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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Kiel to Essen
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
4 h 42 m
Average duration
4 h 42 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Kiel to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kiel to Essen will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 1 trains that leave Kiel for Essen on Wed, Jul 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 381 km distance in an average of 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 42 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 42 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.
7:16 AM4h42Kiel11:58 AMEssen$441One-way0 transfers
- 7:16 AM4h42Kiel11:58 AMEssen$441One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Kiel to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kiel to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 51m. 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 $25, and a flight costs an average of $88.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$52 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $230 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.3kg 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 Kiel to Essen:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Kiel to Essen costing on average $52 (€43).
A bus is $189 (€156) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kiel to Essen costing on average $230 (€189).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 24m.
Bus takes on average 6h 0m.
The journey is about 48m faster (4h 24m by train vs 5h 12m by car) and roughly $29 (€24) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($52 (€43) vs $81 (€67)). 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.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Kiel to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Kiel to Essen trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 3:08 AM Kiel | 4h50 | 7:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 4:02 AM Kiel | 4h56 | 8:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 5:05 AM Kiel | 4h53 | 9:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 6:05 AM Kiel | 4h53 | 10:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 6:37 AM Kiel | 4h17 | 10:54 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 7:05 AM Kiel | 4h53 | 11:58 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
.png) | 8:16 AM Kiel | 4h42 | 12:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:05 AM Kiel | 4h53 | 1:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:37 AM Kiel | 4h46 | 2:23 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 10:05 AM Kiel | 4h53 | 2:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 10:37 AM Kiel | 4h17 | 2:54 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 11:05 AM Kiel | 4h53 | 3:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 11:37 AM Kiel | 4h46 | 4:23 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 12:16 PM Kiel | 4h42 | 4:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 1:05 PM Kiel | 4h53 | 5:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 1:37 PM Kiel | 4h46 | 6:23 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 2:05 PM Kiel | 4h53 | 6:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 2:37 PM Kiel | 4h17 | 6:54 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 3:05 PM Kiel | 4h53 | 7:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 4:16 PM Kiel | 4h42 | 8:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 5:05 PM Kiel | 4h53 | 9:58 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 6:16 PM Kiel | 4h52 | 11:08 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 7:05 PM Kiel | 4h55 | 12:00 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:05 PM Kiel | 5h02 | 2:07 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Kiel to Essen by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Why should you book Kiel 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 Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Kiel 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Kiel to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Kiel to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Kiel to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Kiel to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $25 (€21) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 4h 42m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average train duration 4h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 42m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Kiel to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Kiel and Essen from $25 (€21). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
FAQs: Trains from Kiel to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kiel 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 Kiel to Essen
Most Kiel to Essen trains use the Kiel Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen West. Use this guide to compare Kiel and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Kiel station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Kiel Hbf from Kiel city centre
Kiel Hbf train station facilities and services
Kiel 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: MUM&DAD, Lunatique, McDonald's, Campus Suite
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kiel Hbf. ATMs are available at Kiel Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kiel Hbf. Information desks are available at Kiel Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Kiel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kiel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kiel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kiel Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Wiking, Hotel Berliner Hof Kiel, Astor, InterCityHotel Kiel.
Which Essen station do trains from Kiel arrive at?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd train station facilities and services
Essen Süd 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Webers.
Most popular train connections from Kiel
More options for your journey from Kiel to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Kiel
Most popular train connections to Essen
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