Essen to Interlaken train with Deutsche Bahn

Thu, Aug 06
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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 Interlaken

Showing times and prices for Aug 06

Cheapest price

€76

Average price

€76

Fastest journey

6 h 53 m

Average duration

6 h 53 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

534 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Essen to Interlaken will cost around €76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €76.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Essen for Interlaken on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 534 km distance in an average of 6 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 53 m .

On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 6 h 53 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
    7:00 AM6h53
    Essen
    1:53 PMInterlaken
    761One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Interlaken

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Interlaken run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €54 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 331 miles (534 km) distance in 6h 46m.

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
331 miles (534 km)
Average train duration
7h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
€54
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
6h 46m
First train
6:04 AM
Last train
11:05 PM
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
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

Live departures

Essen to Interlaken train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Interlaken trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:00 AM Essen
6h53
1:53 PM Interlaken0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Essen to Interlaken trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Interlaken.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Interlaken.

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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Interlaken.
  • 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 and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Interlaken.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Interlaken.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Interlaken trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Interlaken from €54. 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
6h 46m
Cheapest Price
€54
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 46m
Cheapest Price
€91
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Interlaken

Things to do in Interlaken

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

  • Recommended

Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region

Regional museum in a 17th-century building presenting local history, tourism, crafts, and mountain culture of Interlaken and the lakes.

  • Recommended

Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg

Open-air museum with preserved farmhouses and rural buildings that vividly introduce traditional Bernese Highland life and architecture.

  • Recommended

Schlossmuseum Thun

Extensive museum in Thun Castle covering regional archaeology, noble life, and Bernese history in a landmark setting.

Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)

Interlaken is pricier than many Alpine towns. Hotels, dining, and mountain transit add up fast, though supermarkets and guesthouses can reduce daily costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 12-20 for takeaway or a simple meal.
Mid-range
CHF 25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
CHF 70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
CHF 4.50-6.50 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Taxis are often rounded up; cafes may get small change.

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Interlaken

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Essen to Interlaken can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €54, while the average price is around €120.
The train from Essen to Interlaken takes 6h 46m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Essen to Interlaken leaves at 6:04 AM.
The distance by train from Essen to Interlaken is 331 miles (534 km).
The last train from Essen to Interlaken leaves at 11:05 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Interlaken.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Interlaken.
The train station in Essen that goes to Interlaken is Essen Hbf, which connects to Interlaken West.
The train journey from Essen to Interlaken is scenic, offering views of the picturesque Rhine Valley, charming German towns, and the stunning Swiss Alps as you approach Interlaken.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Interlaken.
Popular day trips by train from Interlaken include Milan, Grindelwald, Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen, Basel.
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.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Interlaken, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Common safety concerns include sudden weather changes affecting outdoor activities like hiking and paragliding, so proper gear and local advice are essential. Scams are rare but can include overpriced taxi fares or unofficial tour offers; using licensed services helps avoid these issues.
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 Interlaken

Most Essen to Interlaken trains use the Essen Hbf to Interlaken West station pair, with some services arriving at Interlaken Ost. Use this guide to compare Essen and Interlaken 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 Interlaken

Which Essen station do trains to Interlaken leave from?

Trains from Essen to Interlaken 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.

More options for your journey from Essen to Interlaken

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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