- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
CHF18
Average ticket price on Sep 19
CHF45
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 44 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 h 4 m
Trains on Sep 19
5
Distance
100 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Aachen to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Aachen to Essen will cost around CHF45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF18.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 trains from Aachen to Essen, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 100 km distance in an average of 2 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 19 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 1547 · 26813
26813
26413 · S9
26815
26411 · S9
ICE 1547 · 26813
26813
26815
26413 · S9
26411 · S9Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Aachen to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of CHF16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF16, while a train costs an average of CHF44.
Distance: 62 miles (100 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF44 Average price | CHF16 Average price Cheapest | CHF17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Aachen to Essen:
A bus is CHF29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Aachen to Essen costing on average CHF44.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 3m.
Tickets start at around CHF44 compared to roughly CHF17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-26.61. The journey takes 1h 52m versus 1h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Aachen to Essen trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:12 AM Aachen | 1h52 | 6:04 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:06 AM Aachen | 1h40 | 8:46 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:18 AM Aachen | 2h02 | 9:20 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:06 AM Aachen | 1h40 | 9:46 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Aachen to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF14 but you can travel from only CHF7 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 62 miles (100 km) distance in 1h 29m.
Distance 62 miles (100 km) |
Average train duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF14 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Aachen 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.

Most Aachen to Essen trains use the Aachen Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen-Altenessen. Use this guide to compare Aachen and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Aachen Hbf is 1 km from Aachen city centre. Public transport options include:
Aachen 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 options include: McDonald's, Louisiana, Dakashi sushi, Zitalia
Wi-Fi is available at Aachen Hbf. ATMs are available at Aachen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Aachen Hbf. Information desks are available at Aachen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Aachen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aachen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aachen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aachen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Bestprice Hotel.
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Altenessen. ATMs are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Altenessen. Information desks are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Altenessen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Altenessen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need