- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 22
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
191 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Fast trains
Of the 13 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main Airport for Essen on Mon, Jun 22, 8 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 191 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 1 h 48 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 10227:59 AM3h03Frankfurt Airport long-distance station11:02 AMEssen Hbf$181One-way0 transfers- ICE 24 · ICE 5127:59 PM2h59Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:58 PMEssen Hbf$181One-way1 transfer
- ICE 229:59 PM3h20Frankfurt Airport long-distance station1:19 AMEssen Hbf$181One-way0 transfers
- ICE 10010:11 PM3h18Frankfurt Airport long-distance station1:29 AMEssen Hbf$221One-way0 transfers
- ICE 1612 · IC 2204 · ICE 15478:26 AM2h20Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:46 AMEssen Hbf$281One-way2 transfers
- ICE 5288:22 PM1h40Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:02 PMEssen Hbf$281One-way0 transfers
- ICE 8228:22 AM1h41Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:03 AMEssen Hbf$731One-way0 transfers
- ICE 2048:11 AM1h47Frankfurt Airport long-distance station9:58 AMEssen Hbf$1001One-way0 transfers
- ICE 6149:10 AM1h48Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:58 AMEssen Hbf$1151One-way0 transfers
- ICE 5129:10 PM1h48Frankfurt Airport long-distance station10:58 PMEssen Hbf$281One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $111.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $145 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 29m Average total duration 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen is a bus with an average price of $24 (€20).
This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen:
A bus is $59 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen costing on average $83 (€68).
A bus is $121 (€99) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen costing on average $145 (€119).
The fastest way to travel from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 45m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 59m.
Bus takes on average 3h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 39m sooner (1h 59m by train vs 2h 38m by car). Tickets start at around $83 (€68) compared to roughly $43 (€35) 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.
Live departures
Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 1022 | On time 7:59 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 3h03 | 11:02 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 204 | On time 8:11 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h47 | 9:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 822 | On time 8:22 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h41 | 10:03 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 1612 · IC 2204 · ICE 1547 | On time 8:26 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h20 | 10:46 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| S8 · ICE 1049 · ICE 202 | On time 8:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Flughafen | 3h28 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 316 · 26813 | On time 8:48 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 2h02 | 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 614 | On time 9:10 AM Frankfurt Airport long-distance station | 1h48 | 10:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen 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 22
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Why should you book Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) offer trains services from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 15:59. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 1h 41m.
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
Bus from $17 (€14)
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average train duration 1h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 5:59 AM |
Last train 3:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Bus from $17 (€14)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen from $17 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 54m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
9 a day
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
$66 (€54)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Recommended
Ruhr Museum
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
- Must visit
Zollverein Park
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
- Recommended
Kettwig Old Town
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Currywurst
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
- Gluten-free
Pfefferpotthast
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Hugenpoet Restaurant 1831
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Schote
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Meisenburg
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.60
- Day pass
- EUR 8.90
To the city center
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- You can buy tickets digitally in the VRR App before boarding local trains, trams, and buses.
- Card payment is commonly available in ticket machines, but on-board payment options can vary by operator and vehicle.
FAQs: Trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $22 (€18), while the average price is around $83 (€68).
The train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen takes 1h 41m and runs 15 per day.
The distance by train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen is 118 miles (191 km).
The first train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen leaves at 5:59 AM.
The last train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen leaves at 3:59 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen. This service operates 7 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
The cheapest way to get from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around $17 (€14).
The train journey from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Rhine River and picturesque German towns, but it is not typically considered one of the more scenic routes in Germany.
Yes, a day trip from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen is feasible with a travel time of 1h 41m, a distance of 118 miles (191 km), and a train frequency of 21 per day.
To explore Essen's key attractions, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and Grugapark, a stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen.
Since both Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen 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 Essen include Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Münster, Aachen.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen 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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. It's advisable to use official transport services and stay alert in busy locations to ensure safety.
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 Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen
Frankfurt am Main
Essen
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Most popular train connections from Frankfurt am Main Airport
More options for your journey from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Frankfurt am Main Airport
Most popular train connections to Essen
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