ESSEN to HAMBURG train from $9 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Hamburg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 05

Cheapest price on Nov 05: $36
Average ticket price on Nov 05: $91
Fastest journey on Nov 05: 2 h 59 m
Average journey duration on Nov 05: 3 h 12 m
Trains on Nov 05: 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 $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.

Fast trains

On Thu, Nov 05, we found 13 trains from Essen to Hamburg, including 4 direct services.

On Thu, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 3 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .

On Thu, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 23 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.

26803 · ICE 208
5:52 AM 3h23
Essen Hbf
9:15 AM
Hamburg Hbf
$36
1 One-way
1 transfer
26845 · ICE 920
2:52 AM 3h58
Essen Hbf
6:50 AM
Hamburg Hbf
$36
1 One-way
1 transfer
26801 · ICE 1028
4:52 AM 3h26
Essen Hbf
8:18 AM
Hamburg Hbf
$36
1 One-way
1 transfer
FlixTrain
9:56 AM 3h11
Essen Hbf
1:07 PM
Hamburg Hbf
$38
1 One-way
0 transfers
FlixTrain
9:56 AM 2h59
Essen Hbf
12:55 PM
Hamburg Harburg
$38
1 One-way
0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Hamburg

Germany

Trains from Essen to Hamburg run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.

There are 5 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 39m.

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

Distance

193 miles (311 km)

Average train duration

3h 16m

Cheapest ticket price

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 39m

First train

12:03 AM

Last train

11:56 PM

Cheapest Month

Mar

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Tue

Least Busy Day

Fri

Best time to book

7 days

Price information

Frequently asked questions about your Essen to Hamburg trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Essen to Hamburg.

Train ticket prices from Essen to Hamburg can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $9, while the average price is around $76.

The train from Essen to Hamburg takes 2h 39m and runs 9 per day.

The first train from Essen to Hamburg leaves at 12:03 AM.

The distance by train from Essen to Hamburg is 193 miles (311 km).

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 5 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain.

Live departures

Essen to Hamburg train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Hamburg trains for today, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
26803 · ICE 208	Delayed 5:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h23	8:25 AM 8:25 AMHamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 208	Delayed 6:00 AM Essen Hbf	3h15	8:25 AM 8:25 AMHamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26805 · ICE 618	Delayed 6:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h23	9:15 AM 9:15 AMHamburg Hbf	1 transfer
26707 · ICE 543 · ICE 686	On time 7:13 AM Essen Hbf	3h44	10:57 AM Hamburg Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 543 · ICE 686	On time 7:20 AM Essen Hbf	3h37	10:57 AM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
26807 · ICE 206	On time 7:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h23	11:15 AM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 206	On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf	3h15	11:15 AM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26809 · ICE 616	Delayed 8:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h23	11:18 AM 11:18 AMHamburg Hbf	1 transfer
FlixTrain+FlixBus	9:04 AM Essen Hbf	5h46	2:50 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof	1 transfer
10119 · ICE 1036	On time 9:16 AM Essen Hbf	3h22	12:38 PM Hamburg Harburg	1 transfer
ICE 1036	On time 9:35 AM Essen Hbf	3h03	12:38 PM Hamburg Harburg	0 transfersDirect
26811 · ICE 204	Delayed 9:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h23	12:18 PM 12:18 PMHamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 204	Delayed 10:00 AM Essen Hbf	3h15	12:18 PM 12:18 PMHamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
10210 · ICE 1022	Delayed 10:20 AM Essen Hbf	3h29	1:09 PM 1:09 PMHamburg Hbf	1 transfer
26813 · ICE 614	Delayed 10:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h23	1:18 PM 1:18 PMHamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 1022	Delayed 11:03 AM Essen Hbf	2h46	1:09 PM 1:09 PMHamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 547 · ICE 682	On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf	3h38	2:57 PM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 202	On time 12:00 PM Essen Hbf	3h15	3:15 PM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 1020	On time 1:01 PM Essen Hbf	2h48	3:49 PM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 1032	On time 1:34 PM Essen Hbf	3h05	4:39 PM Hamburg Harburg	0 transfersDirect
ICE 200	On time 2:00 PM Essen Hbf	3h15	5:15 PM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26821 · ICE 610	On time 2:52 PM Essen Hbf	3h23	6:15 PM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 108	On time 4:00 PM Essen Hbf	3h15	7:15 PM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 1520	4:55 PM Essen Hbf	2h55	7:50 PM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
ICE 643 · ICE 586	On time 5:19 PM Essen Hbf	3h38	8:57 PM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 106	On time 6:00 PM Essen Hbf	3h15	9:15 PM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26829 · ICE 516	On time 6:52 PM Essen Hbf	3h23	10:15 PM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 645 · ICE 584	On time 7:19 PM Essen Hbf	3h38	10:57 PM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 104	On time 8:00 PM Essen Hbf	3h15	11:15 PM Hamburg Hbf	0 transfersDirect
26833 · ICE 514	On time 8:52 PM Essen Hbf	3h23	12:15 AM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
IC 2349 · 82848+81604	On time 9:59 PM Essen Hbf	7h21	5:20 AM Hamburg Hbf	2 transfers
Thursday, November 5
26845 · ICE 920	2:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h58	6:50 AM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
26801 · ICE 1028	On time 4:52 AM Essen Hbf	3h26	8:18 AM Hamburg Hbf	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Essen to Hamburg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or metronom 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 or metronom 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Hamburg.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain or metronom to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Hamburg.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Hamburg.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom from Essen to Hamburg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, metronom trains will get you between Essen and Hamburg from $9. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration

