The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb)
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 45 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
415 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
It's difficult to get from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) without transferring at least once.
6:59 AM5h45Karlsruhe12:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
8:59 AM5h45Karlsruhe2:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
10:59 AM5h45Karlsruhe4:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
12:59 PM5h45Karlsruhe6:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
2:59 PM5h45Karlsruhe8:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
6:59 AM5h45Karlsruhe12:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
8:59 AM5h45Karlsruhe2:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
10:59 AM5h45Karlsruhe4:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
12:59 PM5h45Karlsruhe6:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
2:59 PM5h45Karlsruhe8:44 PMEssen(oldb)$981One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, and a train costs an average of $159.
Distance: 257 miles (415 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$159 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 15m Average total duration Fastest 6h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 20m Average total duration 13h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb):
A bus is $105 (€86) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) costing on average $159 (€129).
Other travel options to Essen (Oldb) take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 50m.
Tickets start at around $159 (€129) compared to roughly $90 (€73) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-68.52 (€-55.68). The journey takes 6h 45m versus 5h 43m 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
Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) trains for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:59 AM Karlsruhe | 5h45 | 4:44 PM Essen(oldb) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:59 PM Karlsruhe | 5h45 | 6:44 PM Essen(oldb) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:59 PM Karlsruhe | 5h45 | 8:44 PM Essen(oldb) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:59 PM Karlsruhe | 5h45 | 10:44 PM Essen(oldb) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 15 | |||||
![]() | 6:59 AM Karlsruhe | 5h45 | 12:44 PM Essen(oldb) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:59 AM Karlsruhe | 5h45 | 2:44 PM Essen(oldb) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
Aug 20
Aug 21
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb)
Trains from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $159 (€129) but you can travel from only $53 (€43) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 13:01. The fastest train covers the 257 miles (415 km) distance in 6h 45m.
Distance 257 miles (415 km) |
Average train duration 6h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $159 (€129) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 45m |
First train 5:16 AM |
Last train 1:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Essen (Oldb) from $53 (€43). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) 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 (Oldb), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb)
Most Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb) trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Essen(Oldb) station pair. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Essen (Oldb) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Karlsruhe station do trains to Essen (Oldb) leave from?
Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Which Essen (Oldb) station do trains from Karlsruhe arrive at?
Essen(Oldb) train station facilities and services
Essen(Oldb) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen(Oldb).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen(Oldb). Information desks are available at Essen(Oldb).
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen(Oldb). Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen(Oldb): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen(Oldb): Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen(Oldb).
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Essen (Oldb)
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