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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 h 53 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
291 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf 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 Karlsruhe Hbf will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
Of the 2 trains that leave Essen Hbf for Karlsruhe Hbf on Sun, Jun 21, 2 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 291 km distance in an average of 2 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.
7:36 AM2h47Essen Hbf10:23 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$731One-way0 transfers- 5:00 AM2h59Essen Hbf7:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$901One-way0 transfers
- 7:36 AM2h47Essen Hbf10:23 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$731One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 AM2h59Essen Hbf7:59 AMKarlsruhe Hbf$901One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $46.
Distance: 180 miles (291 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf:
A bus is $53 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf costing on average $87 (€71).
Other travel options to Karlsruhe Hbf take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 27m.
You'll arrive about 36m sooner (3h 24m by train vs 4h 0m by car). Tickets start at around $87 (€71) compared to roughly $66 (€54) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h59 | 7:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:36 AM Essen Hbf | 2h47 | 10:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf trains with Omio?
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) to find the best option for your trip from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 10:40. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (291 km) distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 180 miles (291 km) |
Average train duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€37) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 10:40 AM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen Hbf and Karlsruhe Hbf from $23 (€19). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf 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 Karlsruhe Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf
Most Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf trains use the Essen Hbf to Karlsruhe Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Karlsruhe West. Use this guide to compare Essen Hbf and Karlsruhe Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
Essen Hbf 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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Getting to Essen-Steele from Essen city centre
Essen-Steele is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Steele train station facilities and services
Essen-Steele 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: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd train station facilities and services
Essen Süd 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Getting to Karlsruhe West from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe West is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe West train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe West 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: Beim Schupi, Rosenstüble 2.0, Saloniki, Rote Taube
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe West. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe West. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Beim Schupi.
Getting to Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe, Hbf Südausgang.
Most popular train connections from Essen Hbf
Most popular trains to and from Karlsruhe Hbf and Essen Hbf
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