- 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 on Sep 15
€80
Average ticket price on Sep 15
€91
Fastest journey on Sep 15
5 h 16 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
5 h 18 m
Trains on Sep 15
15
Distance
458 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Friedrichshafen to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Friedrichshafen to Essen will cost around €91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €80.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 15 trains from Friedrichshafen to Essen, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 458 km distance in an average of 5 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 16 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 5 h 19 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.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Friedrichshafen to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €159 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €159, while a train costs an average of €159.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
€159 Average price Cheapest | €85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Friedrichshafen to Essen:
A bus is €91 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Friedrichshafen to Essen costing on average €159.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 38m.
You'll arrive about 1h 46m sooner (5h 12m by train vs 6h 58m by car). Tickets start at around €159 compared to roughly €85 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 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.
The table below shows live departures for Friedrichshafen to Essen trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:34 PM Friedrichshafen | 5h24 | 8:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:05 PM Friedrichshafen | 5h17 | 9:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:34 PM Friedrichshafen | 5h24 | 10:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:34 PM Friedrichshafen | 7h24 | 6:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
![]() | 5:27 AM Friedrichshafen | 5h31 | 10:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:03 AM Friedrichshafen | 5h19 | 11:22 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:32 AM Friedrichshafen | 5h26 | 12:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:06 AM Friedrichshafen | 5h16 | 1:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:34 AM Friedrichshafen | 5h24 | 2:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:05 AM Friedrichshafen | 5h17 | 3:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:34 AM Friedrichshafen | 5h24 | 4:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:03 PM Friedrichshafen | 5h19 | 5:22 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:35 PM Friedrichshafen | 6h18 | 6:53 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:35 PM Friedrichshafen | 6h18 | 6:53 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:34 PM Friedrichshafen | 5h24 | 6:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Friedrichshafen to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €143 but you can travel from only €49 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:09, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 284 miles (458 km) distance in 4h 54m.
Distance 284 miles (458 km) |
Average train duration 5h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price €143 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 54m |
First train 1:09 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 35 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 Friedrichshafen 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.

Most Friedrichshafen to Essen trains use the Friedrichshafen Stadt to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Friedrichshafen and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Friedrichshafen Stadt 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 options include: Kochlöffel, Ailinger Hof, Cafe Vinebar Al Porto, Felders
Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Stadt. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Friedrichshafen Stadt: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Stadt.
Nearby hotels include Stadthotel Kleiner Berg, Select Hotel Goldenes Rad Friedrichshafen, Schwanen, Villa Von Soden.
Friedrichshafen Flughafen is 3 km from Friedrichshafen city centre. Public transport options include:
Friedrichshafen Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Do-X, Imbiss auf Besucherterrasse, LSC Restaurant, Volare
Wi-Fi is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. ATMs are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.
Ticket office support is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. Information desks are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.
Luggage storage is available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Friedrichshafen Flughafen.
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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need