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

Wed, Feb 04
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Heidelberg

Showing times and prices for Feb 05

Cheapest price

$58

Average price

$85

Fastest journey

3 h 8 m

Average duration

3 h 19 m

Trains per day

11

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 $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Essen to Heidelberg without transferring at least 2 times.

Deutsche BahnS2 · IC 2013
08:53AM4h41
Essen Hbf
01:34PMHeidelberg Hbf
$581One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 105 · IC 2013
09:20AM4h14
Essen Hbf
01:34PMHeidelberg Hbf
$651One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnS6 · ICE 621 · ICE 219
08:28AM3h36
Essen Hbf
12:04PMHeidelberg Hbf
$791One-way
2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn10115 · ICE 219
08:16AM3h48
Essen Hbf
12:04PMHeidelberg Hbf
$791One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn30294 · 17323 · ICE 27 · ICE 225
08:12AM5h04
Essen Hbf
01:16PMHeidelberg Hbf
$911One-way
4 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 €18. 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 €18, and a flight costs an average of €90.

Distance: 159 miles (257 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€57

Average price

€26

Average price

Cheapest

€108

Average price

4h 0m

Average total duration

3h 30m

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, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:14 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahnS6 · ICE 915 · S37:08 AM Essen Hbf
3h08
10:16 AM Heidelberg Hbf2 transfers
deutsche_bahn30294 · 17323 · ICE 27 · ICE 2257:12 AM Essen Hbf
5h04
12:16 PM Heidelberg Hbf4 transfers
deutsche_bahn10115 · ICE 219
On time
7:16 AM Essen Hbf
3h48
11:04 AM Heidelberg Hbf
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnS9 · ICE 515 · S37:20 AM Essen Hbf
3h24
10:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf2 transfers
deutsche_bahnS6 · ICE 621 · ICE 219
On time
7:28 AM Essen Hbf
3h36
11:04 AM Heidelberg Hbf
2 transfers
deutsche_bahnS6 · ICE 621 · ICE 515 · S37:28 AM Essen Hbf
3h16
10:44 AM Heidelberg Hbf3 transfers
deutsche_bahnS2 · IC 20137:53 AM Essen Hbf
4h41
12:34 PM Heidelberg Hbf1 transfer
deutsche_bahnS9 · ICE 105 · 192738:20 AM Essen Hbf
3h28
11:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf2 transfers
deutsche_bahnS9 · ICE 105 · IC 20138:20 AM Essen Hbf
4h14
12:34 PM Heidelberg Hbf2 transfers
deutsche_bahnS6 · ICE 623 · ICE 211
On time
8:28 AM Essen Hbf
3h43
12:11 PM Heidelberg Hbf
2 transfers
deutsche_bahnS6 · ICE 623 · ICE 105 · 192738:28 AM Essen Hbf
3h20
11:48 AM Heidelberg Hbf3 transfers

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.

Thu
Feb 05
Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Mon
Feb 09
Tue
Feb 10
Wed
Feb 11

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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Heidelberg.
  • 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 12 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€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 30m
Cheapest ticket price
$20 (€16)
Trains per day
12
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 $20 (€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 44m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
19 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 $20 (€16), while the average price is around $71 (€57).
The train from Essen to Heidelberg takes 2h 39m and runs 12 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 $20 (€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
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
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
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
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Werner
  • Bückmannsmühle
  • Muckel-Eis

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