Hanover to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Sun, Sep 20
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanover to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$22

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$25

Fastest journey on Sep 20

2 h 7 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

2 h 26 m

Trains on Sep 20

4

Distance

212 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanover to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Hanover to Essen will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 4 trains from Hanover to Essen, including 4 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 2 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 7 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 48 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.

  • FlixTrain
    9:23 AM2h25
    Hanover
    11:48 AMEssen
    $221One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:30 AM2h07
    Hanover
    8:37 AMEssen
    $231One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrain
    4:23 PM2h25
    Hanover
    6:48 PMEssen
    $271One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixTrain
    5:23 PM2h48
    Hanover
    8:11 PMEssen
    $281One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Hanover to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hanover to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, while a flight costs an average of $607.

Distance: 131 miles (212 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$55

Average price

$21

Average price

Cheapest

$607

Average price

$46

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 52m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 25m

Average total duration

3h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 12m

Average total duration

2h 12m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 56m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.6 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa City Airlines

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Hanover to Essen is a bus with an average price of $21 (€17).

This is compared to other travel options from Hanover to Essen:

A bus is $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hanover to Essen costing on average $55 (€45).

A bus is $586 (€479) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hanover to Essen costing on average $607 (€496).

The fastest way to travel from Hanover to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 12m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 22m.

Bus takes on average 3h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Hanover and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Hanover 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 34m sooner (2h 22m by train vs 2h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $55 (€45) compared to roughly $46 (€37) 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, FlixTrain.

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.

Live departures

Hanover to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Hanover to Essen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn6:30 AM Hanover
2h07
8:37 AM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain9:23 AM Hanover
2h25
11:48 AM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain4:23 PM Hanover
2h25
6:48 PM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixTrain5:23 PM Hanover
2h48
8:11 PM Essen0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Hanover 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Hanover to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Hanover to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hanover to Essen.

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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Hanover 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Hanover to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Hanover to Essen.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Hanover to Essen

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconFriendly staff
Disadvantages
IconToilets not clean
IconTrain overall not in good condition
I recently travelled from Essen to Hanover with my partner on the Deutsche Bahn ICE. The staff were extremely friendly, which we liked very much. The power sockets at the seats were functional. Unfortunately, the train was not very clean overall. Food leftovers on the floor and also the toilets were not very pleasant. Therefore, not a really nice experience.
Advantages
IconTrain arrived on time
IconTrain was clean
Disadvantages
IconUnpleasant fellow travellers
Some time ago, I took the Deutsche Bahn ICE from Essen to Hanover on business. The train pulled into the station on time and I arrived at my destination on time. Overall, the train was clean and the seats were comfortable. What bothered me a little were the somewhat unpleasant fellow passengers. The staff were friendly so far, but not outstanding. The sockets for charging my laptop were functional.
Advantages
IconTrain was on time
Disadvantages
IconThe train was overcrowded
IconSockets not accessible
I recently took the Deutsche Bahn train from Essen to Hanover. The train was on time and I arrived in Hanover at the specified time. Unfortunately, the journey was not very pleasant. For most of the journey, the train was very busy and the people were not very pleasant. At least there was still room for my luggage and the seat was ok. Unfortunately, the staff was also a bit tense. This could definitely be better.
Advantages
IconAir-conditioned
IconSocket
Disadvantages
IconFull
IconDelay
IconNo working wifi
The ICE I took from Essen to Hannover Hbf had wifi, but it didn't seem to work as I couldn't open a single website. Another negative aspect of the journey was the fact that the train was far too full, so I had to sit on the floor next to a door. Furthermore, I was frustrated by the fact that at least 2 times we were standing on open track, as there didn't seem to be some trains in front of us that were taking up too much of a section of track. This aspect and the fact that there was a storm over Germany probably caused the delay of almost an hour. The only positive aspect of the journey that remains in my memory is the fact that the train was pleasantly air-conditioned and clean.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Hanover to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Hanover to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) if you book in advance.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (212 km) distance in 2h 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
Distance
131 miles (212 km)
Average train duration
2h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
$7 (€5)
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
2h 4m
First train
12:03 AM
Last train
11:56 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn from Hanover to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn trains will get you between Hanover and Essen from $7 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 4m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$9 (€7)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
$7 (€5)
FlixTrain frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

WestfalenBahn

About
WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average WestfalenBahn Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest WestfalenBahn Price
$35 (€29)
WestfalenBahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

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.

  • Must visit

Museum Folkwang

World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Ruhr Museum

Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.

  • Recommended

Deutsches Plakat Museum

Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Hanover to Essen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hanover 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Hanover to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $7 (€5), while the average price is around $55 (€45).
The train from Hanover to Essen takes 2h 4m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from Hanover to Essen is 131 miles (212 km).
The first train from Hanover to Essen leaves at 12:03 AM.
The last train from Hanover to Essen leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Hanover to Essen. This service operates 7 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Hanover to Essen.
The train station in Hanover that goes to Essen is Hanover Hbf, which connects to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Hanover to Essen is by train, with a cost of around $7 (€5).
The train journey from Hanover to Essen offers pleasant views of the Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia landscapes, including stretches of countryside, small towns, and industrial areas, but it is not particularly known for being scenic.
A day trip from Hanover to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 4m. However, there are 13 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 131 miles (212 km).
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 Hanover to Essen.
Since both Hanover 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Hanover 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 Hanover to Essen

Most Hanover to Essen trains use the Hannover Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Hanover and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Hanover
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Hanover station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Hanover to Essen leave from Hannover Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Hanover city centre at Ernst-August-Platz 1, 30159, Hannover, Germany.
Hannover HbfErnst-August-Platz 1, 30159, Hannover, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Hannover Hbf from Hanover city centre

Bus120 · 10m · every ~10 min
170, 700, 500, 300 · 12m · every ~35 min

Hannover Hbf train station facilities and services

Hannover 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 and drink

Food options include: Balzac Coffee, Burger King, McDonald's, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, asiahung, Mr. CLOU, Nordsee, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, & many more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Hannover Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Hannover Hbf. Information desks are located near the main entrance by the DB ticket office.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the main entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Hannover Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Hannover Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Hannover Hbf: Escalators, elevators, wheelchair access. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Grand Hotel Mussmann, IntercityHotel Hannover, Hotel Loccumer Hof.

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