Bus takes on average 13h 11m.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 888 · 26710 | 4:03 AM Munich Hbf | 6h42 | 10:45 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 · S6 | On time 4:20 AM Munich Hbf | 7h12 | 11:32 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 822 · S6 | On time 4:41 AM Munich Hbf | 5h51 | 10:32 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · IC 2049 · ICE 202 · S6 | 5:33 AM Munich Hbf | 6h59 | 12:32 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 820 · S6 | On time 5:44 AM Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 11:32 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 886 · 26714 | 6:09 AM Munich Hbf | 6h36 | 12:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 · 10216 | On time 6:20 AM Munich Hbf | 7h01 | 1:21 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1012 · S6 | On time 6:20 AM Munich Hbf | 5h32 | 11:52 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 728 · S6 | 6:44 AM Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 12:32 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 684 · 26716 | On time 7:07 AM Munich Hbf | 6h38 | 1:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 · ICE 1020 · 10216 | 7:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h53 | 1:21 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 726 · S6 | 7:42 AM Munich Hbf | 5h50 | 1:32 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 882 · 26718 | On time 8:05 AM Munich Hbf | 6h40 | 2:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · Bus RE1 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 7h18 | 3:37 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · S6 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 7h13 | 3:32 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1010 · S6 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 5h33 | 1:52 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 724 · S6 | 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h47 | 2:32 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 · 10218 | 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h36 | 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 2 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.
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Why should you book Munich to Essen 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 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
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.
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 |
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
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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
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.

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.
Which Munich station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to München Hbf from Munich city centre
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to München-Pasing from Munich city centre
München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to München Ost from Munich city centre
München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Which Essen station do trains from Munich arrive at?
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, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden train station facilities and services
Essen-Werden 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: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
Most popular train connections from Munich
More options for your journey from Munich to Essen
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