- Must visit
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Iconic automobile museum tracing the history of Mercedes-Benz through landmark vehicles, design, and technology. One of Stuttgart’s signature attractions.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
3 h 1 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
37
Distance
335 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Stuttgart is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Stuttgart will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 37 trains that leave Essen for Stuttgart on Wed, Jun 03, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct trains cover the 335 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 1 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest trains will take 3 h 3 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.
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
FlixTrain · FlixTrain
10170 · IC 60403 · ICE 699
ICE 101 · ICE 1648 · ICE 573
ICE 205 · ICE 695
ICE 915
ICE 1011
ICE 1013
ICE 913
ICE 1015Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Stuttgart among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $201.
Distance: 208 miles (335 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $466 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 44m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 49m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Stuttgart:
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Stuttgart costing on average $96 (€78).
A bus is $426 (€344) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Stuttgart costing on average $466 (€376).
Other travel options to Stuttgart take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 49m.
Bus takes on average 7h 14m.
You'll arrive about 1h 7m sooner (3h 45m by train vs 4h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $96 (€78) compared to roughly $75 (€61) 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, 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.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Stuttgart trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 · ICE 593 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 3h14 | 11:14 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · IC 1940 · ICE 595 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 5h14 | 1:14 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 915 | On time 8:36 AM Essen Hbf | 3h01 | 11:37 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 646 · ICE 1225 · ICE 225 | On time 8:40 AM Essen Hbf | 4h58 | 1:38 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 515 | On time 8:59 AM Essen Hbf | 3h12 | 12:11 PM Stuttgart Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1221 · ICE 913 | On time 4:59 AM Essen Hbf | 4h38 | 9:37 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Stuttgart run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $28 (€22) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 208 miles (335 km) distance in 2h 57m.
Distance 208 miles (335 km) |
Average train duration 3h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 57m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Stuttgart — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stuttgart trip today.
Iconic automobile museum tracing the history of Mercedes-Benz through landmark vehicles, design, and technology. One of Stuttgart’s signature attractions.
Modern museum presenting Porsche sports cars, racing heritage, and engineering milestones. Highly popular with car enthusiasts and general visitors alike.
Major art museum known for its strong collection ranging from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works in a striking postmodern complex.
Stuttgart’s main shopping boulevard and one of Germany’s longest pedestrian streets, ideal for getting a feel for the city center.
Large central park stretching through the city, popular for walking, relaxing, and connecting major central sights on foot.
Scenic urban lake area centered on Johanneskirche, especially popular for evening photos and relaxed walks.
Large Swabian pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, often served in broth or pan-fried. It is one of Stuttgart’s signature regional dishes.
Soft egg noodles typical of Swabia, usually served as a side or with sauce. They are a staple of local home cooking and restaurant menus in Stuttgart.
A richer version of Spätzle baked or tossed with melted cheese and fried onions. It is a beloved comfort dish across the Stuttgart region.
Established fine-dining restaurant above Stuttgart, known for refined regional cuisine, elegant service, and panoramic views.
Traditional Swabian restaurant in the old town area, appreciated for classic local dishes and historic atmosphere.
Well-known rustic wine tavern serving Swabian specialties in a cozy, old-fashioned setting with strong local character.
Prices are above the German average, especially for hotels and dining, but public transport and casual meals remain manageable for most travelers.
Service is usually included, but tipping is customary. Round up in cafes and taxis, and add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Tip by telling the total before payment.
Official public transport app
Stuttgart Hbf, Stuttgart -> Schlossplatz, Stuttgart
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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