4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen
Cheapest price
$172
Average price
$208
Fastest journey
5 h 2 m
Average duration
5 h 7 m
Trains per day
14
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 $208 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $172.
Of the 14 trains that leave Munich for Essen on Fri, Dec 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Dec 19 the direct trains cover the 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 2 m .
On Fri, Dec 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 13 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 690 · ICE 200ICE 598 · ICE 108ICE 1010ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28ICE 918ICE 916ICE 1010ICE 918ICE 690 · ICE 200ICE 598 · ICE 108
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich to Essen
Omio 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 €25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. 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 €25, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€125 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €161 Average price |
6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 15m Average total duration 12h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Munich to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Essen trains for today, Thursday, December 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 882 · 26718 | On time 7:10 AM Munich Hbf | 6h35 | 1:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 1010 | On time 7:19 AM Munich Hbf | 5h03 | 12:22 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 7:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 682 · 26720 | On time 8:06 AM Munich Hbf | 6h37 | 2:43 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 610 · ICE 722 | On time 8:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h34 | 2:02 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Munich 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.
Dec 19
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Why should you book Munich to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB) operates all train services from Munich to Essen. Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB) tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB)?
- 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 (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Munich to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB) tickets can only be bought on Omio or Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB)'s website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB) tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC,EC,RB) tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Munich to Essen.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Essen?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Munich to Essen
GermanyGermany
Trains from Munich to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 5h 12m.
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average train duration 5h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 12m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:57 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Munich and Essen from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
FAQs: Trains from Munich to 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Munich to Essen
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
- The station has luggage lockers.
- Cantina Estación Mediterrano
- Rischart Bakery
- Ditsch Pretzels
- backWERK
- Cafe-Shop
- Le Crobag
- Yorma's
- Coffee Fellows
- Dunkin Donuts
- McDonald's
- & many more
- Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
- a&o München Hauptbahnhof
- IntercityHotel München
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
- There is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Burger King
- McDonald's
- Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans
- Orexi Taverna
- Guenstigwohnen24.de
- Jagdschloss Residenz
- Hotel Miano
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00
- Haidhauser Augustiner
- Burger King
- Tassilogarten
- Mitani
- Hilton Munich City
- MOMA1890
- Mk Hotel
- Hotel Pension Christl
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
More options for your journey from Munich to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Munich
Most popular train connections to Essen
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