- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
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 $244 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.
On Sun, Nov 01, we found 14 trains from Munich to Essen, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Nov 01 the direct trains cover the 493 km distance in an average of 5 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 2 m .
On Sun, Nov 01 the slowest trains will take 5 h 42 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 596 · ICE 106
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ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 · 26829
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ICE 916 · ICE 28 · ICE 645
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ICE 690 · ICE 200 · 89723
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ICE 588 · 26728
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ICE 916
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ICE 596 · ICE 106
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ICE 596 · ICE 106
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ICE 1010 · 10219
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ICE 690 · ICE 200 · 89723
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Trains from Munich to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 51m. 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 23:56. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 4h 53m.
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average train duration 5h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Munich to Essen.
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Essen trains for today, Saturday, October 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 698 · IC 60402 · ICE 618 | On time 10:46 PM Munich Hbf | 8h12 | 6:58 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, November 1 | |||||
ICE 1010 · 10219 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 5h19 | 1:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1010 · ICE 926 · 89725 | On time 8:19 AM Munich Hbf | 7h08 | 3:27 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 1100 · ICE 682 · 26720 | On time 8:34 AM Munich Hbf | 7h09 | 3:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 · 89723 | On time 8:45 AM Munich Hbf | 5h42 | 2:27 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 610 · ICE 926 · 89725 | On time 9:28 AM Munich Hbf | 5h59 | 3:27 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 610 · IC 2045 · ICE 1749 · 89727 | On time 9:28 AM Munich Hbf | 6h59 | 4:27 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 916 | On time 12:20 PM Munich Hbf | 5h02 | 5:22 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 916 · ICE 28 · ICE 645 | On time 12:20 PM Munich Hbf | 6h58 | 7:18 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 588 · 26728 | On time 12:38 PM Munich Hbf | 7h07 | 7:45 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 596 · ICE 106 | On time 12:45 PM Munich Hbf | 5h13 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 · 26829 | On time 1:02 PM Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 6:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 564 · ICE 216 | On time 1:02 PM Munich Hbf | 5h51 | 6:53 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 · 26829 | On time 1:02 PM Munich Hbf | 5h48 | 6:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most Munich to Essen trains use the München Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. 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 Hackerbrücke is 2 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
München Hackerbrücke 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: Augustiner Bräustuben, Lenz, Das Bad, Subway
Wi-Fi is available at München Hackerbrücke. ATMs are available at München Hackerbrücke.
Ticket office support is available at München Hackerbrücke. Information desks are available at München Hackerbrücke.
Luggage storage is available at München Hackerbrücke. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at München Hackerbrücke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at München Hackerbrücke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at München Hackerbrücke.
Nearby hotels include Theresienhöhe, Hotel Schweiz, Hotel Uhland, Germania.
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, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Essen-Zollverein Nord is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Zollverein Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Casino Zollverein, Warsteiner Stiefel, Schacht XII, Bistro, Cafe Kohlenwäsche
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. ATMs are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Information desks are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Check train stations information for Munich and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need