- Must visit
National Museum
Major museum of Czech history and natural sciences in a monumental Neo-Renaissance building overlooking Wenceslas Square.
Cheapest price on Sep 21
$87
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$120
Fastest journey on Sep 21
9 h 2 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
9 h 30 m
Trains on Sep 21
7
Distance
542 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Prague is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Prague will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Prague without transferring at least 3 times.
S6 · ICE 625 · 3573+
361
28074 · ICE 621 · 3569+
359
89873 · IC 2441 · BUS 10177 · RJ 177
26713 · ICE 847 · IC 2441 · BUS 10177
26713 · ICE 847 · IC 2441 · BUS 10177
26713 · ICE 847 · IC 2441 · BUS 10177
26709 · ICE 845 · IC 2443 · BUS 10383
89873 · IC 2441 · BUS 10177 · RJ 177
28074 · ICE 621 · 3569+
359
26713 · ICE 847 · IC 2441 · BUS 10177Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Prague among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $75 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, while a flight costs an average of $514.
Distance: 336 miles (542 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $514 Average price | $138 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 59m Average total duration 8h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 59m Average total duration 11h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Prague:
A bus is $82 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Prague costing on average $156 (€128).
A bus is $439 (€359) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Prague costing on average $514 (€420).
Other travel options to Prague take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 29m.
Bus takes on average 11h 29m.
Tickets start at around $156 (€128) compared to roughly $138 (€113) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.51 (€-15.14). The journey takes 8h 29m versus 7h 30m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Prague trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S2 · ICE 920 · RJ 173 | On time 2:53 AM Essen Hbf | 10h32 | 1:25 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 2 transfers | |
63600 · ICE 523 · 3561+ 355 | 4:04 AM Essen Hbf | 10h17 | 2:21 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 3 transfers | |
26707 · ICE 543 · RJ 175 | On time 7:13 AM Essen Hbf | 8h02 | 3:15 PM Prague-Holešovice | 2 transfers | |
26711 · ICE 545 · RJ 383 | Delayed 9:13 AM Essen Hbf | 8h12 | 3:27 PM 3:27 PMPrague hlavní nádraží | 2 transfers | |
26715 · ICE 547 · RJ 177 | On time 11:13 AM Essen Hbf | 8h02 | 7:15 PM Prague-Holešovice | 2 transfers | |
26719 · ICE 549 · RJ 385 | Delayed 1:13 PM Essen Hbf | 8h12 | 7:27 PM 7:27 PMPrague hlavní nádraží | 2 transfers | |
26723 · ICE 641 · RJ 179 | Delayed 3:13 PM Essen Hbf | 8h18 | 9:41 PM 9:41 PMPrague hlavní nádraží | 2 transfers | |
89885 · IC 2045 · S1 · 28023 | 3:40 PM Essen Hbf | 14h30 | 6:10 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 4 transfers | |
26725 · ICE 943 · IC 2045 · S1 | 4:13 PM Essen Hbf | 13h57 | 6:10 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 5 transfers | |
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 Prague run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 336 miles (542 km) distance in 7h 30m.
Distance 336 miles (542 km) |
Average train duration 8h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 7h 30m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Prague — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Prague trip today.
Major museum of Czech history and natural sciences in a monumental Neo-Renaissance building overlooking Wenceslas Square.
Well-curated Jewish history museum across several historic sites. Important for understanding Prague's Jewish heritage and resilience.
Leading Czech art museum with medieval to modern works in a grand historic palace. Essential for fine art and decorative arts lovers.
Historic square at Prague's core, surrounded by Gothic and Baroque landmarks. A must for first-time visitors and classic city views.
Lively boulevard of Czech modern history, lined with shops and major buildings. Worth visiting for atmosphere and historic significance.
Romantic quarter of palaces, lanes, and church domes beneath Prague Castle. Ideal for wandering, photography, and quieter historic charm.
Slow-braised beef in a creamy root-vegetable sauce, usually served with bread dumplings. A classic Czech Sunday dish strongly linked to Bohemian home cooking.
Crisp roasted pork knuckle, often served with mustard, horseradish, and pickles. A hearty pub staple popular with Czech beer culture.
Roast pork with sauerkraut and dumplings. This iconic Czech combination is a cornerstone of traditional pub and family meals.
Traditional Czech restaurant and brewery by Prague Castle, praised for roast meats, dumplings, and polished historic interiors.
Upscale restaurant focused on Czech ingredients and game, with sophisticated service in an Art Nouveau municipal house setting.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant known for modern Czech tasting menus in a refined setting near the Vltava.
Moderate for Europe: transit is cheap, casual meals are reasonable, and hotels in the center can raise daily costs in peak season.
Service is often not included. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for cafes, and round up or add about 10% for taxis if service is good.
Official public transport app
Praha hlavní nádraží -> Václavské náměstí, Prague
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Prague 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 Prague, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Prague trains use the Essen Hbf to Praha hlavní nádraží station pair, with some services arriving at Praha-Holesovice. Use this guide to compare Essen and Prague 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 West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
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.
Praha hlavní nádraží is 1 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha hlavní nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Fantova Kavárna, Sushi Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Esplanade Prague, Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag, Hotel City Central.
Praha-Holesovice is 2 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha-Holesovice has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Na Kovárně, Cross Club
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha-Holesovice. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha-Holesovice. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha-Holesovice: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Mama Shelter Prague, Plaza Alta Hotel, Hotel Belvedere.
Praha Masarykovo Nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Kotleta, Café Imperial
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kings Court, Grand Hotel Bohemia, Hotel Paris Prague.
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