FRANKFURT AM MAIN AIRPORT to ESSEN train from $17 with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen

Showing times and prices for Aug 06

Cheapest price

$24

Average price

$109

Fastest journey

1 h 44 m

Average duration

2 h 10 m

Trains per day

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 $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main Airport for Essen on Thu, Aug 06, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 191 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 44 m .

On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.

6:26 AM2h20
Frankfurt am Main Airport
8:46 AMEssen
$241One-way
0 transfers
7:59 AM2h59
Frankfurt am Main Airport
10:58 AMEssen
$481One-way
0 transfers
6:30 AM3h28
Frankfurt am Main Airport
9:58 AMEssen
$661One-way
0 transfers
6:59 AM3h03
Frankfurt am Main Airport
10:02 AMEssen
$851One-way
0 transfers
7:11 AM1h47
Frankfurt am Main Airport
8:58 AMEssen
$931One-way
0 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 $112.

Distance: 118 miles (191 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight	Driving
$83 Average price	$24 Average price Cheapest	$146 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.

This is compared to other travel options from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen:

A bus is $59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen costing on average $83.

A bus is $122 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen costing on average $146.

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 compared to roughly $43 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, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
	6:26 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport	2h20	8:46 AM Essen	0 transfersDirect
	6:30 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport	3h28	9:58 AM Essen	0 transfersDirect
	6:48 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport	2h02	8:50 AM Essen	0 transfersDirect
	6:59 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport	3h03	10:02 AM Essen	0 transfersDirect
	7:11 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport	1h47	8:58 AM Essen	0 transfersDirect
	7:22 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport	1h44	9:06 AM Essen	0 transfersDirect
	7:59 AM Frankfurt am Main Airport	2h59	10:58 AM Essen	0 transfersDirect
	3:37 PM Frankfurt am Main Airport	3h21	6:58 PM Essen	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.

Thu
Aug 06

Fri
Aug 07

Sat
Aug 08

Sun
Aug 09

Mon
Aug 10

Tue
Aug 11

Wed
Aug 12

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

Germany

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 $23 but you can travel from only $17 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

Distance

118 miles (191 km)

Average train duration

1h 59m

Cheapest ticket price

$23

Trains per day

Direct trains

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

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $17

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. 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

$23

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.

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.

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.

Quiet zone

Learn more about Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 54m

Cheapest Price

$55

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency

9 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

2h 0m

Cheapest Price

$66

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.

Must visit

Museum Folkwang

World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Ruhr Museum

Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Deutsches Plakat Museum

Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range: €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.

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 $23, while the average price is around $83.

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.

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

Most Frankfurt am Main Airport to Essen trains use the Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Frankfurt am Main Airport and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Frankfurt am Main

Arrival train stations in Essen

Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min

Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

Essen Hbf 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 and drink

Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.

More about Essen Hbf

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre

TRUE

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services

Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.

Essen-WerdenEssen-Werden, Im Löwental 11, 45239 Essen Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre

Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 11m · $2 · every ~6 min

BusS6 · 14m · $5

Ne8 · 22m · $5

Essen-Werden train station facilities and services

Essen-Werden 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.