- Must visit
Deutsches Museum
One of the world’s largest science and technology museums, with major hands-on and historic collections. A flagship Munich visit for engineering, aviation, physics, and family-friendly exhibits.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Munich
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$143
Average price
$239
Fastest journey
8 h 57 m
Average duration
9 h 27 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
630 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Munich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Munich will cost around $239 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $143.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Essen for Munich on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 630 km distance in an average of 9 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 57 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 9 h 57 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.
6:32 AM9h57Essen4:29 PMMunich$1431One-way0 transfers- 8:32 AM8h57Essen5:29 PMMunich$3361One-way0 transfers
- 8:32 AM8h57Essen5:29 PMMunich$3361One-way0 transfers
- 6:32 AM9h57Essen4:29 PMMunich$1431One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Munich
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 $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $144.
Distance: 391 miles (630 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$206 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $222 Average price | $112 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 50m Average total duration 7h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 9m Average total duration 13h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Munich is a bus with an average price of $60 (€49).
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Munich:
A bus is $146 (€119) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Munich costing on average $206 (€169).
A bus is $161 (€132) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Munich costing on average $222 (€181).
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Munich is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 21m.
Other travel options to Munich take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 20m.
Bus takes on average 13h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Munich including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Munich 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 36m sooner (7h 20m by train vs 7h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $206 (€169) compared to roughly $112 (€91) 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 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 Munich train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Munich trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:32 AM Essen | 9h57 | 4:29 PM Munich | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:32 AM Essen | 8h57 | 5:29 PM Munich | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Munich by train, bus, or flight
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.
Sun
Jun 21
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Jun 27
Jun 27
Why should you book Essen to Munich trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Munich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Munich.
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 Munich.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Munich.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Munich.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Munich
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Essen to Munich run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $103 (€85) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:59, the last at 19:51. The fastest train covers the 391 miles (630 km) distance in 8h 8m.
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 $42 (€34)
Distance 391 miles (630 km) |
Average train duration 7h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€85) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 8h 8m |
First train 1:59 AM |
Last train 7:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 $42 (€34)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Munich trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Munich from $42 (€34). 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
8h 8m
Cheapest Price
$103 (€85)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
4 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
5h 4m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€85)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
25 a day
Complete guide to Munich
Things to do in Munich
Discover the best of Munich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Munich trip today.
- Must visit
Alte Pinakothek
A premier Old Masters gallery with major European paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, including works by Dürer, Rubens, and Raphael. Essential for classical art lovers.
- Must visit
Pinakothek der Moderne
A leading museum for modern and contemporary art, design, architecture, and graphic art. Popular for its breadth and for pairing well with the nearby Pinakothek museums.
- Must visit
English Garden
One of Europe’s largest urban parks, famous for long walks, open lawns, river scenes, and the Eisbach wave. A must for both classic sightseeing and social-media-friendly city moments.
- Must visit
Viktualienmarkt
Munich’s best-known market square and a lively old-town stop with strong local character. Even without focusing on food, it is worth visiting for atmosphere, architecture, and daily city life.
- Must visit
Olympiapark
The 1972 Olympic Park remains one of Munich’s most recognizable leisure areas, combining landmark architecture, views, open space, and year-round events. Very popular with visitors and locals.
Weißwurst
Traditional Munich veal sausages gently heated and served with sweet mustard and a pretzel, especially popular as a late-morning classic.
Schweinshaxe
Roasted pork knuckle with crisp skin, a hearty Bavarian specialty often served with dumplings or potato salad in Munich beer halls.
- Vegetarian
Obatzda
A Bavarian beer garden spread made from Camembert, butter, paprika, and onions, typically eaten with pretzels and very tied to Munich drinking culture.
Tantris
Legendary fine dining restaurant in Munich celebrated for refined cuisine, formal service, and long-standing culinary prestige.
Augustiner-Keller
Well-known traditional beer garden and restaurant popular for Bavarian fare, Augustiner beer, and a relaxed local setting.
Wirtshaus in der Au
Respected traditional inn famous for dumplings, roast dishes, and an authentic neighborhood Bavarian atmosphere.
