- Must visit
Alte Pinakothek
One of Europe’s great old master galleries, with major works from the 14th to 18th centuries by Dürer, Rubens, Raphael, and others.










Cheapest price
$110
Average price
$160
Fastest journey
5h 5m
Average duration
6h 33m
Trains per day
11
Distance
491 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Munich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $46.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$132 Average price | $217 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $112 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 7m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 57m Average total duration 8h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Munich:
A bus is $79 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Munich costing on average $132 (€109).
A bus is $163 (€134) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Munich costing on average $217 (€178).
Other travel options to Munich take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 37m.
Bus takes on average 8h 27m.
You'll arrive about 1h 21m sooner (5h 37m by train vs 6h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $132 (€109) compared to roughly $112 (€92) 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 Munich 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2157 · ICE 683 · ICE 729 | Delayed 3:15 PM 4:15 PMEssen Hbf | 7h00 | 11:15 PM Munich Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 727 | 4:53 PM Essen Hbf | 5h23 | 10:16 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 613 | 4:59 PM Essen Hbf | 5h30 | 10:29 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26727 · ICE 885 | 5:13 PM Essen Hbf | 7h20 | 12:33 AM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 729 | 5:54 PM Essen Hbf | 5h21 | 11:15 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 203 · ICE 693 | 6:00 PM Essen Hbf | 5h15 | 11:15 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26729 · ICE 685 | On time 6:13 PM Essen Hbf | 7h05 | 1:18 AM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1015 | Delayed 6:36 PM Essen Hbf | 5h05 | 10:03 PM 10:03 PMMunich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 615 | 6:59 PM Essen Hbf | 5h30 | 12:29 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 542 · IC 60403 · ICE 699 | 10:45 PM Essen Hbf | 8h42 | 7:27 AM Munich Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 619 | 11:04 PM Essen Hbf | 6h59 | 6:03 AM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
26839 · 89997 · 52295 · ICE 781 | 11:52 PM Essen Hbf | 9h58 | 9:50 AM Munich Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 11 | |||||
ICE 103 · ICE 593 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 5h15 | 1:15 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 845 · ICE 1185 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 6h44 | 3:05 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 915 | On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf | 5h04 | 1:40 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 646 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 7h00 | 3:40 PM Munich Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 621 | On time 8:53 AM Essen Hbf | 5h19 | 2:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 6h41 | 3:40 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26711 · ICE 787 | On time 9:13 AM Essen Hbf | 6h37 | 3:50 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26711 · ICE 787 · ICE 1507 | Delayed 9:13 AM Essen Hbf | 6h30 | 1:45 PM 1:45 PMMunich Hbf | 2 transfers | |
10208 · 28511 · ICE 2013 · ICE 517 | On time 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 7h09 | 4:29 PM Munich Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2013 · ICE 517 | On time 9:40 AM Essen Hbf | 6h49 | 4:29 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 623 | On time 9:52 AM Essen Hbf | 5h20 | 3:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 107 · ICE 597 | On time 12:00 PM Essen Hbf | 5h16 | 5:16 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
26717 · ICE 589 | On time 12:13 PM Essen Hbf | 6h35 | 6:48 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 919 | On time 12:36 PM Essen Hbf | 5h04 | 5:40 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 629 | On time 12:53 PM Essen Hbf | 5h19 | 6:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1747 · ICE 881 | On time 1:15 PM Essen Hbf | 6h35 | 7:50 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · 17338 · IC 2546 · ICE 611 | On time 1:20 PM Essen Hbf | 7h12 | 8:32 PM Munich Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 721 | On time 1:53 PM Essen Hbf | 5h19 | 7:12 PM Munich Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 109 · ICE 599 | On time 2:00 PM Essen Hbf | 5h12 | 7:12 PM Munich Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Munich run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 5h 4m.
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average train duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 4m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:51 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Munich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Munich trip today.
One of Europe’s great old master galleries, with major works from the 14th to 18th centuries by Dürer, Rubens, Raphael, and others.
A major complex for modern and contemporary art, design, architecture, and works on paper, all under one roof in the Kunstareal.
One of the world’s largest science and technology museums, famous for hands-on displays and landmark exhibitions across many fields.
One of the world’s largest urban parks, ideal for long walks, river scenes, open lawns, and classic Munich atmosphere.
A famous open-air market area in the old town, lively for strolling, browsing, and experiencing everyday city life.
A large park built for the 1972 Olympics, known for landmark architecture, event spaces, and excellent city views.
Traditional Munich veal sausages gently heated and typically eaten before noon with sweet mustard and a pretzel. One of the city’s most iconic specialties.
The Bavarian pretzel is a daily staple in Munich, known for its dark crust, soft center, and perfect pairing with beer, sausages, or Obatzda.
A creamy Bavarian beer-garden spread made from Camembert, butter, paprika, and onion, usually served with pretzels. Strongly associated with Munich beer culture.
Legendary fine-dining restaurant in Munich, famous for refined cuisine, exceptional service, and long-standing prestige in the city’s dining scene.
Well-known traditional beer garden and restaurant pouring Augustiner beer with solid Bavarian staples in a spacious, relaxed setting.
Established Munich inn especially known for dumplings and updated Bavarian cuisine, with a cozy atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Munich is among Germany's pricier cities. Hotels and dining cost more than in most German cities, though transit and bakeries remain reasonable.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10%. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up and give small tips for hotel staff if service is helpful.
Official public transport app
Munich Hbf, Munich -> Marienplatz, Munich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Munich 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 Munich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Munich trains use the Essen Hbf to München Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at München-Pasing. Use this guide to compare Essen and Munich 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.
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München 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: Cantina Estación Mediterrano, Rischart Bakery, Ditsch Pretzels, backWERK, Cafe-Shop, Le Crobag, Yorma's, Coffee Fellows, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, & many more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at München Hbf. Information desks are there is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München-Pasing 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: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna
Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.
Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.
Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.
Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.
München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München Ost 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: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani
Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.
Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.
Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.
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