- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Ulm
Showing times and prices for Aug 03
Cheapest price
€96
Average price
€119
Fastest journey
4 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 12 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
401 km
Cheap tickets
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 €119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €96.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Essen for Ulm on Mon, Aug 03, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 401 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 5 h 33 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.
7:40 AM5h33Essen1:13 PMUlm€961One-way0 transfers- 7:03 AM4h30Essen11:33 AMUlm€1151One-way0 transfers
- 10:40 AM5h33Essen4:13 PMUlm€1471One-way0 transfers
- 7:03 AM4h30Essen11:33 AMUlm€1151One-way0 transfers
- 10:40 AM5h33Essen4:13 PMUlm€1471One-way0 transfers
- 7:40 AM5h33Essen1:13 PMUlm€961One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Ulm
Omio 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 prices starting from €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. 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 bus costs an average of €23, and a flight costs an average of €62.
Distance: 249 miles (401 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€89 Average price | €164 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 56m Average total duration 4h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m 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 |
Direct Options | 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 Ulm is a bus with an average price of €36.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Ulm:
A bus is €53 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Ulm costing on average €89.
A bus is €128 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Ulm costing on average €164.
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Ulm is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 25m.
Other travel options to Ulm take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 26m.
Bus takes on average 9h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Ulm including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Ulm 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 1h 30m sooner (4h 26m by train vs 5h 56m by car). Tickets start at around €89 compared to roughly €75 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.
Live departures
Essen to Ulm train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Ulm trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:03 AM Essen | 4h30 | 11:33 AM Ulm | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:40 AM Essen | 5h33 | 1:13 PM Ulm | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:40 AM Essen | 5h33 | 4:13 PM Ulm | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Ulm by train, bus, or flight
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.
Mon
Aug 03
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Why should you book Essen to Ulm trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Essen to Ulm.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Ulm.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Ulm.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Ulm.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Ulm.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Ulm
GermanyGermany
Trains from Essen to Ulm run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €38 but you can travel from only €23 by bus.
There are 1 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 4h 15m.
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
Bus from €23
Distance 249 miles (401 km) |
Average train duration 4h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price €38 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 15m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
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
Bus from €23
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Ulm trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Ulm from €23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Price
€38
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest Price
€75
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Ulm
Things to do in Ulm
Discover the best of Ulm — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ulm trip today.
- Must visit
Kloster Wiblingen Museum
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.
- Recommended
Museum Ulm
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.
- Must visit
Münsterplatz
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.
- Recommended
Marktplatz
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.
- Recommended
Danube Promenade
Waterside promenade along the Danube with open views toward Neu-Ulm. Good for relaxed walks, photos, and linking several historic sights on foot.
- Vegetarian
Spätzle
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.
Maultaschen
Handmade pasta pockets filled with minced meat, spinach, onions, and herbs, usually served in broth or with fried onions. A classic Swabian specialty.
Linsen mit Spätzle
A rich lentil stew served with Spätzle and usually sausages. It is a traditional everyday Swabian dish valued for its hearty, home-style character.
bi:brauderei
Refined Michelin-starred dining in an elegant setting, known for creative tasting menus and polished service in the heart of Ulm.
Zur Forelle
Historic traditional restaurant by the cathedral, valued for Swabian classics, local atmosphere, and a central old-town location.
Gasthaus zur Krone
Long-established inn focused on regional cuisine, including Maultaschen and roasts, with a classic, welcoming Swabian dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-range, transit is reasonable, and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is included, but rounding up is standard. Tip restaurants about 5-10%, taxis by rounding up, and cafes by leaving small change.
DING App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.80
- Day pass
- €7.20
To the city center
Ulm Hbf -> Münsterplatz, Ulm
- Distance
- 800 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Buy tickets in the DING app or from ticket machines before boarding. On most buses and trams, onboard ticket sales and card payment are limited.
- Ulm city centre is walkable from Ulm Hbf. Validate paper tickets if required and keep them until the end of your journey.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to 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.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Ulm can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €38, while the average price is around €89.
The train from Essen to Ulm takes 4h 15m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Ulm is 249 miles (401 km).
The first train from Essen to Ulm leaves at 12:01 AM.
The last train from Essen to Ulm leaves at 11:46 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Ulm. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Ulm.
The train station in Essen that goes to Ulm is Essen Hbf, which connects to Ulm Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Ulm is by bus, with a cost of around €23.
The train journey from Essen to Ulm offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Ruhr area, rolling hills, and picturesque towns, but it is not known specifically for being exceptionally scenic.
A day trip from Essen to Ulm is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 15m one way, which exceeds the 120-minute limit for a feasible day trip. There are 13 train connections per day.
To fully experience Ulm, including its historic sites, the Ulm Minster, and the picturesque Danube views, a stay of 1 to 2 days is generally sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Ulm.
Since both Essen and Ulm 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 Ulm include Munich, Stuttgart, Memmingen, Mannheim, Augsburg.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Ulm 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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Ulm, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the main train station and popular tourist spots. Scam attempts involving distraction techniques are less common but still possible. It is advisable to keep personal belongings secure and avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers. Overall, Ulm is considered a safe city, with standard urban precautions 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 Ulm
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.
Departure train stations in Essen
Arrival train stations in Ulm
Which Essen station do trains to Ulm leave from?
Trains from Essen to Ulm 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 Essen
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.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus
Which Ulm station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Trains from Essen to Ulm most often arrive at Ulm Hbf. Some services arrive at Ulm Ost, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Ulm arrival station.
Ulm HbfUlm Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1, 89073 Ulm
City-centre transport
Getting to Ulm Hbf from Ulm city centre
Bus46 · 9m · €3 · every ~1 min
Tram1 · 3m · €3 · every ~11 min
Ulm Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Café Schmizz, Blauflesch, Wilder Mann, Gaststuben im Zunfthaus der Schiffleute
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Hbf. ATMs are available at Ulm Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Hbf. Information desks are available at Ulm Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ulm Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ulm Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Bäumle, InterCityHotel Ulm, Lehrertal Garni.
Ulm OstUlm Ost, An der Brenzbahn, 89073 Ulm
City-centre transport
Getting to Ulm Ost from Ulm city centre
TrainRs51 · 2m · €2
BusE, 7 · 6m · €3 · every ~6 min
Ulm Ost train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bodhi, Schwarze Henne, Café Schmizz, Kornhäusle
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ulm Ost. ATMs are available at Ulm Ost.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ulm Ost. Information desks are available at Ulm Ost.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Ulm Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ulm Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ulm Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ulm Ost.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Neuthor, Hotel Comfor, Bäumle, Stern.
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Ulm
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ulm and Essen
Most popular train connections to Ulm
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