The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Zagreb
Cheapest price
$158
Average price
$179
Fastest journey
18 h 15 m
Average duration
19 h 3 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
909 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Zagreb is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Zagreb will cost around $179 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $158.
Of the 2 trains that leave Essen for Zagreb on Thu, May 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 909 km distance in an average of 19 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 15 m .
On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 19 h 50 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.
10:00 PM18h15Essen4:15 PMZagreb$1581One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM19h50Essen8:50 AMZagreb$2001One-way0 transfers
10:00 PM18h15Essen4:15 PMZagreb$1581One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM19h50Essen8:50 AMZagreb$2001One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Essen to Zagreb
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to Zagreb among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $21.
Distance: 564 miles (909 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$160 Average price | $180 Average price | $99 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 4m Average total duration 15h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 17m Average total duration 18h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.7 - 5.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Zagreb:
A bus is $62 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Zagreb costing on average $160 (€128).
A bus is $81 (€65) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Zagreb costing on average $180 (€144).
Other travel options to Zagreb take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 34m.
Bus takes on average 18h 47m.
Tickets start at around $160 (€128) compared to roughly $78 (€63) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-81.79 (€-65.37). The journey takes 15h 34m versus 12h 1m 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 Zagreb train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Zagreb trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 PM Essen | 19h50 | 8:50 AM Zagreb | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 PM Essen | 18h15 | 4:15 PM Zagreb | 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 Zagreb by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Why should you book Essen to Zagreb trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Zagreb.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Zagreb.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Zagreb
Trains from Essen to Zagreb run on average 3 times per day, taking around 15h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 23:04. The fastest train covers the 564 miles (909 km) distance in 14h 24m.
Distance 564 miles (909 km) |
Average train duration 15h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€49) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 14h 24m |
First train 5:25 AM |
Last train 11:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Zagreb trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Zagreb from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Zagreb
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Zagreb 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 Zagreb, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Zagreb
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Trg kralja Tomislava.
- Zinfandel's Restaurant
- Le Bistro Esplanade
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- HRK 3
- Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
- Hotel Central
- Palace Hotel Zagreb
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for trains to Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and domestic destinations
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6, Line 13
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Zagreb
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