The cheapest and fastest trains from Hamburg to Essen
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
7 h 43 m
Average duration
8 h 59 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
443 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 $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 3 trains that leave Hamburg for Essen on Fri, Nov 07, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 443 km distance in an average of 8 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 43 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 11 h 4 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.






Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Hamburg to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus 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 €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €90.
Distance: 275 miles (443 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€105 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €162 Average price |
7h 59m Average total duration 7h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 46m Average total duration 11h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Hamburg to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:01 AM Hamburg | 11h04 | 6:05 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:46 AM Hamburg | 7h43 | 3:29 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:46 AM Hamburg | 8h09 | 4:55 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hamburg to Essen

Journey information
Overview: Train from Hamburg to Essen
Trains from Hamburg to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:31, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 275 miles (443 km) distance in 6h 39m.
Distance 275 miles (443 km) |
Average train duration 7h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 39m |
First train 06:31 |
Last train 23:32 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Hamburg to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Hamburg and Essen from $29 (€24). 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
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
- 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
- McDonald's
- St. Pauli
- Scoom
- McCafé
- Leonardo Inn Airport
- 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.
Most popular train connections from Hamburg
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Essen
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