Essen to Olten train with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Sun, Jun 21
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Olten

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

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

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 $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $167.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Essen to Olten without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    4:36 PM5h19
    Essen
    9:55 PMOlten
    $1671One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    4:59 PM5h26
    Essen
    10:25 PMOlten
    $1671One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
    11:00 PM7h55
    Essen
    6:55 AMOlten
    $2531One-way
    2 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.

The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Olten is a train with an average price of $185 (€151).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Olten is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 5m.

Other travel options to Olten take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 41m.

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 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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)4:36 PM Essen
5h19
9:55 PM Olten2 transfers
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)4:59 PM Essen
5h26
10:25 PM Olten2 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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Olten

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

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.

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
Flight from $101 (€82)
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
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
Flight from $101 (€82)

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)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 19m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€85)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Essen to Olten can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $103 (€84), while the average price is around $185 (€151).
The train from Essen to Olten takes 5h 19m and runs 10 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 high speed train available from Essen to Olten.
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 flight, with a cost of around $101 (€82).
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 19m. 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 flight 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 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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.

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