4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Karlsruhe
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$108
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
290 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Karlsruhe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Karlsruhe will cost around $108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
Of the 6 trains that leave Essen for Karlsruhe on Sat, Mar 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 21 the direct trains cover the 290 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest trains will take 3 h 41 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.
ICE 915 · ICE 71IC 2013 · ICE 371ICE 515 · ICE 279ICE 103ICE 105ICE 915 · ICE 71ICE 103ICE 105ICE 515 · ICE 279ICE 219 · 15975
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Essen to Karlsruhe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Karlsruhe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 34m. 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 $25, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 180 miles (290 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$87 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest |
4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration 6h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Essen to Karlsruhe train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Karlsruhe trains for tomorrow, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 103 | On time 7:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h59 | 9:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 915 · ICE 71 | On time 7:36 AM Essen Hbf | 2h47 | 10:23 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 279 | On time 7:59 AM Essen Hbf | 3h00 | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 219 · 15975 | On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf | 3h41 | 11:44 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 2013 · ICE 371 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 4h38 | 12:59 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 105 | On time 9:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h59 | 11:59 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 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 Karlsruhe by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Why should you book Essen to Karlsruhe trains with Omio?
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Karlsruhe.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Karlsruhe.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Karlsruhe
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Karlsruhe run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (290 km) distance in 2h 59m.
Distance 180 miles (290 km) |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 59m |
First train 00:19 |
Last train 23:55 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Karlsruhe trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Karlsruhe from $25 (€20). 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.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Karlsruhe
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Karlsruhe
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- 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
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Haus Gantenberg
- Wolperding
- Athena
- Porky Grill
- Alte Lohnhalle
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
Accessibility
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Karlsruhe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Karlsruhe and Essen
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