- 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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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Gifhorn to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Gifhorn to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. 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 $21, and a flight costs an average of $532.
Distance: 166 miles (268 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $647 Average price | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Gifhorn to Essen is a bus with an average price of $40 (€32).
This is compared to other travel options from Gifhorn to Essen:
A bus is $53 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gifhorn to Essen costing on average $93 (€76).
A bus is $608 (€497) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gifhorn to Essen costing on average $647 (€530).
The fastest way to travel from Gifhorn to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 3h 6m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 40m.
Bus takes on average 5h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Gifhorn and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Gifhorn 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 40m sooner (3h 6m by train vs 3h 46m by car). Tickets start at around $93 (€76) compared to roughly $56 (€46) 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Gifhorn 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Gifhorn to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Gifhorn to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 (€71) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 16:32. The fastest train covers the 166 miles (268 km) distance in 3h 4m.
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 $21 (€17)
Distance 166 miles (268 km) |
Average train duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€71) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 5:25 AM |
Last train 4:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 $21 (€17)
Train companies: Erixx from Gifhorn to Essen trainsErixx trains will get you between Gifhorn and Essen from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Erixx
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 19m
Erixx 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 Gifhorn to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gifhorn 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 Gifhorn to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $87 (€71), while the average price is around $93 (€76).
The train from Gifhorn to Essen takes 3h 4m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Gifhorn to Essen leaves at 5:25 AM.
The distance by train from Gifhorn to Essen is 166 miles (268 km).
The last train from Gifhorn to Essen leaves at 4:32 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Gifhorn to Essen.
There is no direct train service currently available from Gifhorn to Essen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Gifhorn to Essen.
The train station in Gifhorn that goes to Essen is Gifhorn station, which connects to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Gifhorn to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around $21 (€17).
The train journey from Gifhorn to Essen offers a mix of scenic views, including stretches of picturesque countryside and charming small towns, especially as you travel through Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. However, some parts of the route may include more urban or industrial landscapes.
A day trip from Gifhorn to Essen is not feasible due to the travel time of 3h 4m. However, there are 8 train trips available per day for this route.
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 Gifhorn to Essen.
Since both Gifhorn 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Gifhorn 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 Gifhorn to Essen
Gifhorn
Essen
The major train station for departures in Gifhorn is Gifhorn. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Gifhorn for your trip from Gifhorn to Essen.
Gifhorn
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- ANNA
- La Cantina
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Gifhorn.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation 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
Most popular train connections from Gifhorn
More options for your journey from Gifhorn to Essen
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Most popular trains to and from Essen and Gifhorn
Most popular train connections to Essen
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