- Must visit
Museum Ulm – Archaeology
Museum on the famous Ice Age Lion Man and regional archaeology. It presents globally important prehistoric finds from caves in the Swabian Jura.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€113
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€137
Fastest journey on Sep 17
4 h 18 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
5 h
Trains on Sep 17
5
Distance
401 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Ulm is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Ulm will cost around €137 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €113.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Ulm without transferring at least once.
28074 · ICE 217
28074 · ICE 27 · ICE 225
S6 · ICE 915
S9 · ICE 515
28074 · ICE 621 · ICE 515
S6 · ICE 915
28074 · ICE 621 · ICE 515
S9 · ICE 515
28074 · ICE 217
28074 · ICE 27 · ICE 225Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Ulm among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €58 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 56m. 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 bus costs an average of €58, while a flight costs an average of €395.
Distance: 249 miles (401 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€94 Average price | €395 Average price | €58 Average price Cheapest | €76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 27m Average total duration 10h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Ulm:
A bus is €37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Ulm costing on average €94.
A bus is €337 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Ulm costing on average €395.
Other travel options to Ulm take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 28m.
Bus takes on average 10h 57m.
You'll arrive about 1h 28m sooner (4h 28m by train vs 5h 56m by car). Tickets start at around €94 compared to roughly €76 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 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 Ulm trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S6 · ICE 915 | On time 8:08 AM Essen Hbf | 4h18 | 12:26 PM Ulm Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · ICE 515 | On time 8:20 AM Essen Hbf | 4h53 | 1:13 PM Ulm Hbf | 1 transfer | |
28074 · ICE 27 · ICE 225 | On time 8:39 AM Essen Hbf | 5h47 | 2:26 PM Ulm Hbf | 2 transfers | |
28074 · ICE 621 · ICE 515 | On time 8:39 AM Essen Hbf | 4h34 | 1:13 PM Ulm Hbf | 2 transfers | |
28074 · ICE 217 | On time 8:39 AM Essen Hbf | 5h30 | 2:09 PM Ulm Hbf | 1 transfer |
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 Ulm run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 249 miles (401 km) distance in 3h 44m.
Distance 249 miles (401 km) |
Average train duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 44m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Ulm — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ulm trip today.
Museum on the famous Ice Age Lion Man and regional archaeology. It presents globally important prehistoric finds from caves in the Swabian Jura.
Former monastery museum famed for its splendid late Baroque library hall. One of the most beautiful interiors in the Ulm area and a favorite day trip.
Major art museum with strong modern and contemporary collections, including works tied to Ulm's design heritage. A top cultural stop in the city center.
Broad square beside the minster, ideal for appreciating the church's immense scale. It often hosts events and is a natural pause on any walking route.
Central market square framed by the Town Hall and daily urban life. A practical starting point for sightseeing and one of Ulm's liveliest gathering places.
Waterside promenade along the Danube with open views toward Neu-Ulm. Good for relaxed walks, photos, and linking several historic sights on foot.
Swabian egg noodles often served with cheese and onions or as a side. They are a signature comfort food across Ulm and the wider Swabian region.
Handmade pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, usually served in broth or with fried onions. A classic Swabian specialty.
A rich lentil stew served with Spätzle and usually sausages. It is a traditional everyday Swabian dish valued for its hearty, home-style character.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in an elegant setting, known for creative tasting menus and polished service in the heart of Ulm.
Historic traditional restaurant by the cathedral, valued for Swabian classics, local atmosphere, and a central old-town location.
Long-established inn focused on regional cuisine, including Maultaschen and roasts, with a classic, welcoming Swabian dining room.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-range, transit is reasonable, and budget eats are easy to find.
Service is included, but rounding up is standard. Tip restaurants about 5-10%, taxis by rounding up, and cafes by leaving small change.
Official public transport app
Ulm Hbf -> Münsterplatz, Ulm
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Ulm 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 Ulm, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Ulm trains use the Essen Hbf to Ulm Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Ulm Ost. Use this guide to compare Essen and Ulm 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, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Ulm 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: Café Schmizz, Blauflesch, Wilder Mann, Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Hbf. ATMs are available at Ulm Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Hbf. Information desks are available at Ulm Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Bäumle, InterCityHotel Ulm, Lehrertal Garni.
Ulm Ost 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: Bodhi, Schwarze Henne, Café Schmizz, Kornhäusle
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Ost. ATMs are available at Ulm Ost.
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Ost. Information desks are available at Ulm Ost.
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ulm Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ulm Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Hotel Comfor, Bäumle, Stern.
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