Euro
Prices are high by German standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though transit is reasonable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3.50-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up small bills, or tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
MVGO
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 4.10
- Day pass
- EUR 9.70
To the city center
Munich Hbf -> Marienplatz, Munich
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Tickets can be bought in the MVGO app, at ticket machines, and on many suburban rail platforms; validate paper tickets if required before travel.
- Card payment is widely accepted in the MVGO app and at many ticket machines, but onboard payment on buses and trams is not guaranteed.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to 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.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Munich can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $103 (€85), while the average price is around $206 (€169).
The train from Essen to Munich takes 8h 8m and runs 4 per day.
The first train from Essen to Munich leaves at 1:59 AM.
The distance by train from Essen to Munich is 391 miles (630 km).
The last train from Essen to Munich leaves at 7:51 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Munich. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Munich.
The train station in Essen that goes to Munich is Essen station, which connects to Munich Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Munich is by bus, with a cost of around $42 (€34).
The train journey from Essen to Munich offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Bavaria, including rolling hills and charming villages, making it an enjoyable experience for travelers.
A day trip from Essen to Munich is not feasible due to a travel time of 8h 8m. The distance is 391 miles (630 km), and there are 5 trips per day available by train.
In Munich, you can visit the Hofbräuhaus for traditional Bavarian food and live music, explore BMW Welt for the latest BMW models and interactive experiences, and catch a game or admire the architecture at Allianz Arena. Discover history at the Munich Residenz, enjoy sports and views at Olympiapark, and marvel at the Glockenspiel show at Marienplatz. Wander through the opulent Nymphenburg Palace and its gardens, relax in the expansive English Garden, learn at the Deutsches Museum, and savor local delicacies at Viktualienmarkt.
To fully experience Munich's main attractions, such as Marienplatz, the English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, and the BMW Museum, a stay of 3 to 4 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Munich.
Since both Essen and Munich 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 Munich include Salzburg, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Memmingen, Kitzbühel.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Munich 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.
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 Munich, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, major tourist sites, and during festivals such as Oktoberfest. Common scams include distraction techniques where one person engages the traveler while another steals belongings. It is also advisable to avoid unofficial taxi services to prevent overcharging. Staying alert in busy places and securing personal items helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Munich
Most Essen to Munich trains use the Essen to München Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at München Ost. 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.
Departure train stations in Essen
Arrival train stations in Munich
Which Essen station do trains to Munich leave from?
Trains from Essen to Munich leave from Essen. The station is from Essen city centre at 2910 Essen, Belgium.
Essen2910 Essen, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen from Essen city centre
TrainIntercity · 3h 54m · $55 · every ~4 min
Ice · 4h 58m · $64
Bus023 · 4h 5m · $27
Essen train station facilities and services
Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Essen.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Essen.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.
Which Munich station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Munich most often arrive at München Hbf. Some services arrive at München Ost, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Munich arrival station.
München HbfBayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to München Hbf from Munich city centre
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus100 · 15m · every ~11 min
Tram21 · 12m · $2 · every ~12 min
München Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
München OstMünchen Ost, Orleansplatz 11, 81667 München
City-centre transport
Getting to München Ost from Munich city centre
München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS8, S1, S2, S3, S6, S4, S5 · 5m · $1 · every ~61 min
Drf, 961, 963, 965, 967, 969 · 8m · $2 · every ~1 min
Bus62 · 11m · every ~15 min
N45 · 22m · $4
Tram21, N19 · 17m · $4 · every ~13 min
SubwayU5 · 4m · $4 · every ~20 min
München Ost train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.
München IsartorMünchen Isartor, Isartorplatz, 80331 München
City-centre transport
Getting to München Isartor from Munich city centre
TrainS5, S8, S6, S4, S3, S2, S1 · 1m · $1 · every ~61 min
Bus132 · 10m · every ~9 min
München Isartor train station facilities and services
München Isartor 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 and drink
Food options include: Ratskeller, Speiserei Volksbad, Klenze 17, Trachtenvogl Café-Lounge
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at München Isartor. ATMs are available at München Isartor.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at München Isartor. Information desks are available at München Isartor.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at München Isartor. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at München Isartor: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at München Isartor: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at München Isartor.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Novotel München City, Hilton Munich City, Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum, Unsöld's Factory Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Munich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Munich and Essen
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