- 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
€75
Average price
€146
Fastest journey
4 h 36 m
Average duration
6 h 33 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
435 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Essen will cost around €146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €75.
Of the 6 trains that leave Basel for Essen on Tue, Aug 04, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 435 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 36 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 9 h 41 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.










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 bus with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €83.
Distance: 270 miles (435 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€121 Average price | €49 Average price Cheapest | €254 Average price | €144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 46m Average total duration Fastest 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 27m Average total duration 9h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Basel to Essen:
A bus is €72 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Essen costing on average €121.
A bus is €205 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Essen costing on average €254.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 47m.
Flight takes on average 9h 27m.
The journey is about 1m faster (5h 16m by train vs 5h 17m by car) and roughly €23 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€121 vs €144). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:46 AM Basel | 4h36 | 9:22 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:16 AM Basel | 6h34 | 12:50 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Basel to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €32 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 270 miles (435 km) distance in 4h 36m.
Distance 270 miles (435 km) |
Average train duration 5h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price €40 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 36m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 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.

Most Basel to Essen trains use the Basel SBB to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Duisburg Hbf. 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.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Basel Markthalle is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Markthalle has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Markthalle.
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.
Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Kettwig 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: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need