- Must visit
Centraal Museum
Utrecht’s main art and city museum, known for old masters, design, and the Rietveld Schröder archive. A strong all-round choice for understanding the city’s culture.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
1 h 56 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Trains per day
2
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 $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 2 trains that leave Essen for Utrecht on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 148 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 56 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 3 h 40 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.




Omio 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 prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 91 miles (148 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$59 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m 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 $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Utrecht costing on average $59 (€48).
Other travel options to Utrecht take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 15m.
Tickets start at around $59 (€48) compared to roughly $39 (€32) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-20.14 (€-16.48). The journey takes 2h 14m 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 today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 148 | On time 12:09 PM Essen Hbf | 2h03 | 2:12 PM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 148 · IC 3044 | On time 12:09 PM Essen Hbf | 1h54 | 2:03 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 · ICE 126 | On time 12:59 PM Essen Hbf | 2h00 | 2:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 146 | On time 2:09 PM Essen Hbf | 1h50 | 3:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 · ICE 124 | On time 2:59 PM Essen Hbf | 2h00 | 4:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 144 | On time 4:09 PM Essen Hbf | 1h50 | 5:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 613 · ICE 122 | On time 4:59 PM Essen Hbf | 2h00 | 6:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 142 | On time 6:09 PM Essen Hbf | 1h50 | 7:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 615 · ICE 224 | On time 6:59 PM Essen Hbf | 2h01 | 9:00 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
ICE 140 | On time 8:09 PM Essen Hbf | 1h50 | 9:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 617 · ICE 120 | On time 9:00 PM Essen Hbf | 1h59 | 10:59 PM Utrecht Centraal | 1 transfer | |
10232 · IC 3084+ 20038 | 9:20 PM Essen Hbf | 2h43 | 12:03 AM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
10166 · 20094 · IC 3588 · IC 28401 | 9:46 PM Essen Hbf | 5h16 | 3:02 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
10166 · 20094 · IC 3588 · IC 28486 | 9:46 PM Essen Hbf | 5h02 | 2:48 AM Utrecht Centraal | 4 transfers | |
10347 · Bus RE18 · IC 28403 · IC 1418 | 10:16 PM Essen Hbf | 7h35 | 5:51 AM Utrecht Centraal | 3 transfers | |
10234 · IC 3012+ 20040 | 10:20 PM Essen Hbf | 7h47 | 6:07 AM Utrecht Centraal | 2 transfers | |
10170 · 26438 · Bus RE18 · IC 28403 | 10:46 PM Essen Hbf | 7h05 | 5:51 AM Utrecht Centraal | 4 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 8 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) 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 56m.
Distance 91 miles (148 km) |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Utrecht — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Utrecht trip today.
Utrecht’s main art and city museum, known for old masters, design, and the Rietveld Schröder archive. A strong all-round choice for understanding the city’s culture.
A highly popular national museum with historic trains, interactive displays, and family-friendly exhibits in a former station building.
A UNESCO-listed modernist house designed by Gerrit Rietveld, celebrated for its radical architecture and interior flexibility.
Utrecht’s most famous canal street, lined with wharves, bridges, and historic facades. Essential for walking, photos, and atmosphere.
The historic square around the Dom Tower and cathedral, central to Utrecht’s Roman, medieval, and modern identity.
A charming central district of museums, churches, courtyards, and old streets that works well for slow exploration.
A soft bread roll filled with a Dutch meatball, often served with mustard or gravy. It is a classic snack in lunchrooms and snack bars across Utrecht and the Netherlands.
A traditional Utrecht sausage with a distinctive smoky, spiced flavor. It is one of the city’s best-known local specialties and is often eaten sliced with mustard.
A hearty Dutch mash of potatoes with vegetables such as kale, sauerkraut, or endive, usually served in colder months. It is a comforting staple of local home cooking.
Well-known Indonesian restaurant with a stylish setting, famous for rijsttafel and flavorful shared dishes. A reliable choice for a lively dinner.
Popular casual venue focused on organic, vegetarian-friendly food with a relaxed local feel. Good for breakfast, lunch, or a lighter dinner.
Modern café-restaurant known for creative seasonal cooking and a bright, contemporary atmosphere. Especially appreciated for brunch and vegetarian-friendly options.
Prices are above average for the Netherlands. Budget eats are manageable, but hotels, drinks, and central dining can be pricey.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated. Small tips for taxis are common.
Official public transport app
Utrecht Centraal, Utrecht -> Dom Tower, Utrecht
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.

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