- Must visit
The British Museum
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
Cheapest price
$276
Average price
$344
Fastest journey
5 h 46 m
Average duration
7 h 1 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
494 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to London will cost around $344 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $276.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for London on Tue, Aug 25, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 494 km distance in an average of 7 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 46 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 7 h 31 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.










Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, and a flight costs an average of $26.
Distance: 306 miles (494 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$359 Average price | $582 Average price | $114 Average price Cheapest | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 32m Average total duration 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 3m Average total duration 15h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to London:
A bus is $245 (€197) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to London costing on average $359 (€289).
A bus is $468 (€377) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to London costing on average $582 (€468).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 2m.
Bus takes on average 15h 33m.
You'll arrive about 2h 30m sooner (5h 2m by train vs 7h 32m by car). Tickets start at around $359 (€289) compared to roughly $101 (€82) 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to London trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:41 AM Essen | 7h16 | 10:57 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:41 AM Essen | 7h16 | 11:57 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:41 AM Essen | 5h46 | 11:27 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:41 AM Essen | 7h16 | 1:57 PM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:26 AM Essen | 7h31 | 2:57 PM London | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Essen to London run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $153 (€123) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 02:09, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (494 km) distance in 4h 45m.
Distance 306 miles (494 km) |
Average train duration 5h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $153 (€123) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 45m |
First train 2:09 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
Leading art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces from Van Gogh, Turner and da Vinci. Free and internationally renowned.
Grand museum of art, design and performance with fashion, sculpture and decorative arts collections in South Kensington.
Lively riverside stretch linking major landmarks, markets and cultural venues. Ideal for walking, views and people-watching.
Large royal park with the Serpentine, rose gardens and broad lawns. Excellent for relaxing, boating and central green space.
Historic Greenwich riverside district with maritime heritage, market streets and hilltop views near major cultural landmarks.
Classic English fish fried in batter with chips. A London staple tied to the city’s working-class food culture and best eaten fresh with salt and vinegar.
Slow-cooked beef, carrots, onions and herbs under a suet pastry lid. A comforting British pie long associated with London pubs and Sunday meals.
A full cooked breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms and toast. A traditional morning meal served across London cafes and hotels.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by Heston Blumenthal showcasing historic British dishes in an elegant, high-end Knightsbridge room.
Well-known pub serving excellent pies, ales and British mains in a relaxed, polished gastropub setting near Victoria Park.
Historic Covent Garden restaurant famous for classic British pies in a lively, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
Very costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transit are pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks, especially in central areas.
Restaurants often add 12.5% service; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafes: optional small change or none.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Westminster Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to London trains use the Essen Hbf to London St Pancras International station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and London train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd 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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen 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 options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need