4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Kiel
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$135
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
5 h 1 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Kiel is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Kiel will cost around $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 3 trains that leave Essen for Kiel on Fri, May 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 5 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 5 h 21 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.
7:16 AM5h05Essen12:21 PMKiel$831One-way0 transfers
- 6:00 AM4h40Essen10:40 AMKiel$791One-way0 transfers
- 1:19 PM5h02Essen6:21 PMKiel$2051One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 AM5h21Essen10:21 AMKiel$1221One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Kiel
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Kiel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. 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 $33, and a flight costs an average of $113.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $257 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 50m Average total duration 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 42m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  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.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Kiel:
A bus is $20 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Kiel costing on average $65 (€52).
A bus is $211 (€169) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Kiel costing on average $257 (€205).
Other travel options to Kiel take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 20m.
Bus takes on average 7h 12m.
The journey is about 54m faster (4h 20m by train vs 5h 14m by car) and roughly $18 (€15) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($65 (€52) vs $84 (€67)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Essen to Kiel train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Kiel trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:59 AM Essen | 4h46 | 8:45 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:00 AM Essen | 5h21 | 11:21 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:59 AM Essen | 4h41 | 12:40 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:52 AM Essen | 5h00 | 1:52 PM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 2:56 PM Essen | 9h24 | 12:20 AM Kiel | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Kiel 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Why should you book Essen to Kiel 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 FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Kiel.
- 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 Kiel.
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 Kiel.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Kiel
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Kiel run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 4h 41m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 4h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 41m |
First train 1:05 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Kiel trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Kiel 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Kiel
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Kiel 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 Kiel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Kiel
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
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Tuesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Wednesday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Thursday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Friday: 05:45 - 20:30
- Saturday: 06:45 - 20:00
- Sunday: 06:45 - 20:00
- MUM&DAD
- Lunatique
- McDonald's
- Campus Suite
- Hotel Wiking
- Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel
- Astor
- InterCityHotel Kiel
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Toros
- Blitz Pizza Service
- Ali Baba Döner
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingMost popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Kiel
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kiel and Essen
Most popular train connections to Kiel
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