Essen to Hamburg train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)

Fri, May 08
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Hamburg

Showing times and prices for May 08

Cheapest price

$45

Average price

$120

Fastest journey

3 h 20 m

Average duration

3 h 27 m

Trains per day

13

Distance

311 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Essen to Hamburg will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.

Fast trains

Of the 13 trains that leave Essen for Hamburg on Fri, May 08, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .

On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 3 h 32 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.

  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    9:56 AM3h32
    Essen Hbf
    1:28 PMHamburg Hbf
    $451One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    9:56 AM3h20
    Essen Hbf
    1:16 PMHamburg Harburg
    $451One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    3:56 PM3h32
    Essen Hbf
    7:28 PMHamburg Hbf
    $461One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrainFlixTrain
    3:56 PM3h20
    Essen Hbf
    7:16 PMHamburg Harburg
    $461One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 206
    8:00 AM3h32
    Essen Hbf
    11:32 AMHamburg Hbf
    $1231One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Essen to Hamburg

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Hamburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $113.

Distance: 193 miles (311 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$52

Average price

$32

Average price

Cheapest

$284

Average price

$67

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 43m

Average total duration

3h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 16m

Average total duration

4h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 0m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 24m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.9 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

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 Hamburg is a bus with an average price of $32 (€26).

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

A bus is $20 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Hamburg costing on average $52 (€41).

A bus is $252 (€201) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Hamburg costing on average $284 (€227).

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Hamburg is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 0m.

Other travel options to Hamburg take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 13m.

Bus takes on average 4h 46m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Hamburg including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Hamburg among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 1h 11m faster (3h 13m by train vs 4h 24m by car) and roughly $15 (€12) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($52 (€41) vs $67 (€54)). 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.

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Essen to Hamburg train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Hamburg trains for tomorrow, Friday, May 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 206
On time
8:00 AM Essen Hbf
3h32
11:32 AM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 616
On time
8:59 AM Essen Hbf
3h33
12:32 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain9:56 AM Essen Hbf
3h20
1:16 PM Hamburg Harburg0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain9:56 AM Essen Hbf
3h32
1:28 PM Hamburg Hbf0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 204
On time
10:00 AM Essen Hbf
3h32
1:32 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 614
On time
10:59 AM Essen Hbf
3h33
2:32 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnICE 202
On time
12:00 PM Essen Hbf
3h32
3:32 PM Hamburg Hbf		0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain3:56 PM Essen Hbf
3h32
7:28 PM Hamburg Hbf0 transfersDirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain3:56 PM Essen Hbf
3h20
7:16 PM Hamburg Harburg0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Hamburg 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.

Fri
May 08
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Why should you book Essen to Hamburg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain offer trains services from Essen to Hamburg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Hamburg.

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 FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Hamburg.
  • 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 Hamburg.

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 Hamburg.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Hamburg

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Hamburg run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€13) but you can travel from only $16 (€12) by bus.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 193 miles (311 km) distance in 2h 59m.

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 $16 (€12)
Distance
193 miles (311 km)
Average train duration
3h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
$17 (€13)
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
2h 59m
First train
12:03 AM
Last train
11:56 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
28 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 $16 (€12)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Essen to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Essen and Hamburg from $16 (€12). 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
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 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
Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

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 Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Price
$17 (€13)
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

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Hamburg

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Essen to Hamburg can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $17 (€13), while the average price is around $52 (€41).
The train from Essen to Hamburg takes 2h 59m and runs 12 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Hamburg is 193 miles (311 km).
The first train from Essen to Hamburg leaves at 12:03 AM.
The last train from Essen to Hamburg leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Hamburg. This service operates 7 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Hamburg.
The train station in Essen that goes to Hamburg is Essen Hbf, which connects to Hamburg Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Hamburg is by bus, with a cost of around $16 (€12).
The train journey from Essen to Hamburg offers a mix of urban and rural views, with scenic highlights including the Ruhr region's industrial landscapes and stretches of countryside, though it may not be as picturesque as routes through mountainous or coastal areas.
A day trip from Essen to Hamburg is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 59m. Trains operate 15 times per day.
In Hamburg, you can explore the vibrant nightlife of the Reeperbahn, enjoy a scenic boat tour of the Port of Hamburg, visit the lively Hamburg Fish Market, and discover the International Maritime Museum. Stroll along the Alster Lakes for picturesque views, and don't miss the Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt, St. Michael's Church, and Planten un Blomen for diverse attractions and experiences.
Three days in Hamburg are generally sufficient to explore major attractions such as the Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie, and the historic Speicherstadt, as well as to experience its vibrant neighborhoods and local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Hamburg.
Since both Essen and Hamburg 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 Hamburg include Bremen, Kiel, Schwerin, Lübeck, Bremerhaven.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Reeperbahn, St. Pauli, and public transport. Common scams include distraction tactics near popular tourist spots and overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers. It's advisable to use official transportation services and stay alert in busy nightlife districts to ensure safety.
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 Hamburg

Essen
Hamburg
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Hamburg.
Essen HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Kiepenkerl
  • Cafe Extrablatt
  • Tacos
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ambassador
  • Gästearpartment Dahl
  • WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
  • Motel One
Essen WestWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Essen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Pizzeria Don Camillo
  • Lindos
  • Zur Platte
  • Arman Döner
Hotel
Hotel
  • McDreams
Essen-WerdenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Essen-Werden, Im Löwental 11, 45239 Essen
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Dining
Dining
  • Kettner's Kamota
  • Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
  • La Piazzetta
  • Pia
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Hohenstein
  • Domstuben

More options for your journey from Essen to Hamburg

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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Tickets and more information for trains to Hamburg

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