Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $97. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $97, and a flight costs an average of $353.
Distance: 303 miles (489 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$115 Average price Cheapest | $133 Average price | $353 Average price | $122 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 16m Average total duration Fastest 6h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 40m Average total duration 17h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 35m Average total duration 12h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Essen:
A train is $18 (€15) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Basel to Essen costing on average $133 (€109).
A train is $238 (€195) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Essen costing on average $353 (€290).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Flight takes on average 12h 35m.
Bus takes on average 17h 10m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Basel 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 Basel to Essen trains with Omio?
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Essen
Trains from Basel to Essen run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $97 (€80) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 303 miles (489 km) distance in 4h 33m.
Distance 303 miles (489 km) |
Average train duration 6h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€80) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 4h 33m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Basel to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Basel and Essen from $97 (€80). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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
Popular train stations from Basel to Essen
Most Basel to Essen trains use the Basel SBB to Essen station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Basel station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB train station facilities and services
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Which Essen station do trains from Basel arrive at?
Getting to Essen from Essen city centre
Essen train station facilities and services
Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Essen.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Essen.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Essen
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