- Must visit
Pinacoteca di Brera
Milan’s premier fine-art gallery, known for masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna in the historic Brera district.
Cheapest price
$253
Average price
$289
Fastest journey
10 h 21 m
Average duration
10 h 27 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
685 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Milan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Milan will cost around $289 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $253.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Milan without transferring at least 2 times.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to Milan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, and a train costs an average of $253.
Distance: 425 miles (685 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$290 Average price | $118 Average price | $85 Average price Cheapest | $235 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 18m Average total duration 9h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 51m Average total duration 19h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 2.1 - 4.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.7kg 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 Milan:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Milan costing on average $118 (€97).
A bus is $205 (€168) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Milan costing on average $290 (€238).
Other travel options to Milan take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 48m.
Bus takes on average 19h 21m.
Tickets start at around $290 (€238) compared to roughly $235 (€193) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-54.67 (€-44.80). The journey takes 9h 48m versus 9h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Milan trains for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:00 PM Essen | 16h21 | 10:21 AM Milan | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 11 | |||||
![]() | 6:00 AM Essen | 10h21 | 4:21 PM Milan | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 8:00 AM Essen | 10h21 | 6:21 PM Milan | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Essen | 10h21 | 8:21 PM Milan | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 12:00 PM Essen | 10h21 | 10:21 PM Milan | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 12:00 PM Essen | 10h51 | 10:51 PM Milan | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Milan run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $253 (€207) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 01:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 425 miles (685 km) distance in 10h 21m.
Distance 425 miles (685 km) |
Average train duration 9h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $253 (€207) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 10h 21m |
First train 1:00 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Milan — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milan trip today.
Milan’s premier fine-art gallery, known for masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna in the historic Brera district.
A leading museum of 20th-century Italian art facing Piazza del Duomo, with strong Futurist and modern collections.
A major design-forward museum for world cultures and blockbuster temporary exhibitions in the Tortona area.
Milan’s canal district, loved for waterside walks, lively atmosphere, and photogenic bridges and alleys.
A charming central neighborhood with elegant streets, galleries, boutiques, and a classic Milan atmosphere.
Milan’s main square and symbolic heart, framed by the cathedral, museums, and major historic buildings.
Creamy saffron risotto, one of Milan’s signature dishes, prized for its rich color and elegant flavor.
Braised veal shank, often served with risotto alla Milanese, a classic celebratory dish from Milanese cuisine.
Breaded veal cutlet fried until golden, a famous Milan specialty often compared with schnitzel but traditionally thicker.
Legendary casual stop near the Duomo, famous for panzerotti and a beloved institution for quick, affordable bites.
Well-known modern Milanese restaurant near Porta Nuova, celebrated for refined local classics in a stylish setting.
Historic trattoria serving traditional Milanese and Lombard dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric dining room.
Prices are high by Italian standards, especially for hotels and central dining, though transit and casual food stay manageable.
Tipping is modest. Service may be included. Round up or leave EUR 1-2 for coffee, 5-10% at restaurants for good service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Milan Centrale, Milan -> Duomo di Milano, Milan
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Milan 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 Milan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Milan trains use the Essen Hbf to Milano Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Milan 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.
Milano Centrale is 2 km from Milan city centre. Public transport options include:
Milano Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Venchi, Panzera Coffee, Burger King, Bar Motta, Caffè Napoli, VyTA Boulangerie, Spontini, Starbucks, Dispensa Emilia, McDonald's, & many more
Free WiFi in the station. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 22:20. Information desks are located next to the ticket office on the ground floor in the shopping gallery.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Luigi di Savoia. It is open every day from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Milano Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milano Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milano Centrale: Station is wheelchair accessible, has elevators and the Sala Blu, Trenitalia's office of assistance for disabled travelers, is next to Platform 4.
Nearby hotels include Glam Hotel Milano, NYX MIlan, iQ Hotel Milano.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need