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

Mon, Aug 03
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Munich to Essen

Showing times and prices for Aug 03

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 626
    12:45 PM5h18
    Munich Hbf
    6:03 PMEssen Hbf
    $701One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 596 · ICE 710 · ICE 28 · ICE 645
    12:45 PM6h33
    Munich Hbf
    7:18 PMEssen Hbf
    $761One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 916
    12:20 PM5h02
    Munich Hbf
    5:22 PMEssen Hbf
    $801One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 596 · ICE 106
    12:45 PM5h13
    Munich Hbf
    5:58 PMEssen Hbf
    $911One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · ICE 926 · ICE 641
    8:19 AM6h59
    Munich Hbf
    3:18 PMEssen Hbf
    $1151One-way
    2 transfers

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 $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)

Compare train with

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

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

FlixBus

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 Munich to Essen is a bus with an average price of $52 (€42).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Munich to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 9m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 43m.

Bus takes on average 12h 44m.

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

Live departures

Munich to Essen train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 882 · 26718
On time
8:05 AM Munich Hbf
6h40
2:45 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1010 · ICE 926 · ICE 641
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
6h59
3:18 PM Essen Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1010
On time
8:19 AM Munich Hbf
5h03
1:22 PM Essen Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 2590 · ICE 200
On time
8:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h13
1:58 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 724
On time
8:45 AM Munich Hbf
5h19
2:04 PM Essen Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 788 · 26726
On time
12:06 PM Munich Hbf
6h39
6:45 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 916
On time
12:20 PM Munich Hbf
5h02
5:22 PM Essen Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 626
On time
12:45 PM Munich Hbf
5h18
6:03 PM Essen Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 596 · ICE 106
On time
12:45 PM Munich Hbf
5h13
5:58 PM Essen Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 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 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.

Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09

Why should you book Munich to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from Munich to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Munich 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) or Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich to Essen.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Munich to Essen?

The best time to book your train from Munich to Essen is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Munich to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Munich to Essen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Munich to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Munich to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Munich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Munich and Essen from $35 (€28). 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
4h 53m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€28)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 2m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€85)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
16 a day

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 38m
Cheapest Price
$339 (€276)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
1 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.

  • 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 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Munich to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $35 (€28), while the average price is around $139 (€113).
The train from Munich to Essen takes 4h 53m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from Munich to Essen is 306 miles (493 km).
The first train from Munich to Essen leaves at 12:01 AM.
The last train from Munich to Essen leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Munich to Essen. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Munich to Essen.
The train station in Munich that goes to Essen is Munich Hbf, which connects to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Munich to Essen is by train, with a cost of around $35 (€28).
The train journey from Munich to Essen offers a mix of scenic landscapes, including views of the rolling Bavarian countryside, picturesque towns, and the dense forests of the North Rhine-Westphalia region, making it visually appealing, especially in certain sections.
A day trip from Munich to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 53m each way. However, trains are available 15 times 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 Munich to Essen.
Since both Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich to Essen

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.

Departure train stations in Munich
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Munich station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Munich to Essen leave from München Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Munich city centre at Bayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, Germany.
München HbfBayerstraße 10A, 80335 Munich, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München Hbf from Munich city centre

München Hbf is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus100 · 15m · every ~11 min
Tram21 · 12m · $2 · every ~12 min

München Hbf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

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

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. . ATMs are available at München Hbf.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is the station has luggage lockers. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München Hbf: Accessibility equipment, elevators, & mobility service. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include a&o München Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel München, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.

München-PasingMünchen-Pasing, Pasinger Bahnhofsplatz 7-9 6-10, 81241 MünchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München-Pasing from Munich city centre

München-Pasing is 8 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe72, Re96 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
Rb · 7m · $2
S3, S8, S6, S5, S4, S2 · 13m · $2 · every ~37 min
Tram19, N19 · 33m · $4 · every ~13 min

München-Pasing train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Burger King, McDonald's, Hunsinger in der Goldenen Gans, Orexi Taverna

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at München-Pasing. ATMs are available at München-Pasing.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München-Pasing. Information desks are available at München-Pasing.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at München-Pasing. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München-Pasing: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München-Pasing: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München-Pasing.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Guenstigwohnen24.de, Jagdschloss Residenz, Hotel Miano.

München OstMünchen Ost, Orleansplatz 11, 81667 MünchenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to München Ost from Munich city centre

München Ost is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS8, S1, S2, S3, S6, S4, S5 · 5m · $1 · every ~61 min
Drf, 961, 963, 965, 967, 969 · 8m · $2 · every ~1 min
Bus62 · 11m · every ~15 min
N45 · 22m · $4
Tram21, N19 · 17m · $4 · every ~13 min
SubwayU5 · 4m · $4 · every ~20 min

München Ost train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Haidhauser Augustiner, Burger King, Tassilogarten, Mitani

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at München Ost. ATMs are available at München Ost.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at München Ost. Information desks are available at München Ost.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at München Ost. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at München Ost: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at München Ost: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at München Ost.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hilton Munich City, MOMA1890, Mk Hotel, Hotel Pension Christl.

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