- Must visit
KMSKA
Regional art museum in nearby Antwerp with strong old masters collections, worth the short trip from Essen.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Düsseldorf to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Düsseldorf to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €8 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 1h 18m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, while a train costs an average of €70.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€70 Average price | €8 Average price Cheapest | €5 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 18m Average total duration Fastest 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Düsseldorf to Essen is a bus with an average price of €8.
This is compared to other travel options from Düsseldorf to Essen:
A bus is €62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Düsseldorf to Essen costing on average €70.
The fastest way to travel from Düsseldorf to Essen is by bus with an average journey time of 48m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Düsseldorf and Essen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Düsseldorf to Essen among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around €70 compared to roughly €5 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-64.15. The journey takes 3h 10m versus 2h 25m 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.
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 Düsseldorf 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.
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Why should you book Düsseldorf to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) offer trains services from Düsseldorf to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Düsseldorf to Essen.
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) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Düsseldorf 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Düsseldorf to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Düsseldorf to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Düsseldorf to Essen
Germany
Belgium
Trains from Düsseldorf to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €70 but you can travel from only €7 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:30, the last at 15:58. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 4h 3m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €7
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €70 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 3m |
First train 6:30 AM |
Last train 3:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €7
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Düsseldorf to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Düsseldorf and Essen from €7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
23m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€12
Deutsche Bahn frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
24m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
€24
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
21 a day
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Duration
31m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) Price
€12
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
18 a day
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Recommended
Treinmuseum Essen
Railway museum in Essen’s old station area with locomotives, rolling stock, and exhibits on cross-border rail history.
- Recommended
Bezoekerscentrum De Vroente
Nearby botanical and heritage museum site in Kalmthout, valued for nature collections and regional cultural context.
- Must visit
Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide
Major heathland and forest reserve on the Belgian-Dutch border, ideal for walking, cycling, birdwatching, and quiet landscapes.
- Recommended
Heuvelplein
Central square and civic area of Essen, practical for orientation and local events, with easy access to shops and services.
- Recommended
Domein de Hemelrijk
Green domain with ponds and walking paths, popular for a relaxed stroll and nature close to the town center.
- Gluten-free
Kempense Asperges
Kempense asperges are local white asparagus, often served in season with butter sauce, egg, and ham. The sandy Kempen soils around Essen are known for quality asparagus.
- Gluten-free
Asperges Op Vlaamse Wijze
Asperges op Vlaamse wijze pairs white asparagus with chopped egg, melted butter, parsley, and often shrimp. It is a classic Flemish spring dish popular in the region.
- Gluten-free
Paling In 'T Groen
Paling in 't groen is eel in a sauce of fresh green herbs. It is a traditional Flemish dish, especially associated with river and polder areas of northern Belgium.
De Heusche Bollaert
Reputed dining venue near Essen with polished seasonal cuisine, suitable for a more upscale meal with attentive service.
De Kiekenhoeve
Established restaurant in Essen known for refined Belgian-French cooking and seasonal produce in an elegant, calm setting.
Brasserie Essen
Well-known local brasserie serving classic Belgian dishes and beers in a relaxed atmosphere suited to casual lunches and dinners.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Tourist costs are lower than Brussels or Bruges but higher than smaller towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
De Lijn
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.50
- Day pass
- €7.50
To the city center
Essen -> Essen Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on De Lijn buses and trams; onboard payment is usually higher than buying in the app.
- NMBS/SNCB trains serve Essen station for regional travel, while local buses are run by De Lijn.
FAQs: Trains from Düsseldorf to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Düsseldorf 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.
Train ticket prices from Düsseldorf to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €70, while the average price is around €70.
The train from Düsseldorf to Essen takes 4h 3m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Düsseldorf to Essen is 101 miles (164 km).
The first train from Düsseldorf to Essen leaves at 6:30 AM.
The last train from Düsseldorf to Essen leaves at 3:58 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Düsseldorf to Essen. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Düsseldorf to Essen.
The train station in Düsseldorf that goes to Essen is Düsseldorf Hbf, which connects to Essen station.
The cheapest way to get from Düsseldorf to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around €7.
The train journey from Düsseldorf to Essen is more urban than scenic, featuring views of industrial landscapes, modern architecture, and cityscapes along the route.
