- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
8 h 33 m
Average duration
8 h 48 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
470 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dresden to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dresden to Essen will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Of the 3 trains that leave Dresden for Essen on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 470 km distance in an average of 8 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 33 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 9 h 18 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Dresden to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 $25, and a flight costs an average of $89.
Distance: 292 miles (470 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $341 Average price | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg 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 Dresden to Essen:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dresden to Essen costing on average $67 (€55).
A bus is $301 (€246) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dresden to Essen costing on average $341 (€279).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 33m.
Bus takes on average 7h 9m.
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 FlixTrain, 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.
The table below shows live departures for Dresden to Essen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:30 AM Dresden | 9h18 | 10:48 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 AM Dresden | 8h33 | 10:48 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 AM Dresden | 8h33 | 2:48 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 Dresden to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 292 miles (470 km) distance in 5h 48m.
Distance 292 miles (470 km) |
Average train duration 6h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 48m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dresden 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 Dresden to Essen trains use the Dresden Hauptbahnhof to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Use this guide to compare Dresden and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Dresden Hauptbahnhof is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden Hauptbahnhof 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: Burger King, asiagourmet, dean&david, Hot Dog King, Starbucks, Subway, BABA Döner, Marché, backWERK, Ditsch, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are located by Platform 9 in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers close to by the waiting room and the stairs leading to Platforms 3/4. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden Hauptbahnhof: Accessible facilities such as toilets and ramps and additional assistance as needed. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kipping, Pullman Dresden Newa, IntercityHotel Dresden.
Dresden-Neustadt is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden-Neustadt 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: ElbUferei, Raskolnikoff, Byblos, Kantine No. 2
Wi-Fi is available at Dresden-Neustadt. ATMs are available at Dresden-Neustadt.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden-Neustadt. Information desks are available at Dresden-Neustadt.
Luggage storage is available at Dresden-Neustadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dresden-Neustadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dresden-Neustadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden-Neustadt.
Nearby hotels include Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden, Rothenburger Hof, Mezcalero, Villa Romantika.
Dresden Mitte is 1 km from Dresden city centre. Public transport options include:
Dresden Mitte 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: Italienisches Dörfchen, BrennNessel, Kahnaletto, Cafe Friedrichstadt
Wi-Fi is available at Dresden Mitte. ATMs are available at Dresden Mitte.
Ticket office support is available at Dresden Mitte. Information desks are available at Dresden Mitte.
Luggage storage is available at Dresden Mitte. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dresden Mitte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dresden Mitte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dresden Mitte.
Nearby hotels include Elbflorenz, Penck Hotel, Hotel und Restaurant Cafe Friedrichstadt, Artis.
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-Zollverein Nord is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Zollverein Nord 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: Casino Zollverein, Warsteiner Stiefel, Schacht XII, Bistro, Cafe Kohlenwäsche
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. ATMs are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Information desks are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden 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: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
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