- Must visit
Pergamonmuseum
World-famous museum of ancient Greek and Roman art, celebrated for the Pergamon Altar and monumental archaeological treasures.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
3 h 44 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
24
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 $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 24 trains that leave Essen for Berlin on Tue, Aug 25, 20 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 44 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 3 h 51 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.
ICE 1541
ICE 1541
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 1547
ICE 545
ICE 845
ICE 547
ICE 849Omio 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 $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 8m. 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 $22, and a flight costs an average of $62.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $477 Average price | $99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 29m Average total duration 7h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m 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 $41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Berlin costing on average $82.
A bus is $436 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Berlin costing on average $477.
Other travel options to Berlin take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 15m.
Bus takes on average 7h 59m.
The journey is about 1h 55m faster (4h 15m by train vs 6h 10m by car) and roughly $18 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($82 vs $99). 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 to Berlin trains for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 947 | Delayed 6:22 PM 8:21 PMEssen Hbf | 4h00 | 12:21 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
10165 · ICE 514 · ICE 2585 | On time 8:46 PM Essen Hbf | 10h34 | 7:20 AM Berlin Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
ICE 1541 | 12:23 AM Essen Hbf | 5h10 | 5:33 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1541 | 12:23 AM Essen Hbf | 5h33 | 5:56 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 541 | On time 5:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 9:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 843 | On time 6:21 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 10:12 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 543 | On time 7:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 11:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 845 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 12:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 1:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 10:20 AM Essen Hbf | 3h52 | 2:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1547 | On time 10:47 AM Essen Hbf | 3h44 | 2:31 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 547 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 3:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 849 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 4:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26719 · ICE 549 | On time 1:13 PM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 5:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 941 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 6:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26723 · ICE 641 | On time 3:13 PM Essen Hbf | 3h59 | 7:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 943 | On time 4:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h52 | 8:13 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 | 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, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 4h30 | 9:34 PM Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 4h23 | 9:27 PM Berlin, Central Station (Invalidenstraße) | 0 transfersDirect | |
26727 · ICE 643 | On time 5:13 PM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 9:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 945 | On time 6:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 10:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26731 · ICE 645 | On time 7:13 PM Essen Hbf | 3h57 | 11:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 to Berlin run on average 19 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 if you book in advance.
There are 17 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 39m.
Distance 282 miles (454 km) |
Average train duration 4h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 3h 39m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 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 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 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.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
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.
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.
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