- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$557
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$564
Fastest journey on Sep 20
1 d 1 h 8 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
1 d 4 h 17 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
Distance
1478 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Essen will cost around $564 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $557.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Essen without transferring at least 3 times.
12:50 PM31h25Madrid8:15 PMEssen$5571One-way3 transfers
9:07 PM25h08Madrid10:15 PMEssen$5701One-way3 transfers
- 9:07 PM25h08Madrid10:15 PMEssen$5701One-way3 transfers
- 12:50 PM31h25Madrid8:15 PMEssen$5571One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $173 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 29m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 1.5 - 3.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $173, while a flight costs an average of $639.
Distance: 918 miles (1478 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$173 Average price Cheapest | $639 Average price | $362 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 48m Average total duration 26h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration Fastest 4h 29m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 17h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.5 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.4 - 8.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Essen is a bus with an average price of $173 (€142).
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Essen:
A bus is $465 (€381) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Essen costing on average $639 (€523).
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 29m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Essen among Omio's users.
Live departures
Madrid to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Essen trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:27 PM Madrid | 25h48 | 10:15 PM Essen | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
| 12:50 PM Madrid | 31h25 | 8:15 PM Essen | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid 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 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sep 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Essen
Spain
Germany
Take a train from Madrid to Essen and enjoy the approximately 918 miles (1478 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:50.
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
Bus from $76 (€62)
Distance 918 miles (1478 km) |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Bus from $76 (€62)
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 Madrid to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.
The distance by train from Madrid to Essen is 918 miles (1478 km).
The first train from Madrid to Essen leaves at 12:01 AM.
The last train from Madrid to Essen leaves at 11:50 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Essen.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around $76 (€62).
The train journey from Madrid to Essen offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, including views of the Spanish countryside, the Pyrenees, and the picturesque landscapes of northern France and the Rhine region in Germany.
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.
No, you cannot take the train from Madrid to Essen.
Since both Madrid and Essen are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
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 Madrid to Essen among Omio's users.
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.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Essen
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