A day trip from Düsseldorf to Essen is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 3m. However, there are 5 train trips available per day. The distance is 101 miles (164 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Essen is sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and the Grugapark botanical garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Düsseldorf to Essen.
Since both Düsseldorf and Essen are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Essen include Antwerp, Brussels, Roosendaal, Zaventem, Ghent.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Düsseldorf to Essen among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular shopping streets. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can also occur. Staying alert in busy places and using licensed transportation helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Düsseldorf to Essen
Most Düsseldorf to Essen trains use the Düsseldorf Hbf to Essen station pair, with some services arriving at Wildert. Use this guide to compare Düsseldorf and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Düsseldorf
Arrival train stations in Essen
Which Düsseldorf station do trains to Essen leave from?
Trains from Düsseldorf to Essen leave from Düsseldorf Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Düsseldorf city centre at Düsseldorf Hbf, Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 14, 40210 Düsseldorf.
Düsseldorf HbfDüsseldorf Hbf, Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 14, 40210 Düsseldorf
City-centre transport
Getting to Düsseldorf Hbf from Düsseldorf city centre
Düsseldorf Hbf is 1 km from Düsseldorf city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe · 49m · €29 · every ~2 min
BusRe49 · 1h 30m · €15 · every ~1 min
62004 · 2h 38m
Düsseldorf Hbf train station facilities and services
Düsseldorf 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 and drink
Food options include: Zaxopondeiva Cafe, Lauren's Cafe, China Imbiss, Fu chu yuan
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Düsseldorf Hbf. ATMs are available at Düsseldorf Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Düsseldorf Hbf. Information desks are available at Düsseldorf Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Düsseldorf Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Düsseldorf Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Düsseldorf Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Düsseldorf Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lindenhof, Hotel Batavia, Sir Astor, Lady Astor.
Düsseldorf FriedrichstadtDüsseldorf-Friedrichstadt, Oberbilker Allee 76, 40215 Düsseldorf
City-centre transport
Getting to Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt from Düsseldorf city centre
Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt is 1 km from Düsseldorf city centre. Public transport options include:
TramE701, 701 · 6m · €2 · every ~12 min
Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt train station facilities and services
Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt 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 and drink
Food options include: Fu chu yuan, Taj Mahal, Hai Xian, To1980
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt. ATMs are available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt. Information desks are available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Düsseldorf Friedrichstadt.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Batavia, Hotel Ko, Hotel Burns, Hotel Düsseldorf Mitte.
Düsseldorf-BilkDüsseldorf-Bilk, Friedrichstr. 145, 40217 Düsseldorf
City-centre transport
Getting to Düsseldorf-Bilk from Düsseldorf city centre
Düsseldorf-Bilk is 1 km from Düsseldorf city centre. Public transport options include:
BusNe7 · 4m · €3
TramU83, U73, U72, U71 · 4m · €2 · every ~36 min
Düsseldorf-Bilk train station facilities and services
Düsseldorf-Bilk 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 and drink
Food options include: Zur Pfeffermühle, Pizzeria Da Gino, Rohbau, Grindhouse Homemade Burgers
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Düsseldorf-Bilk. ATMs are available at Düsseldorf-Bilk.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Düsseldorf-Bilk. Information desks are available at Düsseldorf-Bilk.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Düsseldorf-Bilk. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Düsseldorf-Bilk: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Düsseldorf-Bilk: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Düsseldorf-Bilk.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Novum Hotel Maxim Düsseldorf City, Günnewig Hotel Esplanade, Novum Hotel Flora, Hotel Niku.
Which Essen station do trains from Düsseldorf arrive at?
Trains from Düsseldorf to Essen most often arrive at Essen. Some services arrive at Wildert, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen2910 Essen, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen from Essen city centre
TrainIntercity · 3h 54m · €45 · every ~4 min
Ice · 4h 58m · €52
Bus023 · 4h 5m · €22
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.
Wildert2910 Essen, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Wildert from Essen city centre
Wildert is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainIntercity · 4h 0m · €46 · every ~4 min
Ice · 5h 5m · €53
Bus023 · 4h 11m · €23
Wildert train station facilities and services
Wildert has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Wildert.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Wildert.
Bike and car services
Available at Wildert: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Wildert.
More options for your journey from Düsseldorf to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Düsseldorf
Most popular train connections to Essen
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