- Must visit
Autostadt
Automotive-themed destination with pavilions, classic cars, design exhibitions, and family-friendly experiences beside the VW plant.
Cheapest price
€43
Average price
€48
Fastest journey
2 h 42 m
Average duration
2 h 43 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
280 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Wolfsburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Wolfsburg will cost around €48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €43.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Wolfsburg on Wed, Aug 05, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 280 km distance in an average of 2 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 42 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 43 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.
ICE 849
ICE 545
ICE 547
ICE 847
ICE 845
ICE 849
ICE 845
ICE 847
ICE 547
ICE 545Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Wolfsburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €12, and a flight costs an average of €140.
Distance: 173 miles (280 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€68 Average price | €20 Average price Cheapest | €372 Average price | €49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 53m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Wolfsburg:
A bus is €49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Wolfsburg costing on average €68.
A bus is €352 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Wolfsburg costing on average €372.
Other travel options to Wolfsburg take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 25m.
Flight takes on average 3h 53m.
You'll arrive about 53m sooner (2h 49m by train vs 3h 42m by car). Tickets start at around €68 compared to roughly €49 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.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Wolfsburg trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 845 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 2h42 | 11:03 AM Wolfsburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 2h43 | 12:02 PM Wolfsburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 10:20 AM Essen Hbf | 2h43 | 1:03 PM Wolfsburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 547 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 2h43 | 2:02 PM Wolfsburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 849 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 2h42 | 3:03 PM Wolfsburg Hbf | 0 transfersDirect |
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 Wolfsburg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €12 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 173 miles (280 km) distance in 2h 42m.
Distance 173 miles (280 km) |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 42m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Wolfsburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wolfsburg trip today.
Automotive-themed destination with pavilions, classic cars, design exhibitions, and family-friendly experiences beside the VW plant.
One of Europe's leading contemporary art museums, known for major international exhibitions in a striking cultural complex.
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits on physics, technology, and perception in a landmark building by Zaha Hadid.
Waterfront leisure district with promenades, architecture, and direct access to major attractions, ideal for first-time visitors.
Lakeside park with broad lawns, paths, and recreation areas, popular for relaxing walks close to the city center.
Charming old town quarter with half-timbered houses, small squares, and heritage sites around Hoffmann von Fallersleben's home.
A hearty Lower Saxony kale stew cooked with onions and spices, often served in winter with potatoes and sausage. A classic regional comfort dish.
White asparagus from the region, prized in spring for its delicate flavor. Commonly served with potatoes, hollandaise, or ham during Spargel season.
A rustic potato side dish of boiled potatoes mixed with onions, bacon, and herbs. It reflects everyday North German home cooking.
Michelin-starred dining in The Ritz-Carlton, specializing in modern creative tasting menus with refined service and an elegant atmosphere.
Stylish brasserie in the Volkswagen Autostadt area, known for seasonal European dishes, polished service, and a contemporary setting.
Established Italian restaurant appreciated for pasta, pizza, and classic Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed, reliable setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Costs are usually lower than Munich or Hamburg for tourists.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up for taxis and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Wolfsburg Hbf -> Wolfsburg City Center (Porschestraße)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Wolfsburg 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 Wolfsburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Wolfsburg trains use the Essen Hbf to Wolfsburg Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Essen and Wolfsburg 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 Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd 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, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Kettwig Stausee is 12 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Kettwig Stausee 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: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Copper Irish Pub, Giulia
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig Stausee. ATMs are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig Stausee. Information desks are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig Stausee. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kettwig Stausee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kettwig Stausee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Henning.
Wolfsburg 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: Lagune Foodhalls, Chardonnay, Bar BQ, Cafe & Bar Celona
Wi-Fi is available at Wolfsburg Hbf. ATMs are available at Wolfsburg Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wolfsburg Hbf. Information desks are available at Wolfsburg Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wolfsburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wolfsburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wolfsburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wolfsburg Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Goldene Henne, Internationales Boardinghaus(Penthouse Hotel), Hotel Niedersachsen, City Hotel Journal.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need