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

Sat, Sep 19
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Heidelberg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$56

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$67

Fastest journey on Sep 19

3 h 1 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

3 h 54 m

Trains on Sep 19

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 $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 trains from Essen to Heidelberg, including 5 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 257 km distance in an average of 3 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 1 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 25 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
    8:15 AM4h19
    Essen
    12:34 PMHeidelberg
    $561One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:09 AM4h25
    Essen
    11:34 AMHeidelberg
    $571One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:03 AM3h01
    Essen
    10:04 AMHeidelberg
    $701One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:21 AM4h13
    Essen
    11:34 AMHeidelberg
    $731One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    5:00 AM3h34
    Essen
    8:34 AMHeidelberg
    $771One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, 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 an average ticket price of $41 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, while a flight costs an average of $163.

Distance: 159 miles (257 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$98

Average price

$41

Average price

Cheapest

$163

Average price

$58

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 10m

Average total duration

3h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 18m

Average total duration

6h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

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 Heidelberg is a bus with an average price of $41.

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

A bus is $57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Heidelberg costing on average $98.

A bus is $122 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Heidelberg costing on average $163.

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Heidelberg is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 2m.

Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 40m.

Bus takes on average 6h 48m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Heidelberg including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Heidelberg among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $98 compared to roughly $58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-40.14. The journey takes 3h 40m versus 3h 33m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Essen to Heidelberg train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Heidelberg trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn5:00 AM Essen
3h34
8:34 AM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:03 AM Essen
3h01
10:04 AM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:09 AM Essen
4h25
11:34 AM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:21 AM Essen
4h13
11:34 AM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:15 AM Essen
4h19
12:34 PM Heidelberg0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Heidelberg 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Essen to Heidelberg trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain offer 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 FlixTrain 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 bus, train 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 bus, train 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 8 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 but you can travel from only $22 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:56, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 2h 26m.

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 $22
Distance
159 miles (257 km)
Average train duration
3h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
$32
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 26m
First train
12:56 AM
Last train
11:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
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 $22

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Essen to Heidelberg trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Essen and Heidelberg from $22. 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 26m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$32
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 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

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
9h 20m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
$34
FlixTrain frequency
1 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

Complete guide to Heidelberg

Things to do in Heidelberg

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

  • Recommended

University Museum Heidelberg

Compact university museum presenting Heidelberg’s academic heritage, notable scholars, and historic collections in an important institutional setting.

  • Recommended

German Pharmacy Museum

Museum inside the castle displaying decorative arts, furnishings, and princely culture. It adds context to the ruins and enriches a castle visit.

  • Recommended

Kurpfälzisches Museum

Art museum known for modern and contemporary exhibitions, with a respected collection and strong temporary shows near the old town.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and local transit are manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest: round up or add 5-10% in restaurants. Round up for taxis and leave small change in cafes.

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 $32, while the average price is around $98.
The train from Essen to Heidelberg takes 2h 26m and runs 8 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 bus, with a cost of around $22.
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 26m, 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.
Since both Essen and Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg include Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Mainz.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and near the train station. Common scams include distraction techniques in busy spots and overpriced taxi rides. Staying vigilant in popular tourist zones and using official transport services can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Heidelberg

Most Essen to Heidelberg trains use the Essen Hbf to Heidelberg Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Heidelberg-Pfaffengrund/Wieblingen. Use this guide to compare Essen and Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg

Which Essen station do trains to Heidelberg leave from?

Trains from Essen to Heidelberg 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 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone