- 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
$62
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
2 h 42 m
Average duration
3 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
173 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kassel to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kassel to Essen will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 5 trains that leave Kassel for Essen on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 173 km distance in an average of 3 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 42 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 3 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.
26710
ICE 776 · ICE 944
ICE 686 · ICE 148
ICE 76 · ICE 642
ICE 2583 · ICE 728
26710
ICE 776 · ICE 944
ICE 76 · ICE 642
ICE 686 · ICE 148
ICE 2583 · ICE 728Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Kassel to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 41m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Kassel to Essen:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kassel to Essen costing on average $53 (€44).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 41m.
Tickets start at around $53 (€44) compared to roughly $36 (€30) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.70 (€-13.67). The journey takes 2h 41m versus 2h 30m 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 Kassel to Essen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
26710 | 8:03 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 2h42 | 10:45 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 776 · ICE 944 | On time 8:13 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h22 | 11:35 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2583 · ICE 728 | On time 8:15 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h48 | 12:03 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 686 · ICE 148 | On time 8:36 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h31 | 12:07 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 76 · ICE 642 | On time 9:13 AM Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 3h25 | 12:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Kassel to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 36m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 Kassel 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 Kassel to Essen trains use the Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen West. Use this guide to compare Kassel and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe is 3 km from Kassel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe 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: Matterhorn-Stübli, Biond Restaurant, Schwälmer Brotladen, Kleine Konoba
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. ATMs are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Information desks are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe.
Nearby hotels include InterCityHotel, Schweizer Hof, Kurfürst Wilhelm I., Kurparkhotel.
Kassel 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: HermannS, Eckstein, Lohmann, Il Convento
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kassel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kassel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel am Rathaus, Stadthotel, Arosa Hotel, Foto-Motel.
Kassel-Oberzwehren is 5 km from Kassel city centre. Public transport options include:
Kassel-Oberzwehren 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: Zum Langen Feld, Eichholz, Café Backlust, La Fontana Blu
Wi-Fi is available at Kassel-Oberzwehren. ATMs are available at Kassel-Oberzwehren.
Ticket office support is available at Kassel-Oberzwehren. Information desks are available at Kassel-Oberzwehren.
Luggage storage is available at Kassel-Oberzwehren. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kassel-Oberzwehren: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kassel-Oberzwehren: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kassel-Oberzwehren.
Nearby hotels include Eichholz.
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.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need