The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Berlin
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Trains per day
27
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen 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 to Berlin will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 27 trains that leave Essen for Berlin on Tue, May 26, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 3 h 55 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.
FlixTrain5:04 PM4h30Essen Hbf9:34 PMBerlin Südkreuz station$481One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain5:04 PM4h06Essen Hbf9:10 PMBerlin Spandau$481One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain5:04 PM4h16Essen Hbf9:20 PMBerlin Hbf$481One-way0 transfers
ICE 8436:21 AM3h55Essen Hbf10:16 AMBerlin Hbf$501One-way0 transfers
FlixTrain9:04 AM4h27Essen Hbf1:31 PMBerlin Südkreuz station$511One-way0 transfers
ICE 15458:47 AM3h55Essen Hbf12:42 PMBerlin Hbf$1441One-way0 transfers
ICE 84710:21 AM3h55Essen Hbf2:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1441One-way0 transfers
ICE 8458:21 AM3h55Essen Hbf12:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1441One-way0 transfers
ICE 84912:21 PM3h55Essen Hbf4:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1441One-way0 transfers
ICE 9412:21 PM3h55Essen Hbf6:16 PMBerlin Hbf$1441One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Berlin
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. 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 $27, and a flight costs an average of $103.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$63 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest | $264 Average price | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg 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 Essen to Berlin:
A bus is $20 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Berlin costing on average $63 (€51).
A bus is $221 (€178) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Berlin costing on average $264 (€213).
Other travel options to Berlin take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 32m.
Bus takes on average 5h 51m.
The journey is about 38m faster (5h 32m by train vs 6h 10m by car) and roughly $34 (€28) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($63 (€51) vs $98 (€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.
Live departures
Essen to Berlin train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Berlin trains for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 1541 | Delayed 10:22 PM 12:22 AMEssen Hbf | 5h13 | 3:35 AM 3:35 AMBerlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 947 | Delayed 6:38 PM 8:21 PMEssen Hbf | 4h05 | 12:26 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 647 | On time 10:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h59 | 2:18 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
ICE 541 | On time 5:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 9:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 843 | On time 6:21 AM Essen Hbf | 3h55 | 10:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1543 | On time 6:44 AM Essen Hbf | 3h58 | 10:42 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 543 | On time 7:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 11:16 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 845 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 3h55 | 12:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1545 | On time 8:47 AM Essen Hbf | 3h55 | 12:42 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h06 | 1:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h27 | 1:31 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h16 | 1:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 1:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 10:21 AM Essen Hbf | 3h55 | 2:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1547 | On time 10:47 AM Essen Hbf | 3h56 | 2:43 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 547 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 3:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 849 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h55 | 4:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 549 | On time 1:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 5:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 941 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h55 | 6:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1549 | On time 2:44 PM Essen Hbf | 4h07 | 6:51 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 641 | On time 3:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 7:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 943 | On time 4:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h55 | 8:16 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1055 | On time 4:32 PM Essen Hbf | 4h19 | 8:51 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h06 | 9:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h30 | 9:34 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h16 | 9:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 643 | On time 5:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h59 | 9:18 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 945 | On time 6:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h58 | 10:19 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 645 | On time 7:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h58 | 11:17 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 947 | 8:21 PM Essen Hbf | 4h05 | 12:26 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Berlin by train, bus, or flight
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.
May 26
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May 31
Jun 01
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Why should you book Essen to Berlin 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 FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Berlin.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Berlin.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Berlin.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Essen to Berlin?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Berlin

Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Berlin
Trains from Essen to Berlin run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 282 miles (454 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 282 miles (454 km) |
Average train duration 5h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Berlin trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Berlin from $24 (€20). 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.
FlixTrain
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Berlin
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Berlin
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Mon - Sat: 07:00 - 22:00
- Sun: 08:00 - 22:00
- Free WiFi (30 minutes limit).
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
- backWERK
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Einstein Kaffee
- Le Crobag
- McDonald's
- Hans im Glück
- Pret A Manger
- Starbucks
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof
- Located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Unvernunft
- Taverna Teloneio
- Burger King
- Hasir
- Hotel Benn
- Hotel Herbst
- Hotel Lindenufer
- Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau
- Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
- Jäger & Lustig
- BLOCK HOUSE
- Pizza und Pasta
- Lang Van II
- Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
- Armony Hotel
- Nu hotel berlin
- Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
Most popular train connections from Essen
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