- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 13
Cheapest price on Sep 13
$691
Average ticket price on Sep 13
$691
Fastest journey on Sep 13
5 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Sep 13
5 h 54 m
Trains on Sep 13
1
Distance
494 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Essen will cost around $691 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $691.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from London to Essen without transferring at least once.
9132 · 94591:01 PM5h54London St Pancras International (STP)7:55 PMDuisburg Hbf$6911One-way1 transfer
- 9132 · 94591:01 PM5h54London St Pancras International (STP)7:55 PMDuisburg Hbf$6911One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for London to Essen
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $131 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $131, while a flight costs an average of $558.
Distance: 306 miles (494 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$355 Average price | $558 Average price | $131 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 29m Average total duration 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 37m Average total duration 14h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from London to Essen is a bus with an average price of $131.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Essen:
A bus is $224 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Essen costing on average $355.
A bus is $427 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Essen costing on average $558.
The fastest way to travel from London to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 43m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 59m.
Bus takes on average 14h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Essen among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2h 47m sooner (4h 59m by train vs 7h 46m by car). Tickets start at around $355 compared to roughly $45 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.
Live departures
London to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Essen trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9132 · 9459 | 1:01 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 5h54 | 7:55 PM Duisburg Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Essen by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Sun
Sep 13
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Sep 19
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Why should you book London to Essen trains with Omio?
Eurostar as well as Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from London to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Eurostar, but also compare tickets for the likes of Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from London 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 Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Essen
United Kingdom
Germany
Trains from London to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $166 but you can travel from only $26 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (494 km) distance in 4h 41m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $26
Distance 306 miles (494 km) |
Average train duration 4h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $166 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 41m |
First train 12:14 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $26
Train companies: Eurostar, Regionalbahn, Regional from London to Essen trainsEurostar, Regionalbahn, Regional trains will get you between London and Essen from $26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Eurostar Duration
4h 41m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
$166
Eurostar frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Regionalbahn
About
Regionalbahn (RB) is a type of local passenger train service in Germany, similar to regional train categories in Austria and Switzerland. These trains typically stop at all stations along a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas and serving shorter, regional routes. While many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, other private companies also run these services. Regionalbahn trains are a budget-friendly option for regional travel and are often covered by tickets like the Deutschland Ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regionalbahn Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Regionalbahn Price
$174
Regionalbahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers free, larger dogs need ticket
Quiet zone
Regional
About
The term "Regional" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, "Regionalbahn" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Regional Price
$208
Regional frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type and conditions
Refund
Full refund if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
- Recommended
Deutsches Plakat Museum
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
- Recommended
Kettwiger Straße
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten Essen
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
- Vegetarian
Reibekuchen
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pumpernickel
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.
Sauerbraten
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Restaurant Hannappel
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Hausbrauerei Im Fcxschen Essen
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Meisenburg
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.60
- Day pass
- €8.90
To the city center
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Buy tickets in the VRR App, at ticket machines, or onboard where offered. Tap validators if your ticket requires validation before boarding.
- Contactless card payment is available at many ticket machines, but not reliably onboard all buses or trams. Keep a valid ticket ready for inspection.
FAQs: Trains from London to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.
Train ticket prices from London to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $166, while the average price is around $355.
The train from London to Essen takes 4h 41m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from London to Essen leaves at 12:14 AM.
The distance by train from London to Essen is 306 miles (494 km).
The last train from London to Essen leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from London to Essen.
There is no direct train service currently available from London to Essen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London to Essen.
The train station in London that goes to Essen is London St Pancras International (STP), which connects to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from London to Essen is by flight, with a cost of around $26.
The train journey from London to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the English countryside, the Channel Tunnel, and parts of Belgium and the Netherlands, though it's more functional than scenic compared to dedicated scenic routes.
A day trip from London to Essen is not feasible as the travel time is 4h 41m. However, there are 4 train trips available per day for this journey, covering a distance of 306 miles (494 km).
To explore Essen's key attractions, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and Grugapark, a stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Essen.
Essen is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Essen include Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Münster, Aachen.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Essen among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. It's advisable to use official transport services and stay alert in busy locations to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from London to Essen
Most London to Essen trains use the London St Pancras International to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen Süd. Use this guide to compare London and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Essen
London St Pancras InternationalPancras Road, London, Greater London, N1C 4QP, UK+44 2078437688
City-centre transport
Getting to London St Pancras International from London city centre
Bus91, N91 · 23m · $14 · every ~28 min
73, N73 · 26m · $2 · every ~33 min
390 · 48m · $2 · every ~27 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 11m · $2 · every ~91 min
London St Pancras International train station facilities and services
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
Which Essen station do trains from London arrive at?
Trains from London to Essen most often arrive at Essen Hbf. Some services arrive at Essen Süd, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
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.
Essen SüdEssen Süd, Rellinghauser Str.175, 45136 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS6 · 2m · $1 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 10m · $4
Tram105 · 9m · every ~10 min
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.
Essen WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe14 · 2m · $1 · every ~1 min
BusRb33, S1, S9, S3 · 12m · $4
Tram101 · 24m · every ~10 min
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.
More options for your journey from London to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and London
Most popular train connections to Essen
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