The cheapest and fastest trains from Leiden to Essen
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 58 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
190 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leiden to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leiden to Essen will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 2 trains that leave Leiden for Essen on Wed, Nov 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 26 the direct trains cover the 190 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 50 m .
On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest trains will take 5 h 5 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.




Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Leiden to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leiden to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 51m. 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 €15, and a flight costs an average of €187.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€22 Average price | €16 Average price Cheapest | €228 Average price |
3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Leiden to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Leiden to Essen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:57 AM Leiden | 5h05 | 11:02 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 AM Leiden | 4h50 | 11:05 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leiden 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.
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leiden to Essen
Trains from Leiden to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:26, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 3h 1m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 02:26 |
Last train 23:08 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Leiden to Essen start from as low as $25 (€20) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $27 (€22) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 9 daily trains from Leiden to Essen with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 3h 1m but the average duration is 2h 51m
Train Operators
- Travel from Leiden to Essen with Deutsche Bahn and VIAS Rail GmbH
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Deutsche Bahn.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Leiden Centraal and arrive in Essen Hbf
- First train typically departs at 02:26 AM and the last at 11:08 PM
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH from Leiden to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Leiden and Essen from $18 (€15). 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.
VIAS Rail GmbH
FAQs: Trains from Leiden to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leiden 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 Leiden to Essen
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from the main entrance.
- Restaurant De Bruine Boon
- Grand Café Van Buuren
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.70
- Ibis Leiden Centre
- Golden Tulip Leiden Centre
- City Hotel Nieuw Minerva
- Located in the main hall
- 4720 places, some covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-9 for local trains
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Intercity and local services
- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Casino Zollverein
- Warsteiner Stiefel
- Schacht XII, Bistro
- Cafe Kohlenwäsche
Most popular train connections from Leiden
More options for your journey from Leiden to Essen
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