- Must visit
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Vienna’s premier fine arts museum, famed for the Habsburg collections, Old Masters, and one of Europe’s grandest museum interiors.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Vienna
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$330
Average price
$330
Fastest journey
13 h 4 m
Average duration
13 h 4 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
927 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Vienna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Vienna will cost around $330 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $330.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Essen for Vienna on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 927 km distance in an average of 13 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 4 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 13 h 4 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.
7:44 PM13h04Essen8:48 AMVienna$3301One-way0 transfers
- 7:44 PM13h04Essen8:48 AMVienna$3301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Vienna
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to Vienna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a train costs an average of $121.
Distance: 576 miles (927 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$263 Average price | $141 Average price | $115 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 30m Average total duration 13h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 25m Average total duration 20h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Vienna is a bus with an average price of $115 (€94).
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Vienna:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Vienna costing on average $141 (€115).
A bus is $148 (€121) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Vienna costing on average $263 (€215).
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Vienna is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 45m.
Other travel options to Vienna take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 0m.
Bus takes on average 20h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Vienna including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Vienna among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $263 (€215) compared to roughly $7 (€5) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-256.33 (€-209.79). The journey takes 13h 0m versus 11h 12m 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.
Live departures
Essen to Vienna train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Vienna trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:35 PM Essen | 12h13 | 8:48 AM Vienna | 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 Vienna 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.
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Jun 21
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Vienna
Belgium
Austria
Trains from Essen to Vienna run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $121 (€99) but you can travel from only $68 (€56) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:28, the last at 17:13. The fastest train covers the 576 miles (927 km) distance in 13h 0m.
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
Flight from $68 (€56)
Distance 576 miles (927 km) |
Average train duration 13h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $121 (€99) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 13h 0m |
First train 12:28 AM |
Last train 5:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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
Flight from $68 (€56)
Train companies: ÖBB | Nightjet from Essen to Vienna trainsÖBB | Nightjet trains will get you between Essen and Vienna from $68 (€56). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB | Nightjet
About
ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company that offers overnight services across Europe. It has a range of train types, including the EuroNight, CityNightLine and Nightjet, which all offer comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes. The EuroNight is the most luxurious option, with private compartments and a restaurant car. The CityNightLine is a more affordable option, with compartments and couchettes, while the Nightjet is the most basic option, with couchettes and reclining seats. Ticket types include Economy, Comfort and Business, with the latter offering the most luxurious experience. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car and a bar. The most popular routes for ÖBB Nightjet are from Vienna to Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 13m
Cheapest Price
$330 (€270)
ÖBB | Nightjet frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats, at end of carriages, and under seats. Special storage for bikes and ski equipment.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes. Night trains offer breakfast service in sleeper and couchette cars.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Additional fee applies. Free for certain ticket types and first class.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs need ticket (50% of 2nd class fare) and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Vienna
Things to do in Vienna
Discover the best of Vienna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Vienna trip today.
- Must visit
Belvedere Museum
A major art museum complex best known for Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, housed in the historic Belvedere palaces and gardens.
- Must visit
Albertina
A leading museum for graphic arts and major temporary exhibitions, with a celebrated collection and central location by the State Opera.
- Must visit
Historic Center of Vienna
The UNESCO-listed old town is the essential area for first-time visitors, filled with major sights, elegant streets, and imperial atmosphere.
- Must visit
Ringstrasse
Vienna’s grand boulevard lined with monumental buildings, ideal for walking, tram rides, and understanding the city’s imperial urban design.
- Must visit
Schönbrunn Gardens
Formal imperial gardens and viewpoints around Schönbrunn Palace, ideal for walking and among the city’s most photogenic open spaces.
Wiener Schnitzel
Vienna’s signature dish: a thin veal cutlet breaded and fried until crisp, traditionally served with potato salad or parsley potatoes.
- Gluten-free
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef simmered in broth and served with classic sides such as apple-horseradish and chive sauce. It is one of Vienna’s most traditional imperial dishes.
- Gluten-free
Fiakergulasch
A rich Viennese beef goulash, typically served with sausage, fried egg, and pickles. It is a hearty tavern favorite with roots in the city’s working-class cuisine.
Restaurant Steirereck
One of Vienna’s leading fine dining restaurants, offering modern Austrian cuisine with exceptional technique and a refined park-side setting.
Figlmüller Wollzeile
Historic Viennese restaurant famous for oversized schnitzel and classic Austrian dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Plachutta Wollzeile
Well-known traditional restaurant celebrated for Tafelspitz and refined boiled beef dishes, with polished service and a classic atmosphere.
Euro
Prices are higher than in much of Central Europe. Museums, hotels, and dining add up, but public transport is good value.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, sausage, or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3.50-5 for a coffeehouse coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included, but rounding up is customary. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Small tips are appreciated in cafés and bars.
WienMobil
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 2.40
- Day pass
- EUR 8.00
To the city center
Vienna Hbf, Vienna -> Stephansplatz, Vienna
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Validate paper tickets before boarding; mobile tickets in WienMobil are valid from purchase as shown in the app.
- Card payment is widely accepted in metro stations and in the WienMobil app, but not on board all trams and buses, so buy tickets in advance.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Vienna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Vienna 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 Vienna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Vienna can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $121 (€99), while the average price is around $263 (€215).
The train from Essen to Vienna takes 13h 0m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Essen to Vienna is 576 miles (927 km).
The first train from Essen to Vienna leaves at 12:28 AM.
The last train from Essen to Vienna leaves at 5:13 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Essen to Vienna.
Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Vienna. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by ÖBB | Nightjet.
Yes, there is a night train from Essen to Vienna.
The train station in Essen that goes to Vienna is Essen station, which connects to Vienna Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Vienna is by flight, with a cost of around $68 (€56).
The train journey from Essen to Vienna offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhine Valley and the rolling hills of Bavaria, providing a charming blend of natural beauty and historic towns.
In Vienna, you can explore the Prater for amusement rides and the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, visit the Naschmarkt for international foods and local specialties, enjoy a scenic Danube River Cruise, and witness classical equestrian performances at the Spanish Riding School. For nature enthusiasts, the Vienna Woods offer picturesque hiking trails. Notable sights include the Schönbrunn Palace with its extensive gardens, the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Belvedere Palace with its impressive art collection, the historic Hofburg Palace, and the renowned Vienna State Opera.
Three to four days are ideal to explore Vienna's major attractions, including Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Belvedere Palace, and the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Vienna.
Since both Essen and Vienna 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 Vienna include Bratislava, Brno, Linz, Győr, Semmering.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Vienna 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.
Austria uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but card payments are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred in smaller towns or for small purchases.
In Vienna, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, popular tourist spots, and markets. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups or individuals to steal wallets or phones. It's advisable to remain vigilant in busy areas, avoid displaying valuables openly, and use secure bags or pockets. Additionally, be wary of unofficial taxi services and always choose licensed taxis to avoid overcharging.
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 Vienna
Essen
Vienna
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen for your trip from Essen to Vienna.
Essen
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike Parkinginformation
The major train station for arrivals in Vienna is Wien Hauptbahnhof. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Wien Hauptbahnhof for your journey to Vienna from Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
- Sat: 09:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7
Dining
- Burger King
- L’Osteria
- Akakiko
- McDonald’s
- Oberlaa
- Nordsee
- Som Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Admiral Sports Bar
- Asia Gourmet
- & many more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175
Hotel
- Star Inn Hotel
- Quartier Belvedere
- AZIMUT Hotel Vienna
Information Desk
- Information desks are located at each end of the main level
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Vienna
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Vienna and Essen
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