- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum of human history, art, and archaeology, with highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
Cheapest price
$134
Average price
$317
Fastest journey
6 h 17 m
Average duration
7 h 4 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 $317 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for London on Sat, Jul 11, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct trains cover the 494 km distance in an average of 7 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 17 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest trains will take 7 h 16 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 flight with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 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 flight costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $134.
Distance: 306 miles (494 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$361 Average price | $90 Average price Cheapest | $93 Average price | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 47m Average total duration 16h 17m 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 flight is $3 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Essen to London costing on average $93 (€76).
A flight is $271 (€222) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to London costing on average $361 (€296).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 11m.
Bus takes on average 16h 17m.
You'll arrive about 2h 21m sooner (5h 11m by train vs 7h 32m by car). Tickets start at around $361 (€296) compared to roughly $98 (€81) 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, Saturday, July 11. 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 | 7h16 | 12:57 PM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:41 AM Essen | 7h16 | 1:57 PM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 AM Essen | 6h17 | 1:57 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 6 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $134 (€110) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) 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 5h 46m.
Distance 306 miles (494 km) |
Average train duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 (€110) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 46m |
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 Tue |
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.
World-famous museum of human history, art, and archaeology, with highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with an outstanding collection of European paintings from the 13th to early 20th centuries.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames, known for landmark exhibitions and river views.
Lively district known for street performers, elegant arcades, shopping, and easy access to theatres and central landmarks.
One of London's best walking areas, with river views, cultural venues, and a steady stream of iconic sights.
Charming neighborhood of colorful houses, independent shops, and photogenic streets that remain highly popular with visitors.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, traditionally served with mushy peas and tartar sauce. A classic British comfort food strongly associated with London pubs and chippies.
A traditional East London dish of minced meat pie served with mashed potatoes and parsley liquor. It is one of the city’s most distinctive working-class foods.
A hearty plate of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. It is a staple morning meal across London and the wider UK.
A stylish, very popular restaurant inspired by Bombay cafe culture, known for its house black daal, bacon naan roll, and lively atmosphere.
An influential, established restaurant celebrated for nose-to-tail British cooking, simple ingredients, and iconic dishes such as roast bone marrow.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional desserts in an elegant historic setting.
London is costly by UK standards. Hotels, transport, and dining add up quickly, though budget eats and free museums help control costs.
Service charge of 12.5% is often added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12%. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxi fares or add about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo, London -> Charing Cross, London
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.

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