- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$144
Fastest journey
5 h 3 m
Average duration
5 h 16 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
493 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Munich to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Essen will cost around $144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
Of the 11 trains that leave Munich for Essen on Fri, Jun 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 3 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 24 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 886 · 26714
ICE 728
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020
ICE 726
ICE 612
ICE 1010
ICE 690 · ICE 200
ICE 724
ICE 728
ICE 726Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$138 Average price | $224 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 14m Average total duration 12h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Munich to Essen:
A bus is $87 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Essen costing on average $138 (€113).
A bus is $173 (€141) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Essen costing on average $224 (€183).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 43m.
Bus takes on average 12h 44m.
You'll arrive about 1h 19m sooner (5h 43m by train vs 7h 2m by car). Tickets start at around $138 (€113) compared to roughly $66 (€53) 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, 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 Munich to Essen trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 888 · 26710 | On time 4:03 AM Munich Hbf | 6h42 | 10:45 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1014 | On time 4:20 AM Munich Hbf | 5h02 | 9:22 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1014 · ICE 1022 | On time 4:20 AM Munich Hbf | 6h42 | 11:02 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 822 | On time 4:41 AM Munich Hbf | 5h22 | 10:03 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1068 · ICE 774 · ICE 1049 · ICE 202 | On time 4:59 AM Munich Hbf | 6h59 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 686 · IC 2044 · 26816 | On time 5:11 AM Munich Hbf | 6h56 | 12:07 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 614 | On time 5:33 AM Munich Hbf | 5h25 | 10:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 886 · 26714 | On time 6:09 AM Munich Hbf | 6h36 | 12:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1012 · ICE 1020 | On time 6:20 AM Munich Hbf | 6h35 | 12:55 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 728 | On time 6:44 AM Munich Hbf | 5h19 | 12:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 612 | On time 7:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h30 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 726 | On time 7:42 AM Munich Hbf | 5h24 | 1:06 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 882 · 26718 | On time 8:05 AM Munich Hbf | 6h40 | 2:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · ICE 641 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 6h59 | 3:18 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1010 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 5h03 | 1:22 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 724 | On time 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h19 | 2:04 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 1:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 682 · 26720 | On time 9:12 AM Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 3:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 610 | On time 9:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h30 | 2:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 722 | On time 9:46 AM Munich Hbf | 5h16 | 3:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 880 · 26722 | On time 10:12 AM Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 4:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 918 | On time 10:19 AM Munich Hbf | 5h03 | 3:22 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 918 · ICE 228 · ICE 518 | On time 10:19 AM Munich Hbf | 6h39 | 4:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 720 | On time 10:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h17 | 4:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 598 · ICE 108 | On time 10:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 3:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 680 · IC 2440 · ICE 203 | On time 11:12 AM Munich Hbf | 6h46 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 518 | On time 11:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h30 | 4:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 628 | On time 11:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h22 | 5:07 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Munich to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 4h 53m.
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average train duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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.

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