- Must visit
Kunsthalle Mannheim
Major modern and contemporary art museum known for its landmark architecture and strong collection from the 19th century to today.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Mannheim
Showing times and prices for May 27
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
2 h 17 m
Average duration
2 h 22 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
241 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Mannheim is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Mannheim will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast trains
Of the 13 trains that leave Essen for Mannheim on Wed, May 27, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 241 km distance in an average of 2 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 17 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 2 h 26 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.
IC 20139:40 AM3h41Essen Hbf1:21 PMMannheim Hbf$501One-way0 transfers- ICE 103 · IC 19408:00 AM3h21Essen Hbf11:21 AMMannheim Hbf$621One-way1 transfer
- ICE 2199:03 AM2h48Essen Hbf11:51 AMMannheim Hbf$691One-way0 transfers
- ICE 944 · ICE 164411:37 AM3h44Essen Hbf3:21 PMMannheim Hbf$691One-way1 transfer
- ICE 1038:00 AM2h26Essen Hbf10:26 AMMannheim Hbf$821One-way0 transfers
- ICE 9158:36 AM2h17Essen Hbf10:53 AMMannheim Hbf$941One-way0 transfers
- ICE 91912:36 PM2h17Essen Hbf2:53 PMMannheim Hbf$1041One-way0 transfers
- ICE 1038:00 AM2h26Essen Hbf10:26 AMMannheim Hbf$821One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5158:59 AM2h26Essen Hbf11:25 AMMannheim Hbf$941One-way0 transfers
- ICE 10510:00 AM2h26Essen Hbf12:26 PMMannheim Hbf$941One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Essen to Mannheim
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Mannheim among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. 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 bus costs an average of $19, and a flight costs an average of $113.
Distance: 149 miles (241 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $131 Average price | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Mannheim is a bus with an average price of $29 (€24).
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Mannheim:
A bus is $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Mannheim costing on average $75 (€61).
A bus is $101 (€81) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Mannheim costing on average $131 (€105).
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Mannheim is by flight with an average journey time of 50m.
Other travel options to Mannheim take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 6m.
Bus takes on average 5h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Mannheim including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Mannheim among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (3h 6m by train vs 3h 25m by car). Tickets start at around $75 (€61) compared to roughly $56 (€45) 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.
Live departures
Essen to Mannheim train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Mannheim trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:24 AM Essen | 3h57 | 11:21 AM Mannheim | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:40 AM Essen | 3h41 | 11:21 AM Mannheim | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:40 AM Essen | 3h41 | 12:21 PM Mannheim | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:40 AM Essen | 4h13 | 3:53 PM Mannheim | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
| ICE 103 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 2h26 | 10:26 AM Mannheim Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 103 · IC 1940 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h21 | 11:21 AM Mannheim Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 915 | On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf | 2h17 | 10:53 AM Mannheim Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 646 · ICE 1225 · ICE 225 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 4h13 | 12:53 PM Mannheim Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 515 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 2h26 | 11:25 AM Mannheim Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 219 | 9:03 AM Essen Hbf | 2h48 | 11:51 AM Mannheim Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Mannheim by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Wed
May 27
May 27
Thu
May 28
May 28
Fri
May 29
May 29
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May 30
May 30
Sun
May 31
May 31
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Why should you book Essen to Mannheim trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Mannheim.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Mannheim.
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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Mannheim.
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Mannheim.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Mannheim.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Mannheim
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Mannheim run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 2h 46m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $19 (€15)
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average train duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $19 (€15)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Mannheim trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Mannheim from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 17m
Cheapest Price
$64 (€52)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Mannheim
Things to do in Mannheim
Discover the best of Mannheim — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Mannheim trip today.
- Must visit
Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen
Museum complex covering archaeology, world cultures, photography, and regional history across several historic buildings in central Mannheim.
- Must visit
Technoseum
Large technology and labor museum in southwest Germany with interactive exhibitions on industrial history, science, and innovation.
- Must visit
Luisenpark
Mannheim’s best-known park with lakes, gardens, walking paths, and family attractions; a favorite for relaxed city breaks.
- Recommended
Planken
The city’s main shopping boulevard, useful for experiencing daily urban life and the geometric layout of Mannheim’s grid center.
