The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Essen
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
2 h 58 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
311 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hamburg to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg to Essen will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
It's difficult to get from Hamburg to Essen without transferring at least once.
ICE 585 · ICE 642
ICE 519 · 22038
ICE 107 · 22036
ICE 787 · ICE 942
ICE 1521 · S2
ICE 1521 · S2
ICE 519 · 22038
ICE 107 · 22036
ICE 787 · ICE 942
ICE 585 · ICE 642Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Hamburg to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 193 miles (311 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€37 Average price | €27 Average price Cheapest | €205 Average price |
3h 43m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Hamburg to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen trains for today, Tuesday, January 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:46 PM Hamburg | 3h49 | 12:35 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, January 28 | |||||
ICE 1521 · S2 | On time 7:09 AM Hamburg Hbf | 2h58 | 10:07 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 · 22036 | On time 7:42 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h25 | 11:07 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 585 · ICE 642 | On time 8:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h37 | 11:38 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 519 · 22038 | On time 8:45 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h22 | 12:07 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 787 · ICE 942 | On time 9:01 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h36 | 12:37 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg to Essen by bus, train, or flight
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.
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Feb 01
Feb 02
Feb 03
Why should you book Hamburg to Essen trains with Omio?
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 FlixTrain to find the best option for your trip from Hamburg 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Hamburg to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hamburg to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Essen
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Hamburg to Essen start from as low as $19 (€15) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $47 (€37) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 15 daily trains from Hamburg to Essen with 6 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 2h 57m but the average duration is 3h 13m
Train Operators
- Travel from Hamburg to Essen with Deutsche Bahn and FlixTrain
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Deutsche Bahn.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Hamburg Hbf and arrive in Essen Hbf
- First train typically departs at 12:01 AM and the last at 11:56 PM
Distance 193 miles (311 km) |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 57m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Hamburg to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Hamburg and Essen from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FlixTrain
Train tickets from Hamburg to Essen: when to book to save $
The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:
- Buying your train ticket from Hamburg - Essen 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 0% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
- If you book a ticket Hamburg - Essen with 2 months in advance you save up to about 25% compared to the initial price.
- By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 33%.
- On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
FAQs: Trains from Hamburg to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Hamburg to Essen
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:30
- Sat - Sun: 08:00 - 20:15
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Le Crobag
- Burger King
- Coffee Fellows
- Havin Grill
- KFC
- Mr. CLOU
- Starbucks
- dean&david
- SPAR Express
- Pommesfreunde
- & more
- Wheelchair friendly with lifts and ramps. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- Boutique 053 Hamburg Main Station
- IntercityHotel Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Park Hyatt Hamburg
- Located in the east hall on the opposite side of the DB ticket office.
- Monday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:40 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
- Sunday: 09:00 - 14:30
- Café Bom Dia
- Hünkar
- Yoko Sushi Harburg
- Mathewes Grill
- Hotel Panorama
- Hotel Harburger Hof
- Hotel Jeta
- Hotel Süderelbe
- Monday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:00 - 21:00
- Saturday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Ethio
- Trattoria Toscana
- Marta
- Pavillon
- Schanzenstern Bio-Restaurant
- Hotel Hamburg Altona
- Hotel Central
- Best Western Raphael Hotel Altona
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Most popular train connections from Hamburg
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