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The cheapest and fastest trains from Vienna to Essen
Showing times and prices for May 14
Cheapest price
€58
Average price
€218
Fastest journey
9 h 30 m
Average duration
9 h 32 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
761 km
Cheap tickets
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 €218 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €58.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Essen without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixTrain11:30 PM13h18Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB)12:48 PMEssen Hbf€581One-way1 transfer
RJX 766 · ICE 116 · ICE 91211:28 AM9h44Vienna Hbf9:12 PMEssen Hbf€601One-way2 transfers- RJX 166 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 268391:28 PM10h22Vienna Hbf11:50 PMEssen Hbf€711One-way3 transfers
- RJX 162 · ICE 1189:28 AM10h15Vienna Hbf7:43 PMEssen Hbf€1001One-way1 transfer
- ICE 1224 · ICE 62210:13 AM9h49Vienna Hbf8:02 PMEssen Hbf€1201One-way1 transfer
- RJX 262 · ICE 596 · ICE 1068:28 AM9h30Vienna Hbf5:58 PMEssen Hbf€1401One-way2 transfers
RJX 262+
ICE 596 · ICE 1068:28 AM9h30Vienna Hbf5:58 PMEssen Hbf€2801One-way2 transfers- RJX 60+ICE 104 · ICE 59410:28 AM9h30Vienna Hbf7:58 PMEssen Hbf€2801One-way2 transfers
- RJX 62 · ICE 52812:28 PM9h34Vienna Hbf10:02 PMEssen Hbf€1401One-way1 transfer
- RJX 60+ICE 62210:28 AM9h34Vienna Hbf8:02 PMEssen Hbf€2801One-way1 transfer
Travel 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 €45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 34m. 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 €45, and a flight costs an average of €41.
Distance: 761 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€135 Average price | €143 Average price | €64 Average price Cheapest |
9h 20m Average total duration 8h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 48m Average total duration 13h 18m 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, May 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 RJ 854+RJX 68+ICE 618 | On time 6:02 PM Vienna Airport | 12h56 | 6:58 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| RJX 68 · ICE 618 | On time 6:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 12h30 | 6:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| RJX 68+ICE 618 | On time 6:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 12h30 | 6:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, May 14 | |||||
| 5:13 AM Vienna | 9h45 | 2:58 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:28 AM Vienna | 10h25 | 5:53 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:28 AM Vienna | 10h25 | 6:53 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:28 AM Vienna | 11h07 | 8:35 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
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Why should you book Vienna to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) and more offer trains services from Vienna to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Vienna 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 ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Vienna to Essen?
The best time to book your train from Vienna to Essen is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Vienna to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Vienna 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 Vienna to Essen.
Trains
from €67Buses
from €49Flights
from €203Journey information
Overview: Train from Vienna to Essen
Austria
Germany
Trains from Vienna to Essen run on average 25 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €47 but you can travel from only €41 by flight.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 761 km distance in 9h 30m.
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
Flight from €41
Distance 761 km |
Average train duration 8h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price €47 |
Trains per day 25 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 9h 30m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €41
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Vienna to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Vienna and Essen from €41. 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
9h 30m
Cheapest Price
€47
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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.
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.
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.
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
ÖBB | Nightjet
About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 35m
Cheapest Price
€81
ÖBB | Nightjet frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
ÖBB | ICE
About
The ÖBB ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, offering fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. The ICE trains are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest, with speeds of up to 230 km/h, while the ICE S and ICE Sprinter offer slightly slower speeds. The ÖBB ICE offers a range of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and a range of entertainment options. The most popular routes for the ÖBB ICE include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 45m
Cheapest Price
€89
ÖBB | ICE frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and drinks, bistro service with snacks and beverages, at-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Second Class: Optional reservation for €3
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
ÖBB | InterCity
About
ÖBB Intercity is a domestic high-speed rail service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) in Austria. They are addition to the Eurocity and the Railjet for long-distance travels and also include first class cars, the trains are air-conditioned, hve power sockets a minibar service and are comfortable. ÖBB Intercity trains mostly run on the inner alpine lines to cities like Graz, Linz and Salzburg and Inssbruck.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 49m
Cheapest Price
€178
ÖBB | InterCity frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (on most routes) and at-seat service in first class. Snacks and drinks available
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for €3 in second class, included in first class ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 49m
Cheapest Price
€120
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
3 a day
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.
Cheap train tickets from Vienna to Essen can start from as little as €47 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Vienna to Essen is €135; 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 Vienna to Essen is 9h 30m to travel the 761 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 Vienna to Essen leaves at 12:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Vienna to Essen leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Vienna to Essen with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | ICE, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Vienna to Essen, you can count on Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | ICE, ÖBB | InterCity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Vienna and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
Yes, you can take a night train from Vienna to Essen with ÖBB | Nightjet. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.
A trip to Essen from Vienna is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Vienna to Essen is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Vienna and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Vienna to Essen
Vienna
Essen
The major train station for departures in Vienna is Wien Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Wien Hauptbahnhof for your trip from Vienna to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
- Sat: 09:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
Dining
- Burger King
- L’Osteria
- Akakiko
- McDonald’s
- Oberlaa
- Nordsee
- Som Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Admiral Sports Bar
- Asia Gourmet
- & many more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
Hotel
- Star Inn Hotel
- Quartier Belvedere
- AZIMUT Hotel Vienna
Information Desk
- Information desks are located at each end of the main level.
Flughafen Wien
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
3 km
Number of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via the A4 motorway.
Dining
- Café Restaurant Johann Strauss
- Zugvogel
Taxis
- Outside the main terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €1
Hotel
- NH Vienna Airport Conference Center
- Moxy Vienna Airport
- LifeHotel Vienna Airport
Shower
- Cost €6
Lounge
- Located in the main terminal
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main terminal
Car Rental
- Green Motion
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main terminal
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for long-distance and regional trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: CAT connections
Public transit options for Flughafen Wien
- S-Bahn: Line S7
- Bus: Several lines available
- CAT (City Airport Train) to Vienna city center
Wien Meidling Bahnhof
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
4 kmNumber of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Eichenstraße.
Dining
- Restaurant Meidlinger Markt
- Gasthaus Tirolergarten
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Hotel Rainers
- Austria Trend Hotel Bosei
- Hotel Fabrik
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for trains to Austria, Germany, and Hungary
- Hall 2: S-Bahn and metro connections
Public transit options for Wien Meidling Bahnhof
- Metro: Line U6
- Tram: Line 62
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S1, S2, S3, S60
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Vienna.
Essen Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
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
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Vienna
Most popular train connections to Essen
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