- 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
€166
Average price
€192
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
6 h 9 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
440 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Paris to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paris to Essen will cost around €192 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €166.
It's difficult to get from Paris to Essen without transferring at least once.
ICE 9591 · ICE 628
ICE 1010+
TGV 9561
ICE 918+
TGV 9551
ICE 9585 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020
ICE 9591 · ICE 628
ICE 1010+
TGV 9561
ICE 9585 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020
ICE 918+
TGV 9551Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Paris to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. 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 €24, and a flight costs an average of €145.
Distance: 273 miles (440 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€167 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €340 Average price | €101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Paris to Essen:
A bus is €123 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paris to Essen costing on average €167.
A bus is €297 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paris to Essen costing on average €340.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 30m.
Bus takes on average 7h 24m.
You'll arrive about 55m sooner (5h 30m by train vs 6h 25m by car). Tickets start at around €167 compared to roughly €101 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 Eurostar.
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 Paris to Essen trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 9591 · ICE 628 | On time 11:07 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h00 | 5:07 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9591 · ICE 916 | On time 11:07 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h15 | 5:22 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 9591 · ICE 2012 · ICE 106 | On time 11:07 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h51 | 5:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
ICE 9585 · ICE 374 · ICE 612 · ICE 1020 | On time 6:44 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h14 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
TGV 9561+ ICE 1010 | On time 7:16 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h06 | 1:22 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9551+ ICE 918 | On time 9:06 AM Paris Gare de l'Est | 6h16 | 3:22 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Paris to Essen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €78 but you can travel from only €24 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 273 miles (440 km) distance in 4h 24m.
Distance 273 miles (440 km) |
Average train duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price €78 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 24m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 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 Paris 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 Paris to Essen trains use the Paris Gare du Nord to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen Süd. Use this guide to compare Paris and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Paris Gare du Nord is 3 km from Paris city centre. Public transport options include:
Paris Gare du Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Terminus Nord, Chez Casimir, Brasserie Terminus Nord, McDonald’s, Bonne Journeé, Autogrill Grignotin, Autogrill Chips & Snacks
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 04:45 - 01:30. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on level -1, close to Platform 3 near the Rue de Maubeuge entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Paris Gare du Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paris Gare du Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paris Gare du Nord: Elevators, tactile warning strips. Contact the Accès Plus Mobility Service Centre at +33 890640650 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Hotel Whistler, Mercure Paris Gare du Nord, Ibis Paris Gare du Nord, Le Matissia, OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est.
Paris Gare de l'Est is 2 km from Paris city centre. Public transport options include:
Paris Gare de l'Est has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Le Perchoir de la Gare de l'Est, La Consigne, Starbucks, Factory & Co, La Place, McDonald's, Mon Chou, Go Johnny Go, Maison Pradier, PAUL, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 06:45 - 20:30, Sat: 09:00 - 20:00, Sun: 09:00 - 20:30. Information desks are located between Tracks 15 and 18.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level -1 towards the metro access next to PAUL. Open every day from 07:30 to 22:30.
Available at Paris Gare de l'Est: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Paris Gare de l'Est: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Paris Gare de l'Est: The station is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets and orientation system for visually impaired travelers. There is disabled traveler assistance by Track 4. .
Nearby hotels include Hotel Whistler, Hôtel LOCOMO, Hôtel Parisianer.
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 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.
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.
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