Mannheim to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Thu, Sep 17
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Mannheim to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Mannheim to Essen without transferring at least once.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 616 · S9
    6:34 AM3h06
    Mannheim Hbf
    9:40 AMEssen Hbf
    761One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1014 · ICE 1022 · S6
    7:07 AM4h25
    Mannheim Hbf
    11:32 AMEssen Hbf
    921One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2049 · ICE 202 · S6
    8:39 AM3h53
    Mannheim Hbf
    12:32 PMEssen Hbf
    921One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1012 · ICE 1020 · 10216
    9:07 AM4h14
    Mannheim Hbf
    1:21 PMEssen Hbf
    1011One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1014 · S6
    7:07 AM2h45
    Mannheim Hbf
    9:52 AMEssen Hbf
    1031One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Mannheim to Essen

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Mannheim to Essen is a bus with an average price of €42.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Mannheim to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 8m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 51m.

Bus takes on average 7h 58m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Mannheim and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Mannheim 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 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.

Live departures

Mannheim to Essen train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 60402 · S6
Delayed
11:59 PM 1:56 AMMannheim Hbf
5h16
7:12 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 698 · IC 60402 · S6
Delayed
12:22 AM 2:15 AMMannheim Hbf
4h57
7:12 AM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Thursday, September 17
Deutsche BahnICE 616 · S9
On time
6:34 AM Mannheim Hbf
3h06
9:40 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1014 · ICE 1022 · S6
On time
7:07 AM Mannheim Hbf
4h25
11:32 AM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1014 · S6
On time
7:07 AM Mannheim Hbf
2h45
9:52 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 204 · S6
On time
7:33 AM Mannheim Hbf
2h59
10:32 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 204 · Bus RE1
On time
7:33 AM Mannheim Hbf
3h04
10:37 AM Essen
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 614 · S9
On time
8:34 AM Mannheim Hbf
3h06
11:40 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 614 · ICE 1022 · S6
On time
8:34 AM Mannheim Hbf
2h58
11:32 AM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2049 · ICE 202 · S6
On time
8:39 AM Mannheim Hbf
3h53
12:32 PM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1012 · S6
On time
9:07 AM Mannheim Hbf
2h45
11:52 AM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 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 prices and tickets Mannheim 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.

Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23

Why should you book Mannheim to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Mannheim to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Mannheim to Essen.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Mannheim 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Mannheim to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Mannheim to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Mannheim to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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 €19
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
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 €19

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Mannheim to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Mannheim and Essen from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
€40
FlixTrain frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

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

Museum Folkwang

World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Trains from Mannheim to Essen

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Mannheim to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €20, while the average price is around €79.
The train from Mannheim to Essen takes 2h 10m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Mannheim to Essen leaves at 12:36 AM.
The distance by train from Mannheim to Essen is 149 miles (241 km).
The last train from Mannheim to Essen leaves at 11:48 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Mannheim to Essen. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Mannheim to Essen.
The train station in Mannheim that goes to Essen is Mannheim Hbf, which connects to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Mannheim to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around €19.
The train journey from Mannheim to Essen offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through the scenic Rhine Valley and numerous picturesque towns, making it a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Mannheim to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 10m. However, there are 11 trains per day covering a distance of 149 miles (241 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 Mannheim to Essen.
Since both Mannheim 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Mannheim 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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
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 Mannheim to Essen

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.

Departure train stations in Mannheim
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Mannheim station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Mannheim to Essen leave from Mannheim Hbf. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Mannheim city centre at Mannheim Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 17, 68161 Mannheim.
Mannheim HbfMannheim Hbf, Willy-Brandt-Platz 17, 68161 MannheimWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Mannheim Hbf from Mannheim city centre

Mannheim Hbf is 2 km from Mannheim city centre. Public transport options include:

BusRnv 6, Rnv 4 · 7m · €3 · every ~4 min
Rnv 61, Rnv 60 · 9m · €3 · every ~13 min
TramRnv 5, Rnv 15, Rnv 5A, Rnv 9, Rnv 6, Rnv E, Rnv 6A, Rnv 4, Rnv 4A, Rnv 3, Rnv 2, Rnv 1 · 5m · €2 · every ~62 min
Rnv 1, Rnv 3, Rnv 5, Rnv 5A, Rnv 4A, Rnv 4, Rnv 15 · 7m · €2 · every ~46 min

Mannheim Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Safran Persisch-Afghanische Spezialitäten, Corner, Liman Döner, Kaschmir-Tandoori

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Mannheim Hbf. ATMs are available at Mannheim Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Mannheim Hbf. Information desks are available at Mannheim Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Mannheim Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Mannheim Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Mannheim Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Mannheim Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Central, Leonardo Hotel Mannheim City Center, InterCityHotel Mannheim, City Hotel.

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