- Recommended
Paradeplatz
Central square in the Quadrat city center, lively and convenient for exploring Mannheim’s distinctive block-based urban design.
- Gluten-free
Saumagen
A Palatinate specialty of seasoned pork, potatoes, and spices stuffed into a pig stomach casing and sliced or roasted. It is strongly associated with the Mannheim and Rhine-Neckar region.
Pfälzer Leberknödel
Traditional liver dumplings from nearby Palatinate, usually served in broth or with sauerkraut and bread. A hearty regional comfort food common around Mannheim.
- Gluten-free
Bratwurst Mit Sauerkraut
Grilled sausage served with fermented cabbage, a classic tavern dish in southwestern Germany and widely eaten in Mannheim beer halls and traditional inns.
Dobler's Restaurant
An established fine dining restaurant known for refined seasonal cuisine, elegant service, and a polished atmosphere in Mannheim.
Die Küche Jungbusch
A popular modern restaurant in the Jungbusch district, appreciated for creative dishes, quality ingredients, and a relaxed contemporary atmosphere.
Brauhaus zum Ritter
A well-known traditional brewery-style venue serving German classics, beer, and hearty regional dishes in a lively, casual setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are affordable, while hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for döner, bakery food, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is often included, but small tips are customary. In restaurants, round up or leave about 5-10%. Round up for taxis. Little or no tip is fine for cafés and takeaway.
myVRN
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.40
- Day pass
- EUR 7.80
To the city center
Mannheim Hbf -> Mannheim Paradeplatz
- Distance
- 1.7 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- You can buy tickets in the myVRN app, at ticket machines, or from sales points before travel.
- Card payment is commonly available at ticket machines, but not always on board buses and trams, so buy tickets in advance when possible.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Mannheim
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Mannheim 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 Mannheim, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Mannheim can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $25 (€20), while the average price is around $75 (€61).
The train from Essen to Mannheim takes 2h 46m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from Essen to Mannheim leaves at 12:07 AM.
The distance by train from Essen to Mannheim is 149 miles (241 km).
The last train from Essen to Mannheim leaves at 11:53 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Mannheim. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Mannheim.
The train station in Essen that goes to Mannheim is Essen Hbf, which connects to Mannheim Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Mannheim is by bus, with a cost of around $19 (€15).
The train journey from Essen to Mannheim offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with sections of the route providing views of the Rhine River and German countryside, making it moderately scenic.
A day trip from Essen to Mannheim is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 46m, exceeding the 120-minute limit. The distance is 149 miles (241 km), with a frequency of 13 trains per day.
In Mannheim, you can visit the bustling squares like Paradeplatz for shopping and dining, explore the nightlife in the Jungbusch district with its bars and live music venues, and take scenic walks along the Rhine River promenade. Cultural experiences include performances at the National Theatre Mannheim and river cruises on the Neckar River. Don't miss sights such as the Mannheim Palace, Luisenpark, Kunsthalle Mannheim, the iconic Wasserturm, and the Jesuit Church.
For a fulfilling experience in Mannheim, two to three days are typically sufficient to explore its key attractions, such as the Baroque palace, Luisenpark, and the Kunsthalle art museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Mannheim.
Since both Essen and Mannheim are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Mannheim include Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Strasbourg, Saarbrücken, Freiburg im Breisgau.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Mannheim among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Mannheim, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport hubs and popular tourist spots. Scams involving overcharging in taxis or at markets have also been reported. It’s advisable to use official transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid common safety issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Mannheim
Essen
Mannheim
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Mannheim.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Essen-Eiberg
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
6 kmDining
- Zur Krone
- Hannappel
- Pizzeria Roma
- Horster Döner
The major train station for arrivals in Mannheim is Mannheim Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Mannheim Hbf for your journey to Mannheim from Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 20:30
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:30
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Safran Persisch-Afghanische Spezialitäten
- Corner
- Liman Döner
- Kaschmir-Tandoori
Hotel
- Central
- Leonardo Hotel Mannheim City Center
- InterCityHotel Mannheim
- City Hotel
Mannheim-Rheinau
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
9 kmDining
- Imbiss-Pizzeria Da Gianni
- Bokeria
- Pizzeria Napoli
- Gasthaus zum Seeblick
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Mannheim
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Mannheim and Essen
Most popular train connections to Mannheim
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