- Must visit
Pergamonmuseum
World-famous museum of ancient Greek and Roman art, celebrated for the Pergamon Altar and monumental archaeological treasures.
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 6 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen Hbf to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen Hbf to Berlin will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 22 trains that leave Essen Hbf for Berlin on Sat, Jul 18, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 4 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
On Sat, Jul 18 the slowest trains will take 4 h 15 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
ICE 549
ICE 643
ICE 545
ICE 641
ICE 547Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen Hbf to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $69.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$54 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $213 Average price | $96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Essen Hbf to Berlin:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen Hbf to Berlin costing on average $54 (€45).
A bus is $175 (€144) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen Hbf to Berlin costing on average $213 (€175).
Other travel options to Berlin take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 14m.
Bus takes on average 6h 32m.
The journey is about 1h 0m faster (4h 14m by train vs 5h 14m by car) and roughly $41 (€34) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($54 (€45) vs $96 (€79)). 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, FlixTrain, 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 Essen Hbf to Berlin trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h06 | 9:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h16 | 9:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h30 | 9:34 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h42 | 9:46 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h30 | 9:34 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 845 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 4h18 | 12:39 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h41 | 1:45 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h52 | 1:56 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h27 | 1:31 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 4h01 | 1:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 10:20 AM Essen Hbf | 4h21 | 2:41 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 547 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 4h15 | 3:34 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 849 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 4h28 | 4:49 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h52 | 5:57 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h26 | 5:31 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h41 | 5:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 549 | On time 1:19 PM Essen Hbf | 4h00 | 5:19 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 941 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 4h17 | 6:38 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 641 | On time 3:19 PM Essen Hbf | 4h14 | 7:33 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 943 | On time 4:21 PM Essen Hbf | 4h20 | 8:41 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Essen Hbf to Berlin run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:04, the last at 22:51. The fastest train covers the 282 miles (454 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 282 miles (454 km) |
Average train duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 4h 5m |
First train 7:04 AM |
Last train 10:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Berlin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Berlin trip today.
World-famous museum of ancient Greek and Roman art, celebrated for the Pergamon Altar and monumental archaeological treasures.
Renowned collection of 19th-century European painting, including Caspar David Friedrich, in a grand museum on Kulturforum.
One of Europe’s leading contemporary art museums, known for major 20th-century works and a Mies van der Rohe building.
UNESCO-listed museum district with monumental architecture, top collections, and scenic riverfront walks in central Berlin.
Berlin’s largest inner-city park, ideal for walks, cycling, lakeside breaks, and major landmarks like the Victory Column.
Historic boulevard lined with grand buildings, museums, and universities, perfect for architecture lovers and central walks.
Curried ketchup over sliced pork sausage, usually with fries. A postwar Berlin street food icon found at snack stands across the city.
A Berlin minced pork patty seasoned with marjoram and caraway, traditionally served in a bread roll with mustard from market stalls.
Berlin-style pickled herring, often served with onions and potatoes. It reflects the city's long tradition of simple northern fish dishes.
Three-Michelin-star fine dining by Marco Müller, focused on highly refined German cuisine with seasonal local ingredients and elegant service.
Historic traditional restaurant serving Berlin and Bavarian dishes in a lively beer hall setting near Alexanderplatz.
Classic Berlin tavern known for Eisbein, schnitzel, and regional beer. Wood-paneled rooms give it an old-school local atmosphere.
Moderate for Europe: hostels and budget eats are reasonable, but hotels in central areas can be pricey. Transit is good value for visitors.
Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis; tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Official public transport app
Berlin Hbf -> Alexanderplatz, Berlin
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen Hbf to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen Hbf to Berlin trains use the Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Berlin Spandau. Use this guide to compare Essen Hbf and Berlin train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: backWERK, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Kaffee, Le Crobag, McDonald's, Hans im Glück, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.
Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Spandau 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: Unvernunft, Taverna Teloneio, Burger King, Hasir
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Spandau. ATMs are available at Berlin Spandau.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Spandau. Information desks are available at Berlin Spandau.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Spandau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Spandau.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Benn, Hotel Herbst, Hotel Lindenufer, Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau.
Berlin Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Südkreuz 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: Biertempel 2, McDonald's, Eis Bär, Cafe Mon Cherie
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Südkreuz. ATMs are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Information desks are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Nearby hotels include Appartements Eisemann.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need