The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Friedrichshafen
Cheapest price
$110
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
5 h 16 m
Average duration
5 h 46 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
458 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Friedrichshafen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Friedrichshafen will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $110.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Friedrichshafen without transferring at least once.
4:36 PM5h16Essen9:52 PMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
4:59 PM5h26Essen10:25 PMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
6:36 PM5h16Essen11:52 PMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
6:59 PM5h40Essen12:39 AMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
11:00 PM7h14Essen6:14 AMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
4:36 PM5h16Essen9:52 PMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
6:36 PM5h16Essen11:52 PMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
4:59 PM5h26Essen10:25 PMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
6:59 PM5h40Essen12:39 AMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
11:00 PM7h14Essen6:14 AMFriedrichshafen$1101One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Essen to Friedrichshafen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Friedrichshafen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 21m. 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 $52, and a train costs an average of $171.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$191 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 51m Average total duration Fastest 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 6m Average total duration 16h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Friedrichshafen:
A bus is $127 (€104) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Friedrichshafen costing on average $191 (€157).
Other travel options to Friedrichshafen take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 36m.
You'll arrive about 35m sooner (6h 21m by train vs 6h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $191 (€157) compared to roughly $103 (€84) 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Friedrichshafen train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Friedrichshafen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:36 PM Essen | 5h16 | 9:52 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:59 PM Essen | 5h26 | 10:25 PM Friedrichshafen | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Friedrichshafen by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Essen to Friedrichshafen trains with Omio?
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 Friedrichshafen.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Friedrichshafen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Friedrichshafen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Friedrichshafen
Trains from Essen to Friedrichshafen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $171 (€140) but you can travel from only $52 (€42) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:27, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 284 miles (458 km) distance in 6h 13m.
Distance 284 miles (458 km) |
Average train duration 6h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $171 (€140) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 13m |
First train 5:27 AM |
Last train 11:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Friedrichshafen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Friedrichshafen from $52 (€42). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Friedrichshafen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Friedrichshafen 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 Friedrichshafen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Friedrichshafen
Most Essen to Friedrichshafen trains use the Essen Hbf to Friedrichshafen Stadt station pair, with some services arriving at Friedrichshafen Hafen. Use this guide to compare Essen and Friedrichshafen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Essen station do trains to Friedrichshafen leave from?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
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.
Which Friedrichshafen station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Getting to Friedrichshafen Stadt from Friedrichshafen city centre
Friedrichshafen Stadt train station facilities and services
Friedrichshafen Stadt 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: Kochlöffel, Ailinger Hof, Cafe Vinebar Al Porto, Felders
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Stadthotel Kleiner Berg, Select Hotel Goldenes Rad Friedrichshafen, Schwanen, Villa Von Soden.
Getting to Friedrichshafen Hafen from Friedrichshafen city centre
Friedrichshafen Hafen train station facilities and services
Friedrichshafen Hafen 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: McDonald's, Antalya, Kochlöffel, Ailinger Hof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Hafen. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Hafen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Hafen. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Hafen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Hafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Friedrichshafen Hafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Friedrichshafen Hafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Hafen.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Stadthotel Kleiner Berg, Select Hotel Goldenes Rad Friedrichshafen, Schwanen, Hotel Zeppelin.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Friedrichshafen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
