- Recommended
Werdenfels Museum
Main local history museum showcasing Werdenfels traditions, painted furniture, costumes, and regional folk culture.
Cheapest price
$147
Average price
$147
Fastest journey
8 h 11 m
Average duration
8 h 11 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
530 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen will cost around $147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $147.
Of the 1 trains that leave Essen for Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 530 km distance in an average of 8 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 11 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 8 h 11 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $43.
Distance: 329 miles (530 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$118 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $182 Average price | $124 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 47m Average total duration 7h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 35m Average total duration 11h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen:
A bus is $65 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen costing on average $118.
A bus is $129 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen costing on average $182.
Other travel options to Garmisch-Partenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 17m.
Bus takes on average 11h 5m.
The journey is about 17m faster (7h 17m by train vs 7h 34m by car) and roughly $6 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($118 vs $124). 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.
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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:13 AM Essen | 8h11 | 4:24 PM Garmisch-Partenkirchen | 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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:58, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 329 miles (530 km) distance in 6h 56m.
Distance 329 miles (530 km) |
Average train duration 7h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 6h 56m |
First train 5:58 AM |
Last train 11:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Garmisch-Partenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Garmisch-Partenkirchen trip today.
Main local history museum showcasing Werdenfels traditions, painted furniture, costumes, and regional folk culture.
Museum in composer Richard Strauss’s former villa, presenting his life, work, and musical legacy in a personal setting.
Local heritage exhibition focused on farming, crafts, and alpine life in the mountain village of Wamberg.
Dramatic gorge walk with tunnels and waterfalls, one of Bavaria’s most iconic natural sights and a top local experience.
Germany’s highest mountain area with summit views, glacier scenery, and cable car access for unforgettable alpine panoramas.
Blue mountain lake beneath steep cliffs, prized for scenic walks, photography, and a quieter alternative to busier sights.
White veal sausages traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard and pretzels. A Bavarian classic closely tied to local beer hall culture.
Slow-roasted pork knuckle with crisp skin, often served with potato dumplings and gravy. A hearty Alpine-Bavarian specialty popular in local inns.
Pan-fried dumplings made from day-old bread, milk, and herbs. Common across Upper Bavaria and often served with mushroom sauce or roast dishes.
Refined dining destination focused on seasonal Alpine ingredients and elegant presentation. A strong choice for a higher-end meal in town.
Historic traditional restaurant serving Bavarian classics in a warm timbered setting. Known for regional dishes and an atmospheric beer hall feel.
Popular casual spot for Bavarian fare, grilled meats, and beer in a relaxed lodge-like setting. Well suited for a hearty post-hike meal.
Moderate for Bavaria: lodging rises in ski and summer peaks, but dining and local transit are manageable versus major Alpine resorts.
Service is included, but rounding up is standard. Tip restaurants about 5-10%, cafes by rounding up, and taxis by rounding to the next euro or about 5-10%.
Official public transport app
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bahnhof -> Marienplatz, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen trains use the Essen Hbf to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen 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: Subway, Hubertus, Sausalitos, Ritzmann's Zugspitzstube
Wi-Fi is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. ATMs are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Ticket office support is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Information desks are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Luggage storage is available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Biohotel Garmischer Hof, Die Werdenfelserei, Roter Hahn.
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