The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Jena
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
4 h 58 m
Average duration
4 h 58 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
324 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Jena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Jena will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 1 trains that leave Essen for Jena on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 324 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 58 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 58 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.
10:15 AM4h58Essen3:13 PMJena$791One-way0 transfers
10:15 AM4h58Essen3:13 PMJena$791One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Jena
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Jena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, and a flight costs an average of $391.
Distance: 201 miles (324 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $499 Average price | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Jena:
A bus is $70 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Jena costing on average $112 (€92).
A bus is $457 (€374) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Jena costing on average $499 (€409).
Other travel options to Jena take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 13m.
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
Tickets start at around $112 (€92) compared to roughly $70 (€57) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-42.59 (€-34.90). The journey takes 5h 13m versus 5h 3m 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 Jena train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Jena trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:15 AM Essen | 4h58 | 3:13 PM Jena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:15 PM Essen | 4h58 | 9:13 PM Jena | 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 Jena 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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Essen to Jena trains with Omio?
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 Jena.
- 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 Jena.
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 Jena.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Jena
Trains from Essen to Jena run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) but you can travel from only $34 (€28) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:32, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 201 miles (324 km) distance in 4h 58m.
Distance 201 miles (324 km) |
Average train duration 5h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€42) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 58m |
First train 12:32 AM |
Last train 11:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 5 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Jena trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Jena from $34 (€28). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Jena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Jena 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 Jena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Jena
- 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
- Eiscafe RIVA
- Portofino
- Wein-Tanne
- Subway
- Ibis
- Thüringer Hof
- Hotel Vielharmonie
- Hotel Rasenmühle
- Eiscafe RIVA
- Portofino
- Wein-Tanne
- Subway
- Ibis
- Thüringer Hof
- Hotel Vielharmonie
- Hotel Rasenmühle
- Trattoria Italia
- Zur Wartburg
- Wein-Tanne
- Bauersfeld
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Jena
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
