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

Sun, Mar 22
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Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Heidelberg

Showing times and prices for Mar 22

Cheapest price

$31

Average price

$72

Fastest journey

3 h 24 m

Average duration

3 h 51 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

257 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Essen to Heidelberg will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Heidelberg on Sun, Mar 22, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Mar 22 the direct trains cover the 257 km distance in an average of 3 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .

On Sun, Mar 22 the slowest trains will take 4 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.

Deutsche Bahn
12:48AM6h05
Essen
06:53AMHeidelberg
$311One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
08:00AM4h11
Essen
12:11PMHeidelberg
$711One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
07:40AM3h24
Essen
11:04AMHeidelberg
$841One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
09:05AM3h59
Essen
01:04PMHeidelberg
$851One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
07:00AM3h49
Essen
10:49AMHeidelberg
$861One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Heidelberg

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. 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 $22, and a flight costs an average of $111.

Distance: 159 miles (257 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$69

Average price

$31

Average price

Cheapest

$126

Average price

3h 55m

Average total duration

3h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 14m

Average total duration

4h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

50m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Essen to Heidelberg train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Heidelberg trains for tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:29 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn12:48 AM Essen
6h05
6:53 AM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn7:40 AM Essen
3h24
11:04 AM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn8:00 AM Essen
4h11
12:11 PM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn8:40 AM Essen
3h54
12:34 PM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn9:05 AM Essen
3h59
1:04 PM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Heidelberg by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27
Sat
Mar 28

Why should you book Essen to Heidelberg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Essen to Heidelberg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Heidelberg.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • 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 Heidelberg.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • 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 Heidelberg.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Heidelberg

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Heidelberg run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:56, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (257 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
159 miles (257 km)
Average train duration
3h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€16)
Trains per day
11
Fastest train
2h 39m
First train
00:56
Last train
23:00
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Heidelberg trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Heidelberg from $19 (€16). 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
2h 39m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€16)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
12 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

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Heidelberg

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Essen to Heidelberg can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $19 (€16), while the average price is around $69 (€56).
The train from Essen to Heidelberg takes 2h 39m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Heidelberg is 159 miles (257 km).
The first train from Essen to Heidelberg leaves at 12:56 AM.
The last train from Essen to Heidelberg leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Heidelberg. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Heidelberg.
The train station in Essen that goes to Heidelberg is Essen Hbf, which connects to Heidelberg Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Heidelberg is by train, with a cost of around $19 (€16).
The train journey from Essen to Heidelberg offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the picturesque Rhine River and charming towns along the way, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
A day trip from Essen to Heidelberg is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 39m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. However, there are 16 train trips available per day between these cities.
In Heidelberg, you can visit the historic Heidelberg Castle for panoramic views, stroll along the Old Bridge for picturesque scenery, and take a scenic walk on the Philosopher's Walk. Explore Hauptstrasse, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, and discover Heidelberg University. The Church of the Holy Spirit offers Gothic architecture in the Old Town. Enjoy a family-friendly day at Heidelberg Zoo or learn about pharmacy history at the German Pharmacy Museum within the castle. A boat tour on the Neckar River provides unique city views, and nearby Baden region offers delightful wine tasting tours.
For a fulfilling experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Heidelberg allows you to explore the historic Heidelberg Castle, stroll along the Philosopher's Walk, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Town.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Heidelberg.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Heidelberg

Essen
Heidelberg
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 Heidelberg.
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
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
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Pizzeria Don Camillo
  • Lindos
  • Zur Platte
  • Arman Döner
Hotel
Hotel
  • McDreams
Essen SüdWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Haus Wilmes
  • Mana Mana
  • Karawane
Hotel
Hotel
  • Webers

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