- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major 19th- to 21st-century collections and high-quality temporary exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 7 m
Trains per day
6
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 $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Of the 6 trains that leave Frankfurt am Main for Essen on Thu, Jun 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 the direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 2 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
On Thu, Jun 04 the slowest trains will take 2 h 17 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 896 · ICE 1049 · ICE 849
ICE 822
ICE 1612 · ICE 1014
ICE 316 · 26813
S8 · ICE 614
ICE 822
ICE 1612 · ICE 1014
ICE 614+
24324
S8 · ICE 614
ICE 316 · 26813Omio 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 $18. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $113.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $150 Average price | $44 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 $58 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Frankfurt am Main to Essen costing on average $83 (€67).
A bus is $125 (€101) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Frankfurt am Main to Essen costing on average $150 (€122).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 10m.
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
Tickets start at around $83 (€67) compared to roughly $44 (€35) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-39.79 (€-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 today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 14 · 26825 | On time 2:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h16 | 4:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 626 | On time 4:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h55 | 6:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 12 · 26829 | On time 4:34 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h16 | 6:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
4487 · IC 1941 · ICE 104 | On time 4:38 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h20 | 7:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 624 | On time 5:08 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h55 | 7:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
S8 · ICE 224 · 26831 | 5:17 PM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h33 | 7:50 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, June 4 | |||||
ICE 822 | On time 8:08 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 1h55 | 10:03 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1612 · ICE 1014 | On time 8:12 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h03 | 10:15 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 316 · 26813 | On time 8:33 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h17 | 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 896 · ICE 1049 · ICE 849 | On time 8:43 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 3h37 | 12:20 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
S8 · ICE 614 | On time 8:47 AM Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | 2h15 | 11:02 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614+ 24324 | Delayed 7:14 AM 8:57 AMFrankfurt South station | 2h05 | 11:02 AM 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 $23 (€18) but you can travel from only $18 (€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 $23 (€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.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major 19th- to 21st-century collections and high-quality temporary exhibitions.
The main regional museum of the Ruhr, inside the Zollverein Coal Mine complex, covering industrial, cultural, and natural history.
A design museum in the former boiler house of Zollverein, displaying award-winning product and industrial design in a dramatic setting.
Large lake and recreation area popular for walking, cycling, sailing views, and relaxed Ruhr scenery.
The main pedestrian shopping street in central Essen, lively and practical for first-time visitors exploring downtown on foot.
A major urban park with gardens, open lawns, themed areas, and seasonal appeal, popular with locals and families.
Sliced Bratwurst with a spiced ketchup-style curry sauce, a Ruhrgebiet classic popular as quick comfort food.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with black pepper, long associated with nearby Westphalia and hearty regional cooking.
A Rhineland and Ruhr favorite combining mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with fried onions and sausage.
Well-known fine dining restaurant in Essen, recognized for modern seasonal cuisine and an elegant, upscale atmosphere.
Longstanding upscale restaurant with a strong reputation for classic European cuisine, polished service, and a formal setting.
Established traditional-style venue in Essen-Horst, appreciated for regional German dishes and a warm, classic atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service; round up in taxis; small tips are optional in cafés and bars.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
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.

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