- Must visit
Städel Museum
Major German art museum with masterpieces from Old Masters to modernism; a cornerstone stop on Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
1 h 57 m
Average duration
1 h 58 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Frankfurt am Main will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 35 trains that leave Essen for Frankfurt am Main on Mon, Aug 03, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 57 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 1 h 58 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 523
ICE 523 · ICE 23
ICE 525
ICE 927
10224 · 28527 · IC 2540 · 29531
ICE 729
ICE 621
ICE 525
ICE 627
ICE 629Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $112.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $148 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Frankfurt am Main:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $74 (€60).
A bus is $124 (€101) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Frankfurt am Main costing on average $148 (€121).
Other travel options to Frankfurt am Main take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
Bus takes on average 3h 34m.
Tickets start at around $74 (€60) compared to roughly $44 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.72 (€-24.19). The journey takes 3h 11m versus 2h 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:59 AM Essen | 3h14 | 9:13 AM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 AM Essen | 3h23 | 9:23 AM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:03 AM Essen | 2h24 | 8:27 AM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Essen | 3h13 | 10:13 AM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:34 AM Essen | 4h05 | 11:39 AM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:36 AM Essen | 3h37 | 11:13 AM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:34 AM Essen | 4h05 | 12:39 PM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:40 PM Essen | 3h51 | 9:31 PM Frankfurt am Main | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
ICE 921 · ICE 827 | On time 2:08 AM Essen Hbf | 2h40 | 4:48 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Frankfurt am Main run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 1h 58m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Frankfurt am Main — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Frankfurt am Main trip today.
Major German art museum with masterpieces from Old Masters to modernism; a cornerstone stop on Frankfurt’s Museum Embankment.
Museum in Goethe’s birthplace presenting the writer’s life, era, and manuscripts; essential for literary and cultural history fans.
Large natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons, biodiversity displays, and strong geology exhibits; excellent for all ages.
Rebuilt old town quarter between Römer and cathedral, blending historic layouts with new architecture; ideal for strolling and photos.
Frankfurt’s riverside museum district and promenade, perfect for walking, major museums, and skyline views across the Main.
Large inner-city palm garden with themed greenhouses and landscaped grounds; a relaxing break from museums and shopping.
Green sauce made with seven fresh herbs, usually served with boiled eggs and potatoes. It is a Frankfurt classic with protected regional status.
Pork sausage lightly smoked and traditionally served hot with potato salad, sauerkraut, or bread. It is one of Frankfurt’s signature sausages.
Pressed and cured pork sausage, often sliced and served cold with bread, mustard, and pickles. It is a staple in Frankfurt cider taverns.
Two Michelin-starred dining with creative modern cuisine, extensive wine pairings, and a formal fine dining experience.
Refined restaurant in the old opera house area, known for modern European cuisine, polished service, and an elegant dining room.
Historic apple wine tavern in Sachsenhausen known for Apfelwein, green sauce, and classic Frankfurt dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey during trade fairs, but dining and public transport are reasonable for most tourists.
Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is common for cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Frankfurt am Main trains use the Essen Hbf to Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf station pair, with some services arriving at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Use this guide to compare Essen and Frankfurt am Main 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 Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Käfer's, McDonald's, Asia Snack Box
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt (Main) Hbf is 1 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (Main) 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: asiagourmet, Burger King, Ciao Bella, Coffee Fellows, Crepes de France Express, dean&david, Starbucks, Uddin's Sky Sportsbar, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Information desks are located opposite Platforms 12 and 13.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the main hall. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf: Step-free access and step markings. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Cristall, Grand Hotel Empire, Hotel Carlton.
Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf is 10 km from Frankfurt am Main city centre. Public transport options include:
Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Käfer's, McDonald's, Asia Snack Box
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frankfurt (M) Flughafen Regionalbf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Steigenberger Airport Hotel.
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