- Must visit
Pergamonmuseum – Das Panorama
Temporary presentation linked to the Pergamon collection, featuring the large Yadegar Asisi panorama while the main Pergamonmuseum is closed for renovation.
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 2 m
Trains per day
29
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 $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 29 trains that leave Essen for Berlin on Sat, Jul 11, 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 4 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest trains will take 4 h 6 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 643
ICE 545
ICE 549
ICE 541
FlixTrainOmio 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 $101.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$62 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $260 Average price | $96 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 $19 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Berlin costing on average $62 (€51).
A bus is $217 (€178) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Berlin costing on average $260 (€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 ($62 (€51) 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 to Berlin trains for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 518 · ICE 241 | Delayed 3:40 PM 4:59 PMEssen Hbf | 4h44 | 9:43 PM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h16 | 9:20 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 | |
ICE 643 | On time 5:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 9:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 945 | On time 6:21 PM Essen Hbf | 4h17 | 10:38 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 645 | Delayed 5:47 PM 7:19 PMEssen Hbf | 3h51 | 9:26 PM 9:26 PMBerlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 647 | On time 10:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 2:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
89739+ 89863+ S1 · Bus S1 | On time 10:29 PM Essen Hbf | 8h05 | 6:34 AM Berlin Spandau | 4 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 11 | |||||
26841 · 89999 · ICE 851+ 95821 | 12:52 AM Essen Hbf | 7h21 | 8:13 AM Berlin Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 541 | Delayed 5:19 AM Essen Hbf | 4h03 | 7:29 AM 7:29 AMBerlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 843 | On time 6:21 AM Essen Hbf | 4h21 | 10:42 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 543 | On time 7:19 AM Essen Hbf | 4h15 | 11:34 AM 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 | 4h26 | 1:30 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 5h01 | 2:05 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h41 | 1:45 PM Berlin Hbf | 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 | 4h18 | 4:39 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h51 | 5:56 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h25 | 5:30 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h42 | 5:47 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 549 | On time 1:19 PM Essen Hbf | 4h01 | 5:20 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 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 |
Discover the best of Berlin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Berlin trip today.
Temporary presentation linked to the Pergamon collection, featuring the large Yadegar Asisi panorama while the main Pergamonmuseum is closed for renovation.
One of Museum Island’s highlights, famous for the bust of Nefertiti and major Egyptian and prehistoric collections.
Major contemporary art museum in a former railway station, known for large-scale installations and international artists.
Berlin’s most famous cultural precinct, ideal for walking between major museums and historic architecture.
Berlin’s historic boulevard lined with major institutions, grand buildings, and easy access to key sights.
Berlin’s central park, excellent for long walks, cycling, and relaxing between major landmarks.
Berlin’s iconic street food: sliced pork sausage covered with curried ketchup and usually served with fries. It became a symbol of postwar Berlin snack culture.
A defining Berlin fast food with Turkish roots: shaved meat stuffed into flatbread with salad and sauces. Berlin popularized its modern sandwich style.
Salt-cured, boiled pork knuckle, traditionally served with peas, sauerkraut, and potatoes. A hearty classic associated with Berlin and Brandenburg cuisine.
Acclaimed Berlin fine dining restaurant focused on local ingredients and modern German cuisine with counter seating.
Stylish established restaurant in Mitte known for seasonal German-influenced cooking, relaxed fine dining, and a leafy courtyard.
Historic Kreuzberg restaurant serving classic Berlin and German dishes such as Eisbein and schnitzel in a traditional beer hall setting.
Moderate for a major European capital. Transit is reasonable, while central hotels and dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. Tip 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up taxis and bar tabs.
Official public transport app
Berlin Hbf, Berlin -> 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need