- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$15
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
2 h 4 m
Average duration
2 h 4 m
Trains per day
30
Distance
212 km
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 $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Of the 30 trains that leave Hanover for Essen on Mon, Jun 22, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 212 km distance in an average of 2 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 4 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 2 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.
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
89996 · ICE 921+
95838
ICE 1542
ICE 944
ICE 940
ICE 848
ICE 846
ICE 844Omio 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 prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 21m. 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 $11, and a flight costs an average of $154.
Distance: 131 miles (212 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$22 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $454 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 3h 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 |
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 Hanover to Essen:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hanover to Essen costing on average $22 (€18).
A bus is $435 (€356) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hanover to Essen costing on average $454 (€372).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 22m.
Flight takes on average 3h 56m.
The journey is about 35m faster (2h 21m by train vs 2h 56m by car) and roughly $24 (€19) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($22 (€18) vs $45 (€37)). 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 Hanover to Essen trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 644 | Delayed 6:42 AM 8:31 AMHanover Hbf | 2h07 | 8:44 AM 8:44 AMEssen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1548 | Delayed 7:04 AM 8:56 AMHanover Hbf | 2h17 | 11:13 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 944 | On time 9:31 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h04 | 11:35 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 148 | On time 9:56 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h11 | 12:07 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 642 | On time 10:31 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h07 | 12:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1052 | On time 10:56 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h28 | 1:24 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 942 | On time 11:31 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h04 | 1:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 146 | On time 11:56 AM Hanover Hbf | 2h11 | 2:07 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 640 | On time 12:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h07 | 2:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1546 | On time 12:56 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h17 | 3:13 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 940 | On time 1:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h04 | 3:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 144 | On time 1:56 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h11 | 4:07 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 2:23 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h25 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 548 | On time 2:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h07 | 4:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 142 | On time 3:56 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h11 | 6:07 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 546 | On time 4:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h07 | 6:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1544 | On time 4:56 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h17 | 7:13 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 846 | On time 5:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h04 | 7:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 140 | On time 5:56 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h11 | 8:07 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 6:23 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h25 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 544 | On time 6:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h06 | 8:37 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1542 | On time 6:56 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h17 | 9:13 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 844 | On time 7:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h04 | 9:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2444 · 26836 | On time 7:40 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h27 | 10:07 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 542 | On time 8:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h07 | 10:38 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 842 | On time 9:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h04 | 11:35 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2446 · 26840 | On time 9:40 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h27 | 12:07 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 540 | On time 10:31 PM Hanover Hbf | 2h07 | 12:38 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 740 · ICE 921 | On time 11:06 PM Hanover Hbf | 3h01 | 2:07 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Hanover to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) 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 131 miles (212 km) distance in 2h 7m.
Distance 131 miles (212 km) |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need