- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Milan to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$284
Average price
$286
Fastest journey
9 h 48 m
Average duration
11 h 40 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
685 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milan to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Milan to Essen will cost around $286 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $284.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Milan to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
8:10 AM9h48Milan5:58 PMEssen$2841One-way2 transfers- 1:10 PM11h16Milan12:26 AMEssen$2841One-way2 transfers
- 8:10 PM15h48Milan11:58 AMEssen$2841One-way2 transfers
- 10:10 AM9h48Milan7:58 PMEssen$2901One-way2 transfers
- 8:10 AM9h48Milan5:58 PMEssen$2841One-way2 transfers
- 10:10 AM9h48Milan7:58 PMEssen$2901One-way2 transfers
- 1:10 PM11h16Milan12:26 AMEssen$2841One-way2 transfers
- 8:10 PM15h48Milan11:58 AMEssen$2841One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Milan to Essen
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Milan to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a train costs an average of $268.
Distance: 425 miles (685 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$355 Average price | $87 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $246 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 3m Average total duration 19h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 2.1 - 4.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.7kg 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 Milan to Essen is a bus with an average price of $80 (€65).
This is compared to other travel options from Milan to Essen:
A bus is $8 (€6) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milan to Essen costing on average $87 (€72).
A bus is $275 (€226) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milan to Essen costing on average $355 (€291).
The fastest way to travel from Milan to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 1m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 30m.
Bus takes on average 19h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Milan and Essen including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Milan 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 22m sooner (9h 30m by train vs 9h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $355 (€291) compared to roughly $246 (€202) 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
Milan to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Milan to Essen trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:10 PM Milan | 15h48 | 11:58 AM Essen | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
| 8:10 AM Milan | 9h48 | 5:58 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
| 10:10 AM Milan | 9h48 | 7:58 PM Essen | 2 transfers | |
| 1:10 PM Milan | 11h16 | 12:26 AM Essen | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Milan to Essen by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Milan to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Trenitalia EuroCity offer trains services from Milan to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Milan 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 Trenitalia EuroCity to find the best option for your trip from Milan 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Milan to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Milan to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Milan to Essen
Italy
Germany
Trains from Milan to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $268 (€219) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 425 miles (685 km) distance in 9h 48m.
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 $21 (€17)
Distance 425 miles (685 km) |
Average train duration 9h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $268 (€219) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 9h 48m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 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
Flight from $21 (€17)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity from Milan to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity trains will get you between Milan and Essen from $21 (€17). 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 Duration
9h 48m
Cheapest Price
$268 (€219)
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.
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.
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.
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
Trenitalia EuroCity
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 48m
Cheapest Price
$242 (€198)
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
4 a day
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.
- Recommended
Ruhr Museum
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
- Must visit
Zollverein Park
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
- Recommended
Kettwig Old Town
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Currywurst
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
- Gluten-free
Pfefferpotthast
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Hugenpoet Restaurant 1831
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Schote
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Meisenburg
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.60
- Day pass
- EUR 8.90
To the city center
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- You can buy tickets digitally in the VRR App before boarding local trains, trams, and buses.
- Card payment is commonly available in ticket machines, but on-board payment options can vary by operator and vehicle.
FAQs: Trains from Milan to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milan 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 Milan to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $268 (€219), while the average price is around $355 (€291).
The train from Milan to Essen takes 9h 48m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Milan to Essen leaves at 12:01 AM.
The distance by train from Milan to Essen is 425 miles (685 km).
The last train from Milan to Essen leaves at 11:45 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Milan to Essen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Milan to Essen.
The train station in Milan that goes to Essen is Milan Centrale, which connects to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Milan to Essen is by flight, with a cost of around $21 (€17).
The train journey from Milan to Essen offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the Swiss Alps, featuring picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and majestic mountains, providing a visually appealing travel experience.
A day trip from Milan to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 48m. The distance is 425 miles (685 km), and there are 4 train trips per day.
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 Milan to Essen.
Since both Milan 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 Milan 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Milan to Essen
Milan
Essen
The major train station for departures in Milan is Milano Centrale. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Milano Centrale for your trip from Milan to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 22:20
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free WiFi in the station
Lockers
- Provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Luigi di Savoia. It is open every day from 06:00 to 23:00
Dining
- Venchi
- Panzera Coffee
- Burger King
- Bar Motta
- Caffè Napoli
- VyTA Boulangerie
- Spontini
- Starbucks
- Dispensa Emilia
- McDonald's
- & many more
Accessibility
- Station is wheelchair accessible, has elevators and the Sala Blu, Trenitalia's office of assistance for disabled travelers, is next to Platform 4
Hotel
- Glam Hotel Milano
- NYX MIlan
- iQ Hotel Milano
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 22:20
Information Desk
- Located next to the ticket office on the ground floor in the shopping gallery
Public transit options for Milano Centrale
- Metro lines: M2 (green), M3 (yellow)
- Tram lines: 1
- Bus lines: 5, 9, 10, 42, 81, 87, 152, 728, N26, NM2, NM3, Air Bus, Orio Shuttle
- Train lines: FR, FB, EC, Thello, XP2, R28, IC, ICN, RV, R, Regio, Italo
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Milan.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
More options for your journey from Milan to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Milan
Most popular train connections to Essen
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