- 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
kr900
Average price
kr900
Fastest journey
4 h 57 m
Average duration
4 h 59 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Balingen to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Balingen to Essen will cost around kr900 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr900.
It's difficult to get from Balingen to Essen without transferring at least once.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Balingen to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from kr1203. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of kr1203, and a flight costs an average of kr1168.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr1203 Average price Cheapest | kr1895 Average price | kr825 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 18m Average total duration Fastest 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Balingen to Essen:
A train is kr692 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Balingen to Essen costing on average kr1895.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 15m.
Tickets start at around kr1203 compared to roughly kr825 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-378.61. The journey takes 6h 48m versus 4h 54m 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 Balingen to Essen trains for today, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:15 AM Balingen | 5h07 | 11:22 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:25 AM Balingen | 4h57 | 1:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:25 AM Balingen | 4h57 | 3:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:25 PM Balingen | 4h57 | 5:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:25 PM Balingen | 5h28 | 7:53 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:25 PM Balingen | 4h57 | 9:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:25 PM Balingen | 10h33 | 6:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Trains from Balingen to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr1203 but you can travel from only kr1168 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:00, the last at 13:09. The fastest train covers the 234 miles (378 km) distance in 6h 48m.
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average train duration 6h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price kr1203 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 48m |
First train 8:00 AM |
Last train 1:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Balingen 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 Balingen to Essen trains use the Balingen(Württ) to Essen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Balingen and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Balingen(Württ) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Balingen(Württ).
Ticket office support is available at Balingen(Württ). Information desks are available at Balingen(Württ).
Luggage storage is available at Balingen(Württ). Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Balingen(Württ): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Balingen(Württ): Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Balingen(Württ).
Balingen Süd 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: Pfeffermühle, McDonald's, Dal Maestro, Edith's Schnellimbiss
Wi-Fi is available at Balingen Süd. ATMs are available at Balingen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Balingen Süd. Information desks are available at Balingen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Balingen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Balingen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Balingen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Balingen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Pfeffermühle.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need