- Must visit
Optisches Museum Jena
Major science center with hands-on exhibitions on light, optics, and perception, ideal for families and curious adults.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Jena
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€65
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€65
Fastest journey on Sep 19
4 h 58 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
4 h 58 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
324 km
Cheap tickets
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 €65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €65.
Fast trains
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Essen to Jena, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 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, Sep 19 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.
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10:15 AM4h58Essen3:13 PMJena€651One-way0 transfers
- 10:15 AM4h58Essen3:13 PMJena€651One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Jena
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Jena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €39 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 29m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €39, while a flight costs an average of €443.
Distance: 201 miles (324 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€112 Average price | €443 Average price | €39 Average price Cheapest | €58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | 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 Jena is a bus with an average price of €39.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Jena:
A bus is €73 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Jena costing on average €112.
A bus is €404 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Jena costing on average €443.
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Jena is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 29m.
Other travel options to Jena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 58m.
Bus takes on average 8h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Jena including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Jena among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (4h 58m by train vs 5h 3m by car). Tickets start at around €112 compared to roughly €58 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Essen to Jena train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Jena trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:15 AM Essen | 4h58 | 3:13 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.
Sat
Sep 19
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Why should you book Essen to Jena trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Essen to Jena.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Jena.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Jena run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €46 but you can travel from only €25 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:32, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 201 miles (324 km) distance in 4h 28m.
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 €25
Distance 201 miles (324 km) |
Average train duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price €46 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 12:32 AM |
Last train 11:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 5 days |
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 €25
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Jena trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Jena from €25. 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
4h 28m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€46
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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.
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.
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.
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
Complete guide to Jena
Things to do in Jena
Discover the best of Jena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Jena trip today.
- Recommended
Universitätsmuseum Jena
University museum presenting the city's academic history, student culture, and notable scholars in a compact setting.
- Recommended
Schillers Gartenhaus
Literary memorial house dedicated to Romantic writer Friedrich Schiller, who lived and worked in Jena.
- Must visit
Marktplatz
Central market square framed by historic buildings, a main gathering point and practical base for exploring old Jena.
- Must visit
Botanischer Garten Jena
One of Germany's oldest botanical gardens, ideal for a peaceful walk among themed plant collections and greenhouses.
- Recommended
Jenzig
Popular limestone hill viewpoint above the city with rewarding hikes and classic vistas over Jena and the Saale valley.
Thüringer Rostbratwurst
Thuringia’s famous grilled pork sausage, seasoned with marjoram and traditionally cooked over charcoal. It is one of the region’s best-known street foods.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Thüringer Klöße
A hearty potato dumpling central to Thuringian cooking, usually served with roasts and gravy. It is a defining staple of Sunday and festive meals.
Rinderroulade
Slow-cooked beef roulade filled with bacon, onion, mustard, and pickles. It is a classic celebratory dish across Thuringia and often paired with dumplings.
Scala Restaurant
Refined fine dining with modern German cuisine and tasting menus in an elegant setting. A strong choice for a special meal in Jena.
Zur Noll
Historic traditional inn known for Thuringian specialties, local beer, and a warm rustic atmosphere. Good for classic regional dishes.
Brauhaus Papiermühle
Popular brewery restaurant serving hearty German fare and house-brewed beer in a lively, casual setting near the center.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels, dining, and local transit are generally cheaper than in Berlin or Munich, but pricier than smaller towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares and leave small change at cafes for good service.
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.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Jena can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €46, while the average price is around €112.
The train from Essen to Jena takes 4h 28m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Essen to Jena leaves at 12:32 AM.
The distance by train from Essen to Jena is 201 miles (324 km).
The last train from Essen to Jena leaves at 11:18 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Jena. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Jena.
The train station in Essen that goes to Jena is Essen Hbf, which connects to Jena West station.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Jena is by bus, with a cost of around €25.
The train journey from Essen to Jena offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque Thuringian Forest, providing glimpses of lush landscapes and charming small towns.
A day trip from Essen to Jena is not feasible due to the long travel time of 4h 28m. However, there are 12 train trips available per day for this journey, covering a distance of 201 miles (324 km).
Two to three days in Jena is ideal to explore its cultural landmarks, such as the Zeiss Planetarium, the Optical Museum, and the scenic Saale Valley, while also enjoying the local cuisine and vibrant student atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Jena.
Since both Essen and Jena 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 Jena include Leipzig, Saalfeld/Saale, Magdeburg, Weimar, Lichtenfels.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Jena 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 Jena, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded places like public transportation and popular tourist spots. It is advisable to stay alert when using ATMs and avoid sharing personal information with strangers. Overall, Jena is considered a safe city, but standard precautions for urban areas apply.
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 Jena
Most Essen to Jena trains use the Essen Hbf to Jena West station pair, with some services arriving at Jena Paradies. Use this guide to compare Essen and Jena 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 Jena
Which Essen station do trains to Jena leave from?
Trains from Essen to Jena 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 Essen
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.
Which Jena station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Jena most often arrive at Jena West. Some services arrive at Jena Paradies, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Jena arrival station.
Jena West07745 Jena, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Jena West from Jena city centre
Jena West is 1 km from Jena city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus10, 12, 11 · 3m · every ~17 min
410 · 8m · every ~2 min
Jena West train station facilities and services
Jena West 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: Eiscafe RIVA, Portofino, Wein-Tanne, Subway
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Jena West. ATMs are available at Jena West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Jena West. Information desks are available at Jena West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Jena West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Jena West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Jena West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Jena West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ibis, Thüringer Hof, Hotel Vielharmonie, Hotel Rasenmühle.
Jena Paradies07743 Jena, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Jena Paradies from Jena city centre
Bus431, 426, 422, 420, 410 · 3m · every ~3 min
Tram2 · 6m · every ~10 min
Jena Paradies train station facilities and services
Jena Paradies 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: Eiscafe RIVA, Portofino, Wein-Tanne, Subway
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Jena Paradies. ATMs are available at Jena Paradies.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Jena Paradies. Information desks are available at Jena Paradies.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Jena Paradies. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Jena Paradies: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Jena Paradies: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Jena Paradies.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ibis, Thüringer Hof, Hotel Vielharmonie, Hotel Rasenmühle.
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
Most popular trains to and from Jena and Essen
Most popular train connections to Jena
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