- Must visit
Museumsberg Flensburg
Flensburg’s main cultural history museum presents city, maritime, and regional stories through varied permanent exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Flensburg
Showing times and prices for Aug 06
Cheapest price
€77
Average price
€92
Fastest journey
6 h 7 m
Average duration
6 h 21 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
404 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Flensburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Flensburg will cost around €92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €77.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Essen to Flensburg without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 2310 · S3 · 111668:35 AM6h07Essen Hbf2:42 PMFlensburg station€771One-way2 transfers- 26813 · ICE 614 · ECE 394 · 1117210:52 AM6h49Essen Hbf5:41 PMFlensburg station€931One-way3 transfers
- ICE 1036 · S3 · 111689:34 AM6h07Essen Hbf3:41 PMFlensburg station€1051One-way2 transfers
- ICE 2310 · S3 · 111668:35 AM6h07Essen Hbf2:42 PMFlensburg station€771One-way2 transfers
- ICE 1036 · S3 · 111689:34 AM6h07Essen Hbf3:41 PMFlensburg station€1051One-way2 transfers
- 26813 · ICE 614 · ECE 394 · 1117210:52 AM6h49Essen Hbf5:41 PMFlensburg station€931One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Essen to Flensburg
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Flensburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a flight costs an average of €109.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€80 Average price | €194 Average price | €51 Average price Cheapest | €76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 52m Average total duration 5h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 50m Average total duration 12h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Flensburg is a bus with an average price of €51.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Flensburg:
A bus is €28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Flensburg costing on average €80.
A bus is €143 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Flensburg costing on average €194.
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Flensburg is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 25m.
Other travel options to Flensburg take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 22m.
Bus takes on average 12h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Flensburg including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Flensburg 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 31m sooner (5h 22m by train vs 5h 53m by car). Tickets start at around €80 compared to roughly €76 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.
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 Flensburg train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Flensburg trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 2310 · S3 · 11166 | On time 8:35 AM Essen Hbf | 6h07 | 2:42 PM Flensburg station | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 1036 · S3 · 11168 | On time 9:34 AM Essen Hbf | 6h07 | 3:41 PM Flensburg station | 2 transfers | |
| 26813 · ICE 614 · ECE 394 · 11172 | 10:52 AM Essen Hbf | 6h49 | 5:41 PM Flensburg station | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Flensburg 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.
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
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Aug 08
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Why should you book Essen to Flensburg trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Flensburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Flensburg.
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Flensburg.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Flensburg.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Flensburg.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Flensburg
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Flensburg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €41 but you can travel from only €29 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:20, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 251 miles (404 km) distance in 5h 40m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €29
Distance 251 miles (404 km) |
Average train duration 5h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price €41 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 40m |
First train 1:20 AM |
Last train 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €29
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Flensburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Flensburg from €29. 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 Duration
5h 40m
Cheapest Price
€67
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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.
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.
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.
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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 38m
Cheapest Price
€92
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Flensburg
Things to do in Flensburg
Discover the best of Flensburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Flensburg trip today.
- Must visit
Schifffahrtsmuseum Flensburg
A maritime museum at the harbor covering shipping, rum trade, and seafaring life that shaped Flensburg’s identity.
- Must visit
Museumshafen Flensburg
A historic shipyard museum where traditional wooden vessels are maintained, offering hands-on insight into boatbuilding.
- Must visit
Flensburger Hafen
The city’s historic harbor promenade mixes ships, warehouses, and water views, making it Flensburg’s signature walking area.
- Must visit
Rote Straße
This picturesque lane with colorful houses and cobbles is one of the old town’s most photographed local favorites.
- Recommended
Große Straße
The central pedestrian street is lined with historic facades, shops, and churches, ideal for an easy old-town stroll.
- Gluten-free
Grünkohl
A Northern German kale dish simmered with onions and spices, often served in winter. It is a classic Schleswig-Holstein comfort food.
