The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Olten
Cheapest price
$167
Average price
$196
Fastest journey
5 h 19 m
Average duration
6 h 13 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
461 km
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 $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $167.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Olten without transferring at least 2 times.
4:36 PM5h19Essen9:55 PMOlten$1671One-way2 transfers
4:59 PM5h26Essen10:25 PMOlten$1671One-way2 transfers
11:00 PM7h55Essen6:55 AMOlten$2531One-way2 transfers
4:36 PM5h19Essen9:55 PMOlten$1671One-way2 transfers
4:59 PM5h26Essen10:25 PMOlten$1671One-way2 transfers
11:00 PM7h55Essen6:55 AMOlten$2531One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Essen to Olten
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to Olten among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $103. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. 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 train costs an average of $103, and a flight costs an average of $101.
Distance: 286 miles (461 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$185 Average price Cheapest | $194 Average price | $132 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 11m Average total duration 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 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 |
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 Olten:
A train is $9 (€8) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Olten costing on average $194 (€159).
Other travel options to Olten take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 41m.
You'll arrive about 52m sooner (5h 41m by train vs 6h 33m by car). Tickets start at around $185 (€151) compared to roughly $132 (€108) 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, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:36 PM Essen | 5h19 | 9:55 PM Olten | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 4:59 PM Essen | 5h26 | 10:25 PM Olten | 2 transfers | |
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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Olten
Trains from Essen to Olten run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $103 (€84) but you can travel from only $101 (€82) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:47, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 286 miles (461 km) distance in 5h 19m.
Distance 286 miles (461 km) |
Average train duration 5h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€84) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 5h 19m |
First train 12:47 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Olten trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Olten from $101 (€82). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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.

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.
Which Essen station do trains to Olten leave from?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
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?
Getting to Olten from Olten city centre
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
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