- 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 18
$81
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$136
Fastest journey on Sep 18
8 h 32 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
9 h 23 m
Trains on Sep 18
6
Distance
595 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Copenhagen to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Copenhagen to Essen will cost around $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 6 trains from Copenhagen to Essen, including 6 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 595 km distance in an average of 9 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 32 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 10 h 30 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 Copenhagen to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $86 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $86, while a flight costs an average of $652.
Distance: 369 miles (595 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$144 Average price | $86 Average price Cheapest | $652 Average price | $188 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 10m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 22m Average total duration 12h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Copenhagen to Essen:
A bus is $58 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Copenhagen to Essen costing on average $144.
A bus is $566 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Copenhagen to Essen costing on average $652.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 40m.
Bus takes on average 12h 52m.
The journey is about 1m faster (8h 40m by train vs 8h 41m by car) and roughly $45 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($144 vs $188). 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.
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 Copenhagen to Essen trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S Bx · ECE 393 · ICE 613 · 10148 | 8:05 AM Vesterport st | 9h09 | 5:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 393 · ICE 613 · 10148 | On time 8:22 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 8h52 | 5:14 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S B · IC 50137 · IC 5759 · 11175 | 9:27 AM Vesterport st | 10h40 | 8:07 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 50137 · IC 5759 · 11175 · ICE 205 | 9:45 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 10h22 | 8:07 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
S C · RJ 385 · ICE 615 · 10156 | 10:03 AM Vesterport st | 9h11 | 7:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 385 · ICE 615 · 10156 | On time 10:22 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 8h52 | 7:14 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S B · IC 50145 · IC 5761 · 11179 | 11:27 AM Vesterport st | 10h40 | 10:07 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 50145 · IC 5761 · 11179 · ICE 207 | 11:45 AM Copenhagen Central Station | 10h22 | 10:07 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
S C · ECE 395 · ICE 617 · S2 | 12:03 PM Vesterport st | 9h04 | 9:07 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ECE 395 · ICE 617 · S2 | On time 12:22 PM Copenhagen Central Station | 8h45 | 9:07 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, 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 Copenhagen to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $70 but you can travel from only $39 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 369 miles (595 km) distance in 7h 26m.
Distance 369 miles (595 km) |
Average train duration 8h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 7h 26m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen to Essen trains use the København Hovedb. to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Copenhagen and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
København Hovedb. 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 Frk. Barners Kælder, Tivoli Food Hall
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at København Hovedb.. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at København Hovedb.. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at København Hovedb.: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at København Hovedb.: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at København Hovedb.: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Astoria, Copenhagen Plaza Hotel, Hotel Ansgar.
Nørreport St. 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 Frk. Barners Kælder, Tivoli Food Hall
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Nørreport St.. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Nørreport St.. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nørreport St.: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nørreport St.: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nørreport St.: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Skt. Petri, Ibsens Hotel, Hotel Kong Arthur.
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, 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