The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Essen
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
50 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
58 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Essen will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cologne for Essen on Mon, Dec 22, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 22 the direct trains cover the 58 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest trains will take 52 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrainCologne - EssenCompare Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, Eurostar

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.



Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €4, and a train costs an average of €5.
Distance: 36 miles (58 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€11 Average price | €6 Average price Cheapest |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cologne to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Essen trains for today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 7:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 8:02 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 7:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h53 | 8:18 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1036 | On time 7:44 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h49 | 8:33 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26811 | 7:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 8:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 204 | On time 8:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h47 | 8:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2155 | On time 8:17 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h57 | 9:14 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 8:25 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h54 | 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
28510 · 10213 | 8:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h06 | 9:37 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 8:46 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h00 | 9:46 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26813 | 8:49 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h01 | 9:50 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 614 · ICE 820 | On time 9:11 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h55 | 10:06 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1022 | On time 9:30 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 10:18 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
28512 · 10215 | 9:31 AM Cologne Hbf | 1h06 | 10:37 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 10:01 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h52 | 10:53 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 11:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 12:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 3:14 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h48 | 4:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:01 PM Cologne Hbf | 0h52 | 4:53 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Essen by train or bus
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.
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Why should you book Cologne to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB) as well as FlixTrain, National Express and Eurostar offer trains services from Cologne to Essen. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB), but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, National Express and Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Cologne 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 (ICE,RE,IC,RB) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,RB)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of FlixTrain, National Express and Eurostar to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cologne to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Essen?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Cologne to Essen

Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Essen
Trains from Cologne to Essen run on average 16 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) but you can travel from only $5 (€4) by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 36 miles (58 km) distance in 48m.
Distance 36 miles (58 km) |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 48m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, Eurostar from Cologne to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, National Express, Eurostar trains will get you between Cologne and Essen from $5 (€4). 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.
FlixTrain
Eurostar
National Express
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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 Cologne to Essen
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
More options for your journey from Cologne to Essen
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