- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$128
Average price
$128
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 56 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
185 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hoofddorp to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hoofddorp to Essen will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $128.
It's difficult to get from Hoofddorp to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
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Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Hoofddorp to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 5m. 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 $27, and a train costs an average of $128.
Distance: 114 miles (185 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$128 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Hoofddorp to Essen:
A bus is $99 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hoofddorp to Essen costing on average $128.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 10m.
Tickets start at around $128 compared to roughly $50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-77.79. The journey takes 3h 10m versus 2h 50m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Hoofddorp to Essen trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:02 PM Hoofddorp | 3h03 | 7:05 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 6:02 PM Hoofddorp | 3h03 | 9:05 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
![]() | 6:02 AM Hoofddorp | 3h03 | 9:05 AM Essen | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 10:02 AM Hoofddorp | 3h03 | 1:05 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 12:13 PM Hoofddorp | 2h52 | 3:05 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 2:02 PM Hoofddorp | 3h03 | 5:05 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Hoofddorp to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $128 but you can travel from only $27 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:21, the last at 13:08. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (185 km) distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 114 miles (185 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $128 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 6:21 AM |
Last train 1:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hoofddorp 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.

Most Hoofddorp to Essen trains use the Hoofddorp to Essen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Hoofddorp and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Hoofddorp is 1 km from Hoofddorp city centre. Public transport options include:
Hoofddorp has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Jasmin, L'Hirondelle
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Hoofddorp. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Hoofddorp. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hoofddorp: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hoofddorp: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hoofddorp: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport, NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Essen 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 options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need