The cheapest and fastest trains from Heilbronn to Essen
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
4 h 52 m
Average duration
4 h 52 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
302 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heilbronn to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Heilbronn to Essen will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Of the 1 trains that leave Heilbronn for Essen on Fri, May 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 15 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 4 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 52 m .
On Fri, May 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 52 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.
7:06 AM4h52Heilbronn11:58 AMEssen$751One-way0 transfers
7:06 AM4h52Heilbronn11:58 AMEssen$751One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Heilbronn to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heilbronn to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 45m. 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 $35, and a flight costs an average of $114.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$118 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $123 Average price | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 Heilbronn to Essen:
A bus is $76 (€61) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heilbronn to Essen costing on average $118 (€95).
A bus is $81 (€65) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Heilbronn to Essen costing on average $123 (€98).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 24m.
Bus takes on average 6h 10m.
Tickets start at around $118 (€95) compared to roughly $70 (€56) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-48.38 (€-38.81). The journey takes 4h 24m versus 4h 18m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Heilbronn to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Heilbronn to Essen trains for today, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:55 AM Heilbronn | 4h03 | 8:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:42 AM Heilbronn | 4h16 | 9:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Heilbronn | 3h58 | 10:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:06 AM Heilbronn | 3h52 | 11:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:06 AM Heilbronn | 3h52 | 12:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:06 AM Heilbronn | 3h52 | 1:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:06 AM Heilbronn | 3h52 | 2:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:06 PM Heilbronn | 3h52 | 3:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:06 PM Heilbronn | 3h52 | 4:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:06 PM Heilbronn | 3h52 | 5:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Heilbronn 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.
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
Why should you book Heilbronn 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 DB Regio Stuttgart to find the best option for your trip from Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Heilbronn to Essen
Trains from Heilbronn to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€60) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 4h 26m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average train duration 4h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€60) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 26m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 4 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, DB Regio Stuttgart from Heilbronn to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, DB Regio Stuttgart trains will get you between Heilbronn and Essen from $35 (€28). 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.
DB Regio Stuttgart
FAQs: Trains from Heilbronn to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heilbronn 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 Heilbronn to Essen
- Monday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Thursday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Friday: 07:30 - 18:30
- Saturday: 08:30 - 15:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
- YEDO Heilbronn
- Mythos
- Vinum
- Ratskeller
- Ibis
- Hotel Central
- Hotel TraumRaum
- Insel-Hotel
- 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
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Pizza Farm
- Call a Pizza
- Nefeli
Most popular train connections from Heilbronn
More options for your journey from Heilbronn to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

