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

Wed, Jul 15
+ Add return
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 Ulm to Essen

Showing times and prices for Jul 15

Cheapest price

€43

Average price

€60

Fastest journey

3 h 49 m

Average duration

4 h 2 m

Trains per day

7

Distance

401 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Ulm to Essen will cost around €60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €43.

Fast trains

Of the 7 trains that leave Ulm for Essen on Wed, Jul 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 401 km distance in an average of 4 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .

On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 15 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 612 · IC 2047 · ICE 200
    8:47 AM5h11
    Ulm Hbf
    1:58 PMEssen Hbf
    431One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 612 · ICE 1020
    8:47 AM4h11
    Ulm Hbf
    12:58 PMEssen Hbf
    491One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 610 · IC 2045 · ICE 108
    10:47 AM5h11
    Ulm Hbf
    3:58 PMEssen Hbf
    561One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1010
    9:33 AM3h49
    Ulm Hbf
    1:22 PMEssen Hbf
    641One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 610 · ICE 722
    10:47 AM4h15
    Ulm Hbf
    3:02 PMEssen Hbf
    641One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Ulm to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ulm to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 44m. 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 €27, and a flight costs an average of €126.

Distance: 401 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€102

Average price

€38

Average price

Cheapest

€208

Average price

4h 53m

Average total duration

4h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 16m

Average total duration

8h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 44m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 44m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.0kg

CO2 emissions

1.2 - 2.4kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Ulm to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Ulm to Essen trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:47 AM Ulm
5h11
12:58 PM Essen0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:01 AM Ulm
3h57
11:58 AM Essen0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn9:47 AM Ulm
5h11
2:58 PM Essen0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, July 15
Deutsche BahnICE 692 · ICE 202
On time
7:59 AM Ulm Hbf
3h59
11:58 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · ICE 1020
On time
8:47 AM Ulm Hbf
4h11
12:58 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 612 · IC 2047 · ICE 200
On time
8:47 AM Ulm Hbf
5h11
1:58 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 Ulm 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.

Wed
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21

Why should you book Ulm to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Ulm to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ulm 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 Ulm 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 Ulm 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 Ulm to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ulm to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Ulm to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 401 km distance in 3h 39m.

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
401 km
Average train duration
4h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
€19
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 39m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:30 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
56 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 Ulm to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Ulm 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 Duration
3h 39m
Cheapest Price
€19
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 49m
Cheapest Price
€75
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
11 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 25m
Cheapest Price
€226
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Ulm to Essen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ulm 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 Ulm to Essen can start from as little as €19 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Ulm to Essen is €102; 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 Ulm to Essen is 3h 39m to travel the 401 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 Ulm to Essen leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Ulm to Essen leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes,there are 1 direct trains a day from Ulm 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 Ulm 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 Ulm and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Essen from Ulm is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 39m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Ulm to Essen is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ulm and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Ulm to Essen

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

Departure train stations in Ulm
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Ulm station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Ulm to Essen leave from Ulm Hbf. The station is 1 km from Ulm city centre at Ulm Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1, 89073 Ulm.
Ulm HbfUlm Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1, 89073 UlmWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Ulm Hbf from Ulm city centre

Bus46 · 9m · €3 · every ~1 min
Tram1 · 3m · €3 · every ~11 min

Ulm Hbf train station facilities and services

Ulm 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: Café Schmizz, Blauflesch, Wilder Mann, Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Hbf. ATMs are available at Ulm Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Ulm Hbf. Information desks are available at Ulm Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Ulm Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ulm Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Bäumle, InterCityHotel Ulm, Lehrertal Garni.

Ulm OstUlm Ost, An der Brenzbahn, 89073 UlmWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Ulm Ost from Ulm city centre

TrainRs51 · 2m · €2
BusE, 7 · 6m · €3 · every ~6 min

Ulm Ost train station facilities and services

Ulm 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: Bodhi, Schwarze Henne, Café Schmizz, Kornhäusle

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ulm Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Ost.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Hotel Comfor, Bäumle, Stern.

More options for your journey from Ulm to Essen

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

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