- Recommended
Historisches Museum Olten
Olten’s main history museum presents archaeology, city history, and changing exhibitions. A strong introduction to the region and its cultural development.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Olten
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$164
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$164
Fastest journey on Sep 19
6 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
6 h 25 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
461 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Olten is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Olten will cost around $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $164.
Fast trains
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Essen to Olten, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 461 km distance in an average of 6 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 25 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 25 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.
7:00 AM6h25Essen1:25 PMOlten$1641One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 AM6h25Essen1:25 PMOlten$1641One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Essen to Olten
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Olten among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $134 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $134, while a flight costs an average of $606.
Distance: 286 miles (461 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$134 Average price Cheapest | $606 Average price | $133 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 1m Average total duration 5h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Olten is a train with an average price of $134.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Olten:
A train is $471 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Olten costing on average $606.
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Olten is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 45m.
Other travel options to Olten take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 31m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Olten including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Olten 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 1h 2m sooner (5h 31m by train vs 6h 33m by car). Tickets start at around $134 compared to roughly $133 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.
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 Olten train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Olten trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM Essen | 6h25 | 1:25 PM Olten | 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 Olten by train or flight
Compare 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.
Sat
Sep 19
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Why should you book Essen to Olten trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Essen to Olten.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Olten.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Olten.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Olten.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Olten
Germany
Switzerland
Trains from Essen to Olten run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $88 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:47, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 286 miles (461 km) distance in 5h 0m.
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
Distance 286 miles (461 km) |
Average train duration 5h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 0m |
First train 12:47 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Olten trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Olten from $88. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$88
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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
Complete guide to Olten
Things to do in Olten
Discover the best of Olten — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Olten trip today.
- Recommended
Kunstmuseum Olten
Art museum with Swiss modern and regional works, especially linked to Martin Disteli. It is a refined stop for graphic art and local cultural context.
- Recommended
Naturmuseum Olten
Natural history museum focused on local geology, wildlife, and landscapes. Good for understanding the environment around the Aare and Jura foothills.
- Must visit
Säli-Schlössli
Well-known local viewpoint above the town with broad panoramas. A favorite for short walks and an excellent place to understand Olten’s geography.
- Recommended
Kirchgasse
Main old town lane lined with historic buildings, shops, and everyday city life. It is the best street for soaking up Olten’s compact historic center.
- Recommended
Aarequai
Riverside promenade ideal for walking, views, and photography. It shows off Olten’s strong relationship with the Aare and is popular with locals.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Rösti
A hearty potato rösti, often served in Swiss homes and inns. In Olten it is a classic side or main, prized for its crisp crust and comforting Alpine roots.
- Vegetarian
Cheese Fondue
Melted Swiss cheese blended with wine and garlic, shared communally with bread. It is a beloved cold-weather staple across the region around Olten.
- Vegetarian
Chäschnitten
Bread cubes soaked in white wine and topped with melted cheese, often served with onion soup. A traditional Swiss comfort dish found in taverns and homes.
Restaurant Pavillon
Refined fine dining by the Aare with seasonal Swiss cuisine and polished service. A strong choice for a special meal in an elegant setting.
Da Carlo
Popular casual venue for pizza, pasta, and Mediterranean dishes in a lively central setting. Reliable and well established for everyday dining.
Gasthof Zum Kreuz
Traditional Swiss restaurant known for hearty classics, meat dishes, and a cozy inn atmosphere. Good for tasting regional comfort food.
Swiss franc (CHF)
Olten is costly for most visitors. Hotels, restaurant meals, and Swiss rail fares are higher than in much of Europe, though it is often a bit cheaper than Zurich or Geneva.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 12-20 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- CHF 80+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- CHF 4-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave CHF 1-5 at cafes and casual meals, about 5-10% for great service. Taxis are commonly rounded up.
SBB Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.60
- Day pass
- CHF 8.80
To the city center
Olten Bahnhof -> Olten Bahnhof
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Buy local bus tickets in the SBB Mobile app or from ticket machines before boarding. On many regional buses, contactless card payment is not guaranteed onboard.
- Olten is compact and the main station is in the center. Check your fare zone in the A-Welle network before buying a ticket.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Olten
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Olten 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 Olten, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Olten can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $88, while the average price is around $134.
The train from Essen to Olten takes 5h 0m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Olten is 286 miles (461 km).
The first train from Essen to Olten leaves at 12:47 AM.
The last train from Essen to Olten leaves at 11:00 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Olten.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Olten.
The train station in Essen that goes to Olten is Essen Hbf, which connects to Olten station.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Olten is by train, with a cost of around $88.
The train journey from Essen to Olten offers scenic views as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley and the Swiss countryside, featuring rolling hills and charming villages.
A day trip from Essen to Olten is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 0m. However, there are 12 trains per day covering the distance of 286 miles (461 km).
A stay of 1 to 2 days in Olten is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the town’s atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Olten.
Since both Essen and Olten 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 Olten include Basel, Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, Freiburg im Breisgau.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Olten 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.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Olten, travelers should be aware of common petty theft such as pickpocketing, especially around busy train stations and crowded areas. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and be cautious when approached by strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. No major scams specific to Olten are reported, but standard precautions like verifying ticket authenticity and using official transportation services are recommended.
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 Olten
Most Essen to Olten trains use the Essen Hbf to Olten station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Olten 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 Olten
Which Essen station do trains to Olten leave from?
Trains from Essen to Olten leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Essen Hbf 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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Which Olten station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Olten arrive at Olten. Olten is from Olten city centre.
OltenBahnhofstrasse 22, 4600 Olten, Switzerland+41 58 668 86 00
City-centre transport
Getting to Olten from Olten city centre
TrainS20, S · 3m · $1 · every ~5 min
Bus501, 503, 505, 507, 509 · 6m · $2 · every ~18 min
N55 · 3m
Olten train station facilities and services
Olten has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Aarhof, Restaurant Salmen
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Olten. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Olten. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Olten: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Olten: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Olten: Elevators, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Olten Swiss Quality, Hotel Amaris, Hotel Astoria.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Olten
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Olten and Essen
Most popular train connections to Olten
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