- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
1 h 54 m
Average duration
1 h 56 m
Trains per day
30
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Frankfurt am Main 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 to Essen will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 30 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Essen on Sun, Jul 19, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 54 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 57 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.
IC 2541 · IC 2155
ICE 824
ICE 1022
S8 · ICE 1612 · 26813
ICE 22
ICE 722
ICE 728
ICE 528
ICE 724
ICE 824Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Frankfurt am Main 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. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. 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 (190 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $148 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Frankfurt am Main to Essen:
A bus is $57 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen costing on average $82 (€67).
A bus is $123 (€101) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Essen costing on average $148 (€122).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 10m.
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
Tickets start at around $82 (€67) compared to roughly $43 (€35) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-39.17 (€-32.16). The journey takes 3h 10m versus 2h 59m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Frankfurt am Main to Essen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2541 · IC 2155 | On time 6:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h31 | 10:14 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 824 | On time 7:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h57 | 9:05 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 220 · 26811 | On time 7:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h16 | 9:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1022 | On time 7:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h19 | 11:02 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1022 · ICE 204 | On time 7:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h15 | 9:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S8 · ICE 1612 · 26813 | 7:47 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h03 | 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 7:58 AM Frankfurt South station | 8h50 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
S9 · ICE 614 · ICE 1022 | On time 8:32 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h30 | 11:02 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 820 | On time 9:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h58 | 11:06 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 128 · 26815 | On time 9:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h16 | 11:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1020 · ICE 202 | On time 9:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h15 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1020 | On time 9:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h15 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 728 | On time 10:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h55 | 12:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S9 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020 | On time 10:32 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h26 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 726 | On time 11:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h58 | 1:06 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
4256 · ICE 1010 | On time 11:09 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h13 | 1:22 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 126 · 26819 | On time 11:34 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h16 | 1:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 314 · ICE 200 | On time 11:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h15 | 1:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 926 · ICE 641 | On time 11:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h35 | 3:18 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 724 | On time 12:07 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h57 | 2:04 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 722 | On time 1:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h54 | 3:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
4258 · ICE 918 | On time 1:09 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h13 | 3:22 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Frankfurt am Main to Essen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 1h 54m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 54m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Frankfurt am Main 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need