- 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
$68
Average price
$69
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Trains per day
5
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 $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Leiden to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 3227 · S3+
20017
IC 3231 · S3+
20019
RE 8829 · IC 3129 · 32233 · 20077
IC 3129 · 32233 · 20077 · 10131
IC 3527 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022
IC 3527 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022
IC 3227 · S3+
20017
IC 3231 · S3+
20019
RE 8829 · IC 3129 · 32233 · 20077
IC 3129 · 32233 · 20077 · 10131Omio 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 $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 40m. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $462.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $495 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.1kg 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 Leiden to Essen:
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leiden to Essen costing on average $72 (€59).
A bus is $475 (€390) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leiden to Essen costing on average $495 (€407).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 23m.
Bus takes on average 4h 31m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 40m by train vs 2h 45m by car). Tickets start at around $72 (€59) compared to roughly $50 (€41) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Leiden to Essen trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 3527 · ICE 225 · ICE 1022 | On time 7:57 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h05 | 11:02 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3227 · S3+ 20017 | 8:08 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h27 | 11:35 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3129 · 32233 · 20077 · 10131 | 8:17 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h57 | 12:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RE 8829 · IC 3129 · 32233 · 20077 | 8:23 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h51 | 12:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 3231 · S3+ 20019 | 9:08 AM Leiden Centraal | 3h27 | 12:35 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Leiden to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 (€56) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) 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 42m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€56) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 42m |
First train 2:26 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 4 days |
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 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.

Most Leiden to Essen trains use the Leiden Centraal to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Leiden and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leiden Centraal is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Centraal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Bruine Boon, Grand Café Van Buuren
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Leiden Centraal. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Leiden Centraal. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leiden Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Centraal: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Leiden Centre, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, City Hotel Nieuw Minerva.
Leiden Lammenschans is 1 km from Leiden city centre. Public transport options include:
Leiden Lammenschans has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
ATMs are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Parking, WC.
Available at Leiden Lammenschans: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leiden Lammenschans.
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.
Kettwig Stausee is 12 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Kettwig Stausee 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: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Copper Irish Pub, Giulia
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig Stausee. ATMs are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig Stausee. Information desks are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig Stausee. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kettwig Stausee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kettwig Stausee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig Stausee.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Henning.
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