- Must visit
Het Spoorwegmuseum
Leading Dutch railway museum with historic trains, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly displays inside a former station hall.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$59
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$74
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 11 m
Trains on Sep 20
16
Distance
148 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Utrecht is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Utrecht will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Utrecht without transferring at least once.
Bus RE1 · IC 3052+
20022
Bus RE1 · IC 3036+
20014
S9 · 26656 · IC 3052+
20022
S9 · 26648 · IC 3036+
20014
Bus RE1 · ICE 220
S2 · IC 2009 · ICE 128
S2 · IC 2201 · ICE 126
S2 · IC 2203 · ICE 124
10117 · 31251 · ICE 220
Bus RE1 · ICE 126Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Utrecht among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, while a train costs an average of $69.
Distance: 91 miles (148 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Utrecht:
A bus is $38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Utrecht costing on average $69.
Other travel options to Utrecht take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 16m.
Tickets start at around $69 compared to roughly $39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.55. The journey takes 2h 12m versus 2h 11m 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 Utrecht trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S6 · ICE 220 | On time 8:18 AM Essen Hbf | 2h41 | 10:59 AM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 220 | On time 8:32 AM Essen | 2h27 | 10:59 AM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
10117 · 31251 · ICE 220 | On time 8:46 AM Essen Hbf | 2h13 | 10:59 AM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
Bus RE1 · IC 3036+ 20014 | 8:52 AM Essen | 3h14 | 12:06 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
S9 · 26648 · IC 3036+ 20014 | 9:11 AM Essen Hbf | 2h55 | 12:06 PM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
S6 · ICE 128 | On time 10:18 AM Essen Hbf | 2h41 | 12:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 128 | On time 10:32 AM Essen | 2h27 | 12:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
S2 · IC 2009 · ICE 128 | On time 10:54 AM Essen Hbf | 2h05 | 12:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
S6 · ICE 126 | On time 12:18 PM Essen Hbf | 2h41 | 2:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 126 | On time 12:37 PM Essen | 2h22 | 2:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
Bus RE1 · IC 3052+ 20022 | 12:52 PM Essen | 3h14 | 4:06 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
S2 · IC 2201 · ICE 126 | On time 12:53 PM Essen Hbf | 2h06 | 2:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Utrecht run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 but you can travel from only $15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 91 miles (148 km) distance in 1h 31m.
Distance 91 miles (148 km) |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 31m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Utrecht — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Utrecht trip today.
Leading Dutch railway museum with historic trains, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly displays inside a former station hall.
National museum of mechanical musical instruments. Its self-playing organs and guided demonstrations make it uniquely memorable.
Major art museum with old masters, Utrecht Caravaggists, fashion, and city history in a striking historic-modern complex.
Utrecht’s signature canal lined with wharf cellars, waterside terraces, and historic buildings. It is the city’s essential walking route.
Large central square between Dom Tower and cathedral ruins, layered with Roman and medieval history and surrounded by major sights.
Green city park on former defensive works, ideal for a relaxed walk around the old center with lawns, paths, and water.
A soft sweet bun filled with spiced currants, raisins and sugar. It is a classic Dutch bakery treat often eaten at breakfast or with coffee.
A thick split pea soup with vegetables and usually smoked sausage. It is a beloved Dutch winter staple, filling and strongly traditional.
Small fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. This fairground favorite is a classic Dutch snack enjoyed across Utrecht.
Polished fine dining restaurant serving modern French cuisine with seasonal tasting menus in an elegant intimate room.
Casual local brewery and restaurant in a former church. Go for Utrecht craft beer and hearty Dutch-friendly dishes.
Popular waterside spot for quality burgers, drinks and terrace dining along the canal. Lively and relaxed atmosphere.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels are often pricey, but dining and transit are manageable for most visitors compared with Amsterdam or other major Dutch cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Utrecht Centraal -> Dom Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Utrecht 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 Utrecht, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Utrecht trains use the Essen Hbf to Utrecht Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn. Use this guide to compare Essen and Utrecht 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.
Utrecht Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Rechtbank, Humphrey's Utrecht
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Utrecht Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Utrecht Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Utrecht Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Utrecht Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Centraal: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Utrecht, NH Utrecht, Park Plaza Utrecht.
Utrecht Leidsche Rijn is 3 km from Utrecht city centre. Public transport options include:
Utrecht Leidsche Rijn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.
ATMs are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.
Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Parking.
Available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need