Brathering
Small fried Baltic herrings, usually eaten whole with potatoes or bread. A traditional coastal fish dish tied to the region's maritime cuisine.
Klare Suppe Mit Grießklößen
A clear beef broth with semolina dumplings and vegetables. It is a long-standing North German home-style soup often served on Sundays.
Restaurant Borgerforeningen
Well-known restaurant in a restored courtyard serving refined regional cuisine with seasonal ingredients and a polished atmosphere.
Piet Henningsen
Historic harbor restaurant known for fresh fish, North German classics, and waterside views in a traditional maritime setting.
Flensburger Brauerei Ausschank
Casual brewery venue for Flensburg beer, hearty German fare, and a lively local atmosphere close to the city center.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually a bit lower than in major cities, while local transit and everyday costs remain typical for a regional tourist destination.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is standard in restaurants. Round up for taxis and leave small change at cafes if service is good.
NAH.SH
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.10
- Day pass
- €8.60
To the city center
Flensburg Bahnhof -> Nordermarkt, Flensburg
- Distance
- 800 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- On Stadtverkehr Flensburg buses, contactless card payment is available on board; buy from the driver if you do not have a ticket.
- Flensburg has no tram or metro. Use buses for most city trips and check departures in the official NAH.SH app.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Flensburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Flensburg 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 Flensburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Flensburg can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €41, while the average price is around €80.
The train from Essen to Flensburg takes 5h 40m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Flensburg is 251 miles (404 km).
The first train from Essen to Flensburg leaves at 1:20 AM.
The last train from Essen to Flensburg leaves at 11:20 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Flensburg.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Flensburg.
The train station in Essen that goes to Flensburg is Essen Hbf, which connects to Flensburg station.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Flensburg is by bus, with a cost of around €29.
The train journey from Essen to Flensburg offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with highlights including the rolling landscapes of North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, passing through quaint towns and scenic countryside.
A day trip from Essen to Flensburg is not feasible due to the travel duration of 5h 40m. However, there are 10 trains available per day for this journey, covering a distance of 251 miles (404 km).
To fully experience Flensburg, two to three days are recommended to explore its historic old town, maritime museums, and enjoy the vibrant harbor scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Flensburg.
Since both Essen and Flensburg 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 Flensburg include Fredericia, Odense, Kolding, Tinglev, Sønderborg.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Flensburg 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 Flensburg, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the harbor and city center. Common scams include overcharging in taxis and counterfeit tickets for local events or transportation. Staying vigilant with personal belongings and using official transport services helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Flensburg
Most Essen to Flensburg trains use the Essen Hbf to Flensburg station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Flensburg 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 Flensburg
Which Essen station do trains to Flensburg leave from?
Trains from Essen to Flensburg 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 Essen
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.
Essen WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe14 · 2m · €1 · every ~1 min
BusRb33, S1, S9, S3 · 12m · €3
Tram101 · 24m · every ~10 min
Essen West train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen SüdEssen Süd, Rellinghauser Str.175, 45136 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS6 · 2m · €1 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 10m · €3
Tram105 · 9m · every ~10 min
Essen Süd train station facilities and services
Essen Süd 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, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Which Flensburg station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Flensburg arrive at Flensburg. Flensburg is 0 miles (1 km) from Flensburg city centre.
FlensburgFlensburg, Am Bundesbahnhof 5, 24937 Flensburg
City-centre transport
Getting to Flensburg from Flensburg city centre
Flensburg is 1 km from Flensburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus5 A, 1, N2, 2 · 6m · every ~17 min
N3, 14, 12 · 8m · every ~9 min
Flensburg train station facilities and services
Flensburg 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: Kontraste, St. Knudsborg, Klosterbäckerei, Ariana
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Flensburg. ATMs are available at Flensburg.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Flensburg. Information desks are available at Flensburg.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Flensburg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Flensburg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Flensburg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Flensburg.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Rathaus.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Flensburg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Flensburg and Essen
Most popular train connections to Flensburg
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