The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Heidelberg
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 49 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
257 km
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 $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 4 trains that leave Essen for Heidelberg on Fri, Nov 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 257 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 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.








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 €17. 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 €17, and a flight costs an average of €87.
Distance: 159 miles (257 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€61 Average price | €25 Average price Cheapest | €99 Average price |
3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m 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 today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 621 · ICE 1575 | On time 7:49 AM Essen Hbf | 3h24 | 11:13 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 27+ HLB 28715+ EC 219 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 4h11 | 12:11 PM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 515 · S 3 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h44 | 10:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 27 · ICE 515 · RE 19271 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h48 | 10:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RE 26810 · ICE 13 · ICE 573 · S 1 | On time 8:09 AM Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 11:23 AM Heidelberg Hbf | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 4:00 AM Essen | 3h45 | 7:45 AM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 AM Essen | 3h54 | 9:54 AM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:49 AM Essen | 3h24 | 10:13 AM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Essen | 4h11 | 11:11 AM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Heidelberg
Trains from Essen to Heidelberg run on average 16 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:56, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 3h 24m.
Distance 159 miles (257 km) |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 3h 24m |
First train 00:56 |
Last train 22:52 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Heidelberg trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Heidelberg from $21 (€17). 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.
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Heidelberg
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Lukas
- Im Fass
- Pizzeria Spuntino Dario
- Contilla EisCafe
- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Heid´s Grill
- McDonald's
- Uuuhmami
- Taj Mahal
- Leonardo Hotel
- Qube Hotel
- NH Heidelberg
- Krokodil
- Persepolis
- Zum Brückenaff
- 'S' Kastanie
- Choa
- Parkhotel Atlantic
- Hackteufel
- Goldener Falke
- Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg
- Restaurant Dufke
- Stettiner Klause
- Hakim's Imbiss
- KOLBEZ Cafe
- Hotel Rose
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Heidelberg
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

