- 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
$70
Average price
$118
Fastest journey
5 h 2 m
Average duration
5 h 10 m
Trains per day
10
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 $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
Of the 10 trains that leave Munich for Essen on Mon, Aug 03, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 2 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 5 h 18 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 626
ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 · ICE 645
ICE 916
ICE 596 · ICE 106
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · ICE 641
ICE 916
ICE 1010
ICE 2590 · ICE 200
ICE 596 · ICE 106
ICE 626Omio 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
$139 Average price | $225 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 $139 (€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 $225 (€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 $139 (€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 tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 2590 · ICE 200 | On time 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 1:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 724 | On time 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h19 | 2:04 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 788 · 26726 | On time 12:06 PM Munich Hbf | 6h39 | 6:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 916 | On time 12:20 PM Munich Hbf | 5h02 | 5:22 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 626 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 5h18 | 6:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 · ICE 645 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 6h33 | 7:18 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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.
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 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.

Most Munich to Essen trains use the München Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen West. Use this guide to compare Munich and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München 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: Cantina Estación Mediterrano, Rischart Bakery, Ditsch Pretzels, backWERK, Cafe-Shop, Le Crobag, Yorma's, Coffee Fellows, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, & many more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at München Hbf. Information desks are there is an information desk located on the main concourse near the food court.
Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München-Pasing 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: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna
Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.
Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.
Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.
Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.
München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München Ost 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: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani
Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.
Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.
Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.
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 West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd 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, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
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