The cheapest and fastest trains from Vienna to Essen
Cheapest price
€78
Average price
€112
Fastest journey
8 h 45 m
Average duration
8 h 47 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
761 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Essen will cost around €112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €78.
Of the 16 trains that leave Vienna for Essen on Thu, Nov 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 761 km distance in an average of 8 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 45 m .
On Thu, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 8 h 49 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 26
ICE 26 · ICE 104
ICE 26 · ICE 786+
RE 11
RJ 640+
ICE 26 · ICE 786+
RE 11
RJ 640+
ICE 26 · ICE 104
ICE 26 · ICE 104
ICE 26 · ICE 104
ICE 28 · ICE 626
ICE 92 · ICE 624
ICE 92 · ICE 624Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Vienna to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €34.
Distance: 761 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€132 Average price | €158 Average price | €63 Average price Cheapest |
11h 14m Average total duration 10h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 54m Average total duration 13h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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
Vienna to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Essen trains for today, Wednesday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 546+ ICE 28 · ICE 626 | On time 7:33 AM Vienna Airport | 9h29 | 5:02 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 546+ ICE 28 | On time 7:33 AM Vienna Airport | 10h25 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 546+ ICE 28 · ICE 788+ RE 11 | 7:33 AM Vienna Airport | 10h12 | 5:45 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 28 · ICE 626 | On time 8:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h49 | 5:02 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 28 | On time 8:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h45 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 | On time 8:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h45 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 28 · ICE 626 | On time 8:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h49 | 5:02 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 28 · ICE 788+ RE 11 | On time 8:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h32 | 5:45 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 559+ ICE 92 · ICE 624 | On time 8:33 AM Vienna Airport | 9h29 | 6:02 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 92 · ICE 624 | On time 9:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h49 | 6:02 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 92 · ICE 624 | On time 9:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h49 | 6:02 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 640+ ICE 26 · ICE 786+ RE 11 | 9:33 AM Vienna Airport | 10h12 | 7:45 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 640+ ICE 26 · ICE 104 | On time 9:33 AM Vienna Airport | 9h25 | 6:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 26 · ICE 104 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h45 | 6:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 26 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h45 | 7:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 26 · ICE 786+ RE 11 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 9h32 | 7:45 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 26 · ICE 104 | On time 10:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 8h45 | 6:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Vienna 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.
Nov 13
Nov 14
Nov 15
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Vienna to Essen?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Vienna to Essen
Trains from Vienna to Essen run on average 31 times per day, taking around 10h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €49 but you can travel from only €34 by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 761 km distance in 8h 45m.
Distance 761 km |
Average train duration 10h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price €49 |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 8h 45m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:51 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity from Vienna to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | InterCity trains will get you between Vienna and Essen from €34. 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.
ÖBB | ICE
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | InterCity
FAQs: Trains from Vienna to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna 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.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Vienna Hbf, which is located around 2.9 miles (4.6 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Vienna to Essen
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park at Felberstraße 1.
- Restaurant Westpol
- Vapiano Wien Westbahnhof
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €1
- Hotel Mercure Wien Westbahnhof
- Fleming's Hotel Wien-Stadthalle
- Motel One Wien-Westbahnhof
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-10 for regional and suburban trains
- Hall 3: access to metro and tram connections
- Metro: Line U3, Line U6
- Tram: Line 5, Line 6, Line 9, Line 18, Line 52, Line 60
- Bus: Several lines available
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via the A4 motorway.
- Café Restaurant Johann Strauss
- Zugvogel
- Outside the main terminal.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €1
- NH Vienna Airport Conference Center
- Moxy Vienna Airport
- LifeHotel Vienna Airport
- Cost €6
- Located in the main terminal
- Located in the main terminal
- Green Motion
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main terminal
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: CAT connections
- S-Bahn: Line S7
- Bus: Several lines available
- CAT (City Airport Train) to Vienna city center
- Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
- Sat: 09:00 - 18:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
- Burger King
- L’Osteria
- Akakiko
- McDonald’s
- Oberlaa
- Nordsee
- Som Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Admiral Sports Bar
- Asia Gourmet
- & many more
- Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
- Star Inn Hotel
- Quartier Belvedere
- AZIMUT Hotel Vienna
- Information desks are located at each end of the main level.
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Nordbergstraße.
- Restaurant Zum Roten Bären
- Gasthaus Wickerl
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €1
- Austria Classic Hotel Wien
- Hotel Bellevue Wien
- Hotel Boltzmann
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for regional and S-Bahn services
- Tram: Line D, Line 5
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Line S40
- 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Access is available via Keißlergasse.
- Restaurant Hütteldorfer
- Gasthaus Maria Brunn
- Outside the main entrance.
- €0.50
- Hotel An der Wien
- Hotel Kreiner
- Hotel Hadrigan
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for regional and S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- Metro: U4
- S-Bahn: S45, S50
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours. Access via Gigergasse.
- Restaurant Steirereck
- Plachutta Wollzeile
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.50
- Hilton Vienna Park
- InterContinental Vienna
- Hotel Am Konzerthaus Vienna
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for S-Bahn and City Airport Train
- Hall 2: U-Bahn connections
- S-Bahn: S1, S2, S3, S7
- U-Bahn: U3, U4
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Eichenstraße.
- Restaurant Meidlinger Markt
- Gasthaus Tirolergarten
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel Rainers
- Austria Trend Hotel Bosei
- Hotel Fabrik
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for trains to Austria, Germany, and Hungary
- Hall 2: S-Bahn and metro connections
- Metro: Line U6
- Tram: Line 62
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S60
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Casino Zollverein
- Warsteiner Stiefel
- Schacht XII, Bistro
- Cafe Kohlenwäsche
- Lukas
- Im Fass
- Pizzeria Spuntino Dario
- Contilla EisCafe
Most popular train connections from Vienna
More options for your journey from Vienna to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


