- 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
$34
Average price
$105
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 26 m
Trains per day
17
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 $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 17 trains that leave Hamburg for Essen on Sun, Jun 14, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 14 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 3 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
On Sun, Jun 14 the slowest trains will take 3 h 35 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 103
ICE 105
ICE 515
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
ICE 517
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 107Omio 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 $17. 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 $17, and a flight costs an average of $89.
Distance: 193 miles (311 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$48 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $262 Average price | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.9kg 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 Hamburg to Essen:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hamburg to Essen costing on average $48 (€39).
A bus is $232 (€189) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hamburg to Essen costing on average $262 (€213).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 12m.
Bus takes on average 4h 39m.
The journey is about 1h 9m faster (3h 12m by train vs 4h 21m by car) and roughly $18 (€14) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($48 (€39) vs $66 (€53)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen trains for today, Saturday, June 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 103 | On time 4:21 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h37 | 7:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 515 | On time 5:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 8:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 105 | On time 6:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 9:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 517 | On time 7:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 10:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 107 | On time 8:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:30 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h30 | 12:00 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:42 AM Hamburg Harburg | 3h18 | 12:00 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 519 | On time 9:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 109 | On time 10:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 1:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 611 | On time 11:23 AM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 2:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 201 | On time 12:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 3:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 613 | On time 1:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 4:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 203 | On time 2:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 615 | On time 3:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 6:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 205 | On time 4:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 7:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:30 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h30 | 8:00 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:42 PM Hamburg Harburg | 3h18 | 8:00 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 617 | On time 5:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 8:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 207 | On time 6:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 9:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 619 | Delayed 7:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h35 | 9:29 PM 9:29 PMEssen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 209 | Delayed 8:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h34 | 10:57 PM 10:57 PMEssen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 921 | Delayed 10:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 3h44 | 12:34 AM 12:34 AMEssen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 921 | On time 10:23 PM Hamburg Hbf | 4h11 | 2:34 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Hamburg to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 193 miles (311 km) distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 193 miles (311 km) |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 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.

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