The cheapest and fastest trains from Ulm to Essen
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
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.
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.
ICE 612 · IC 2047 · ICE 2008:47 AM5h11Ulm Hbf1:58 PMEssen Hbf€431One-way2 transfers
ICE 612 · ICE 10208:47 AM4h11Ulm Hbf12:58 PMEssen Hbf€491One-way1 transfer
ICE 610 · IC 2045 · ICE 10810:47 AM5h11Ulm Hbf3:58 PMEssen Hbf€561One-way2 transfers
ICE 10109:33 AM3h49Ulm Hbf1:22 PMEssen Hbf€641One-way0 transfers
ICE 610 · ICE 72210:47 AM4h15Ulm Hbf3:02 PMEssen Hbf€641One-way1 transfer
ICE 10109:33 AM3h49Ulm Hbf1:22 PMEssen Hbf€641One-way0 transfers
ICE 690 · ICE 20010:01 AM3h57Ulm Hbf1:58 PMEssen Hbf€731One-way1 transfer
ICE 692 · ICE 2027:59 AM3h59Ulm Hbf11:58 AMEssen Hbf€731One-way1 transfer
ICE 612 · ICE 10208:47 AM4h11Ulm Hbf12:58 PMEssen Hbf€491One-way1 transfer
ICE 610 · ICE 72210:47 AM4h15Ulm Hbf3:02 PMEssen Hbf€641One-way1 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:47 AM Ulm | 5h11 | 12:58 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:01 AM Ulm | 3h57 | 11:58 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:47 AM Ulm | 5h11 | 2:58 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
ICE 692 · ICE 202 | On time 7:59 AM Ulm Hbf | 3h59 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 · ICE 1020 | On time 8:47 AM Ulm Hbf | 4h11 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 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.
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Why should you book Ulm 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 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
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.
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 |
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
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 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.

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.
Which Ulm station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Ulm Hbf from Ulm city centre
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.
Getting to Ulm Ost from Ulm city centre
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.
Which Essen station do trains from Ulm 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-Altenessen from Essen city centre
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services
Essen-Altenessen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Most popular train connections from Ulm
More options for your journey from Ulm to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
