- Must visit
Gutenberg Museum
One of the world’s leading museums of printing and book culture, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of movable type.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
2 h 18 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
186 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Mainz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Mainz will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Mainz without transferring at least once.
ICE 103 · IC 1940
ICE 646 · ICE 27
ICE 103 · ICE 1020
26808 · ICE 121 · S8
ICE 217 · 4256
ICE 103 · ICE 1020
ICE 621 · S8
ICE 103 · IC 1940
ICE 119 · S9+
24554
26808 · ICE 121 · S8Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Mainz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 115 miles (186 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$50 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $126 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 16m Average total duration 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg 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 Mainz:
A train is $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Essen to Mainz costing on average $71 (€58).
A train is $76 (€63) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Mainz costing on average $126 (€103).
Other travel options to Mainz take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 46m.
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 46m by train vs 2h 51m by car). Tickets start at around $50 (€41) compared to roughly $43 (€35) 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, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Mainz trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 · IC 1940 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h39 | 10:39 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · ICE 1020 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h18 | 10:18 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 119 · 29514 | On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf | 2h46 | 10:49 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 119 · S9+ 24554 | On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf | 2h40 | 10:43 AM Mainz Hbf | 2 transfers | |
26808 · ICE 121 · S8 | 8:09 AM Essen Hbf | 2h46 | 10:55 AM Mainz Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 646 · ICE 27 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 2h59 | 11:39 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 621 · S8 | On time 8:53 AM Essen Hbf | 2h32 | 11:25 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 217 · 4256 | On time 9:03 AM Essen Hbf | 2h46 | 11:49 AM Mainz Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26810 · ICE 13 · S8 | 9:09 AM Essen Hbf | 2h46 | 11:55 AM Mainz Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, and bus 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 Mainz run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 115 miles (186 km) distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 115 miles (186 km) |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Mainz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mainz trip today.
One of the world’s leading museums of printing and book culture, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and the history of movable type.
Major regional museum with archaeology, medieval art, paintings, and Roman-era finds, offering one of the best overviews of Rhineland-Palatinate history.
Natural history museum known for regional geology, fossils, biodiversity, and family-friendly exhibitions.
The most atmospheric area for walking, with narrow lanes, historic facades, shops, and many of the city’s best-known sights.
Central square by the cathedral, lively with markets, events, and classic city views that define the heart of Mainz.
Popular old-town street lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and photo-friendly urban scenery.
A Rheinhessen cheese spread made with fresh cheese, quark, paprika, and spices, traditionally served with pretzels in wine taverns.
A classic Mainz snack of bread roll, sausage, and local wine, strongly associated with everyday life and regional wine culture.
A pungent sour milk cheese marinated with onions and vinegar, popular across the Rhine-Main region and commonly enjoyed with bread.
Established fine dining restaurant with a strong reputation for refined seasonal cuisine and polished service.
Traditional Mainz wine tavern known for local specialties, regional wines, and a classic cozy atmosphere.
A well-known restaurant in a historic former church hall, serving German and regional dishes in a striking atmospheric setting.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Casual dining is reasonable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafés and taxis; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, often by stating the total when paying.
Official public transport app
Mainz Hbf, Mainz -> Schillerplatz, Mainz
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Mainz 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 Mainz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Mainz trains use the Essen Hbf to Mainz Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Mainz Römisches Theater. Use this guide to compare Essen and Mainz 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-Eiberg is 6 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Eiberg has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Zur Krone, Hannappel, Pizzeria Roma, Horster Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Eiberg. ATMs are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Eiberg. Information desks are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Eiberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Eiberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Eiberg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Mainz Hbf is 2 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz 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: Mangal, Asia Wok, Bistrorante Midi, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Hbf. ATMs are available at Mainz Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Hbf. Information desks are available at Mainz Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Advena Europa Hotel, GuestHouse Mainz, Terminus, Hotel Moguntia.
Mainz Römisches Theater is 1 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz Römisches Theater 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: McDonald's, Cafe Extrablatt, Hans im Glück, The Big Easy
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. ATMs are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Information desks are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz Römisches Theater. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz Römisches Theater: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz Römisches Theater.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Regency Mainz, Favorite Parkhotel, Ibis Hotel Mainz City, Hof Ehrenfels.
Mainz-Marienborn is 4 km from Mainz city centre. Public transport options include:
Mainz-Marienborn has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Asia Snack Fu Loi, Artos, Pizzaria Da Raffaele, Hikari Sushi Bar
Wi-Fi is available at Mainz-Marienborn. ATMs are available at Mainz-Marienborn.
Ticket office support is available at Mainz-Marienborn. Information desks are available at Mainz-Marienborn.
Luggage storage is available at Mainz-Marienborn. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mainz-Marienborn: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mainz-Marienborn: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mainz-Marienborn.
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