2h 39m

Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price

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.

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 FlixTrain Duration

2h 59m

Cheapest FlixTrain Price

$10

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

metronom

About

Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH is a German railway company that has been connecting Northern Germany since 2003. Based in Uelzen, it focuses exclusively on passenger transport, operating services from Hamburg to Bremen, Lüneburg, Uelzen, Hanover, and Göttingen. The company also runs services under the brand Enno from Wolfsburg to Hanover and Hildesheim. Metronom is partly state-owned, with its trains, which can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, being rented from the state transport company Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen mbH (LNVG). They are known for their yellow and blue double-decker trains, offering amenities like extra legroom and refreshments.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average metronom Duration

4h 15m

Cheapest metronom Price

$22

metronom frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and one large piece of luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled by operator

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Seat reservation

Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle

Quiet zone

Learn more about metronom

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Essen and Hamburg

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a night train from Essen to Hamburg.

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.

Complete guide to Hamburg

Things to do in Hamburg

Discover the best of Hamburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hamburg trip today.

Must visit

Hamburger Kunsthalle

Internationally respected art museum with major works from medieval altarpieces to modern masters. Essential for art lovers in Hamburg.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Miniatur Wunderland

Large railway model world with intricate miniature cities, airports, and landscapes. Technically not a museum, but one of Hamburg’s top attractions.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Deichtorhallen Hamburg

Contemporary art museum in a former market hall, showing ambitious international exhibitions. A strong choice for modern art and photography.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and transit are reasonable versus major Western European capitals.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range: €18-30 per person for a meal.
Fine dining: €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €3-4.50 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is often included, but rounding up or tipping 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafes.

Plan your visit to Hamburg

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Hamburg.

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.

Popular day trips by train from Hamburg include Bremen, Kiel, Schwerin, Lübeck, Bremerhaven.

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.

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.

Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Hamburg.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Hamburg

Most Essen to Hamburg trains use the Essen Hbf to Hamburg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg-Harburg. Use this guide to compare Essen and Hamburg 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 Hamburg

Which Essen station do trains to Hamburg leave from?

Trains from Essen to Hamburg 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 Wifi

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.

More about Essen Hbf

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.

Essen-WerdenEssen-Werden, Im Löwental 11, 45239 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre

Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 11m · $3 · every ~6 min

BusS6 · 14m · $5

Ne8 · 22m · $5

Essen-Werden train station facilities and services

Essen-Werden 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.