Essen to Bremen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Mon, Sep 21
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Regionale
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Bremen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 21

Cheapest price on Sep 21

$37

Average ticket price on Sep 21

$52

Fastest journey on Sep 21

2 h 13 m

Average journey duration on Sep 21

2 h 51 m

Trains on Sep 21

5

Distance

218 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Bremen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Bremen will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.

Fast trains

On Mon, Sep 21, we found 5 trains from Essen to Bremen, including 5 direct services.

On Mon, Sep 21 the direct trains cover the 218 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 13 m .

On Mon, Sep 21 the slowest trains will take 5 h 17 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:00 AM2h14
    Essen
    9:14 AMBremen
    $371One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    10:22 PM5h17
    Essen
    3:39 AMBremen
    $381One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:35 AM2h13
    Essen
    9:48 AMBremen
    $411One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:00 AM2h14
    Essen
    8:14 AMBremen
    $701One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:59 PM2h15
    Essen
    10:14 PMBremen
    $711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Essen to Bremen

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Bremen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, while a flight costs an average of $659.

Distance: 135 miles (218 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$67

Average price

$40

Average price

Cheapest

$659

Average price

$47

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 19m

Average total duration

4h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

2h 11m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 5m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.7 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Bremen is a bus with an average price of $40 (€33).

This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Bremen:

A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Bremen costing on average $67 (€54).

A bus is $619 (€506) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Bremen costing on average $659 (€539).

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Bremen is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 11m.

Other travel options to Bremen take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 15m.

Bus takes on average 4h 49m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Bremen including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Bremen among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 50m sooner (2h 15m by train vs 3h 5m by car). Tickets start at around $67 (€54) compared to roughly $47 (€38) 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 Intercity, Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.

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 to Bremen train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Bremen trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn6:00 AM Essen
2h14
8:14 AM Bremen0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain10:56 AM Essen
2h12
1:08 PM Bremen0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain4:56 PM Essen
2h12
7:08 PM Bremen0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Bremen by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27

Why should you book Essen to Bremen trains with Omio?

Intercity as well as Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain offer trains services from Essen to Bremen.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Intercity tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Intercity?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Bremen.
  • 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 Intercity with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Bremen.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Essen to Bremen

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconStaff
IconVolume
IconNeed to change
Disadvantages
IconPrice
IconPunctuality
IconSeats
This year in March I made a trip from Essen to Bremen with Deutsche Bahn. The staff were very friendly and always respected their customers and treated them well. The volume on the train was optimal. There was no need to change trains, which made the journey easier. However, the price was quite high. The train did not arrive in Bremen on time. The seats were also not well maintained. You could find old coffee stains or food leftovers on the seats. Overall, it was a good journey.
Advantages
IconQuiet ride
IconNice staff
Disadvantages
Icon//
So my journey with Deutsche Bahn was one of the quietest journeys I've had here. The trains were top, clean and well equipped. The wifi actually worked for a while and the toilets were also quite good. There were power sockets at almost every seat. The connecting train was also on time.
Advantages
IconComfortable
IconTime-saving
IconGood service
Disadvantages
IconMay be delayed
IconFailures
On the train journey from Essen to Bremen, I was pleasantly surprised and spoilt throughout. The train's good facilities, such as wifi, made the journey extremely pleasant and enabled me to stay in touch with my acquaintances. I also particularly noticed the delicious food, the clean toilets and the nice other passengers. Another very successful trip through my Germany ticket!
Advantages
IconWIFI
IconPunctuality
IconNeed to change
Disadvantages
IconSeats
IconHygiene
IconVolume
Last year in May, I took a trip with Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Bremen. First of all, the wifi is worth mentioning. The wifi was fast and very powerful. So my mobile phone was able to connect to it quickly. We also arrived in Bremen on time and there was no need to change trains, which made the journey a lot easier. However, the seats were not comfortable and the toilets were very unhygienic. The toilets were not clean. Unfortunately, it was very noisy on the train. Overall, a satisfactory journey.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Bremen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Bremen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 2h 3m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
135 miles (218 km)
Average train duration
2h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$10 (€8)
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
2h 3m
First train
12:13 AM
Last train
11:56 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Intercity from Essen to Bremen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Intercity trains will get you between Essen and Bremen from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$34 (€28)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
$10 (€8)
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Intercity

About
Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term "InterCity" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, "Intercity" or "IC" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph).
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercity Duration
2h 13m
Cheapest Intercity Price
$84 (€69)
Intercity frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Bremen

Things to do in Bremen

Discover the best of Bremen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bremen trip today.

  • Must visit

Kunsthalle Bremen

Major art museum with European painting, prints, and modern works, highly regarded for its strong collection and exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Universum Bremen

Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits on people, earth, and the cosmos, excellent for families and curious adults.

  • Must visit

Übersee-Museum Bremen

Museum on overseas trade, migration, and global cultures, known for immersive displays and broad historical perspective.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually below Munich or Hamburg, while transit and museum costs are fairly standard for city breaks.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or tip 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafes.

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Bremen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Bremen 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 Bremen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Essen to Bremen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $10 (€8), while the average price is around $67 (€54).
The train from Essen to Bremen takes 2h 3m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Bremen is 135 miles (218 km).
The first train from Essen to Bremen leaves at 12:13 AM.
The last train from Essen to Bremen leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Bremen. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Intercity, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Bremen.
The train station in Essen that goes to Bremen is Essen Hbf, which connects to Bremen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Bremen is by train, with a cost of around $10 (€8).
The train journey from Essen to Bremen offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, featuring industrial areas, lush green fields, and quaint villages. While not highly scenic compared to more famous routes, it provides a pleasant view of Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region.
A day trip from Essen to Bremen is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 3m. The distance is 135 miles (218 km). Trains run 10 times per day.
In Bremen, you can explore the Übersee-Museum, take a relaxing walk along the Weser River promenade, visit the Rhododendron-Park, enjoy performances at the Theater Bremen, and discover the Kunsthalle Bremen. Must-see sights include the Bremen Town Musicians Statue, Bremen Cathedral, the charming Schnoor Quarter, Universum Bremen, and the unique Böttcherstraße.
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore Bremen's main attractions, including the historic Old Town, the Bremen Town Musicians, and the Universum Science Center.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Bremen.
Since both Essen and Bremen are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Bremen include Hamburg, Hanover, Dortmund, Osnabrück, Leer.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Bremen among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Bremen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include distractions by groups or individuals attempting to steal wallets or phones. It is advisable to stay alert, avoid displaying valuables openly, and use secure bags to minimize risk.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Bremen

Most Essen to Bremen trains use the Essen Hbf to Bremen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Bremen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Essen
Arrival train stations in Bremen

Which Essen station do trains to Bremen leave from?

Trains from Essen to Bremen leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

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.

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