The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Essen
Cheapest price
50S$
Average price
89S$
Fastest journey
12 h 42 m
Average duration
13 h 25 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
972 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Essen will cost around 89S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 50S$.
Of the 6 trains that leave Budapest for Essen every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 972 km distance in an average of 13 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 14 h 40 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.
9:40 AM14h40Budapest12:20 AMEssen50 S$1One-way0 changes
2:40 PM15h18Budapest5:58 AMEssen69 S$1One-way0 changes
8:30 AM13h39Budapest10:09 PMEssen78 S$1One-way0 changes
6:40 AM12h42Budapest7:22 PMEssen80 S$1One-way0 changes
8:40 AM13h10Budapest9:50 PMEssen123 S$1One-way0 changes
6:40 AM12h42Budapest7:22 PMEssen80 S$1One-way0 changes
6:30 AM12h52Budapest7:22 PMEssen134 S$1One-way0 changes
8:40 AM13h10Budapest9:50 PMEssen123 S$1One-way0 changes
8:30 AM13h39Budapest10:09 PMEssen78 S$1One-way0 changes
9:40 AM14h40Budapest12:20 AMEssen50 S$1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Budapest to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 54S$. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 54S$, and a flight costs an average of 54S$.
Distance: 972 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
105S$ Average Price | 183S$ Average Price | 74S$ Average Price Cheapest |
13h 24m Average total duration 12h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 15m Average total duration 18h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg 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
Budapest to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, 30 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:30 AM Budapest | 12h52 | 7:22 PM Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:40 AM Budapest | 12h42 | 7:22 PM Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Budapest | 13h39 | 10:09 PM Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:40 AM Budapest | 13h10 | 9:50 PM Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:40 AM Budapest | 14h40 | 12:20 AM Essen | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Budapest to Essen by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
30 Jun
01 Jul
02 Jul
03 Jul
04 Jul
05 Jul
06 Jul
Why should you book Budapest to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Budapest to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Budapest to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Budapest to Essen
Trains from Budapest to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 12h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 42S$ if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 972 km distance in 12h 22m.
Distance 972 km |
Average train duration 12h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price 42S$ |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 12h 22m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Budapest to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Budapest and Essen from 42S$. 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.
FAQs: Budapest to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest 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
Important Stations and Airports in Budapest and Essen
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Kerepesi út
- Rosenstein Restaurant
- Huszar Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms
- HUF 200
- Hotel Hungaria City Center
- Baross City Hotel
- Royal Park Boutique Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-13 for regional trains
- Hall 3: platforms 14-18 for suburban trains
- Metro: Line M2, Line M4
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 24
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left
- Déli Terasz Söröző
- Ibrahim török büfé
- Vagon Etterem
- Fornetti
- Trio pizza
- Turkish Döner KEBAB
- Déli Mosoly
- Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi
- Club D One
- Lokomotív Falatozó
- There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators
- Mercure Budapest Castle Hill
- Christina Residence Budapest
- ibis Budapest Castle Hill
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices
- Metro lines: M2 (red)
- Tram lines: 17, 56, 56A, 59, 59A, 59B, 61
- Bus lines: 21, 21A, 39, 102, 139, 140, 140A, N960, N990
- Train lines: IC, IR, S (10, 12, 30, 34, 35, 40, 42), Z30
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Etele tér
- Restaurant Etele Plaza
- KFC Etele Plaza
- Outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps
- HUF 200
- Hotel Griff
- Hotel Ventura
- Hotel Berlin
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for international and domestic long-distance trains
- Hall 2: regional and suburban train platforms
- Hall 3: Metro and tram connections
- Metro: Line M4
- Tram: Line 1, Line 19, Line 49
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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
Most popular train connections from Budapest
More options for your journey from Budapest to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


