- 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 on Sep 17
€76
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€103
Fastest journey on Sep 17
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
2 h 54 m
Trains on Sep 17
10
Distance
241 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mannheim to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mannheim to Essen will cost around €103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €76.
It's difficult to get from Mannheim to Essen without transferring at least once.
ICE 616 · S9
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 · S6
IC 2049 · ICE 202 · S6
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 · 10216
ICE 1014 · S6
ICE 1014 · S6
ICE 1012 · S6
ICE 614 · ICE 1022 · S6
ICE 204 · S6
ICE 204 · Bus RE1Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mannheim to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €42, while a flight costs an average of €171.
Distance: 149 miles (241 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€79 Average price | €42 Average price Cheapest | €171 Average price | €46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 21m Average total duration 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 28m Average total duration 7h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Mannheim to Essen:
A bus is €37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mannheim to Essen costing on average €79.
A bus is €129 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Mannheim to Essen costing on average €171.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 51m.
Bus takes on average 7h 58m.
You'll arrive about 38m sooner (2h 51m by train vs 3h 29m by car). Tickets start at around €79 compared to roughly €46 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Mannheim to Essen trains for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60402 · S6 | Delayed 11:59 PM 1:56 AMMannheim Hbf | 5h16 | 7:12 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 698 · IC 60402 · S6 | Delayed 12:22 AM 2:15 AMMannheim Hbf | 4h57 | 7:12 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
ICE 616 · S9 | On time 6:34 AM Mannheim Hbf | 3h06 | 9:40 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 · S6 | On time 7:07 AM Mannheim Hbf | 4h25 | 11:32 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1014 · S6 | On time 7:07 AM Mannheim Hbf | 2h45 | 9:52 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 · S6 | On time 7:33 AM Mannheim Hbf | 2h59 | 10:32 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 204 · Bus RE1 | On time 7:33 AM Mannheim Hbf | 3h04 | 10:37 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · S9 | On time 8:34 AM Mannheim Hbf | 3h06 | 11:40 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 614 · ICE 1022 · S6 | On time 8:34 AM Mannheim Hbf | 2h58 | 11:32 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2049 · ICE 202 · S6 | On time 8:39 AM Mannheim Hbf | 3h53 | 12:32 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1012 · S6 | On time 9:07 AM Mannheim Hbf | 2h45 | 11:52 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 · 10216 | On time 9:07 AM Mannheim Hbf | 4h14 | 1:21 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Mannheim to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €19 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:36, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 12:36 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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 Mannheim 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 Mannheim to Essen trains use the Mannheim Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Mannheim and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Mannheim Hbf is 2 km from Mannheim city centre. Public transport options include:
Mannheim 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: Safran Persisch-Afghanische Spezialitäten, Corner, Liman Döner, Kaschmir-Tandoori
Wi-Fi is available at Mannheim Hbf. ATMs are available at Mannheim Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Mannheim Hbf. Information desks are available at Mannheim Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Mannheim Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mannheim Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mannheim Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mannheim Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Central, Leonardo Hotel Mannheim City Center, InterCityHotel Mannheim, City Hotel.
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.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen-Borbeck Süd is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Borbeck Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Nefeli, Schloss Döner, Griaß di!, Bella Roma
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Borbeck Süd. ATMs are available at Essen-Borbeck Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Borbeck Süd. Information desks are available at Essen-Borbeck Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Borbeck Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Borbeck Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Borbeck Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Borbeck Süd.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need