- Must visit
Cathedral Treasury Aachen
Aachen Cathedral's treasury displays masterpieces of medieval goldsmithing and imperial relics. Essential for understanding the city's coronation heritage.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€40
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€50
Fastest journey on Sep 17
1 h 36 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
1 h 48 m
Trains on Sep 17
4
Distance
100 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Aachen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Aachen will cost around €50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 4 trains from Essen to Aachen, including 4 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 100 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 2 h 3 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 Essen to Aachen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 19m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, while a train costs an average of €44.
Distance: 62 miles (100 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€44 Average price | €13 Average price Cheapest | €17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Essen to Aachen:
A bus is €31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Aachen costing on average €44.
Other travel options to Aachen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 10m.
Tickets start at around €44 compared to roughly €17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-27.06. The journey takes 1h 49m versus 1h 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.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Aachen trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:36 AM Essen | 2h03 | 7:39 AM Aachen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:40 AM Essen | 1h36 | 8:16 AM Aachen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:09 AM Essen | 1h58 | 9:07 AM Aachen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 AM Essen | 1h36 | 9:16 AM Aachen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Essen to Aachen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €9 but you can travel from only €7 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 62 miles (100 km) distance in 1h 21m.
Distance 62 miles (100 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price €9 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 21m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Aachen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aachen trip today.
Aachen Cathedral's treasury displays masterpieces of medieval goldsmithing and imperial relics. Essential for understanding the city's coronation heritage.
Contemporary art museum with major international exhibitions in a former umbrella factory. A leading cultural venue with ambitious rotating shows.
City museum inside the old town hall presenting Aachen's history, Charlemagne, and civic life. A strong introduction to the city before further sightseeing.
Main old-town square framed by the town hall and historic façades. It is the ceremonial heart of Aachen and ideal for first impressions.
Lively square beside the cathedral and town hall with cafés nearby and constant foot traffic. A prime base for exploring central Aachen on foot.
Central square and boulevard around the famous pavilion and spring water. A classic meeting point that reflects Aachen's spa-town identity.
Aachen's famous spiced gingerbread, baked with syrup, nuts and warming spices. It is the city's best-known traditional specialty and a classic souvenir.
A hearty Rhineland beef stew marinated with vinegar and spices, then braised until tender. It is a classic festive dish in the wider Aachen region.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apple sauce, often served with black pudding or sausages. This sweet-savory Rhineland comfort food is traditional around Aachen.
Refined Michelin-starred dining known for modern tasting menus, polished service and an elegant setting. Ideal for a high-end meal in Aachen.
Established Aachen restaurant with seasonal German and European cooking, offering a more polished atmosphere than a typical tavern.
Historic traditional restaurant near the cathedral, known for Rhineland classics, local beer and a cozy old-town atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are usually below Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafés, small change or rounding up is common.
Official public transport app
Aachen Hbf -> Elisenbrunnen, Aachen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Aachen 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 Aachen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Aachen trains use the Essen Hbf to Aachen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Aachen-Rothe Erde. Use this guide to compare Essen and Aachen 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.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen 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 options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
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.
Aachen Hbf is 1 km from Aachen city centre. Public transport options include:
Aachen 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: McDonald's, Louisiana, Dakashi sushi, Zitalia
Wi-Fi is available at Aachen Hbf. ATMs are available at Aachen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Aachen Hbf. Information desks are available at Aachen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Aachen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aachen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aachen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aachen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Bestprice Hotel.
Aachen-Rothe Erde is 2 km from Aachen city centre. Public transport options include:
Aachen-Rothe Erde 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: Eiscafé am Elsassplatz, Kennedy Grill, Közde Kebap, Imbiss & Kneipe, Zeppelin Eck
Wi-Fi is available at Aachen-Rothe Erde. ATMs are available at Aachen-Rothe Erde.
Ticket office support is available at Aachen-Rothe Erde. Information desks are available at Aachen-Rothe Erde.
Luggage storage is available at Aachen-Rothe Erde. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aachen-Rothe Erde: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aachen-Rothe Erde: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aachen-Rothe Erde.
Aachen West 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: Chico Mendes, Pizzeria Pont Pascha, Vielharmonie, Polonia
Wi-Fi is available at Aachen West. ATMs are available at Aachen West.
Ticket office support is available at Aachen West. Information desks are available at Aachen West.
Luggage storage is available at Aachen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aachen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aachen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aachen West.
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