- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$216
Average price
$220
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Trains per day
3
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 $220 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $216.
Of the 3 trains that leave Paris for Essen on Tue, Jun 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct trains cover the 440 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 6 h 25 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.
9459
9471
18929 · 26417+
507+
9305
9459
9471
18929 · 26417+
507+
9305Omio 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 $30. 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 $30, and a flight costs an average of $179.
Distance: 273 miles (440 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$206 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $421 Average price | $125 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 $153 (€123) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paris to Essen costing on average $206 (€167).
A bus is $367 (€297) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paris to Essen costing on average $421 (€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 $206 (€167) compared to roughly $125 (€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 tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18929 · 26417+ 10135+ 9305 | 6:49 AM Paris Gare du Nord | 6h25 | 1:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
9459 | 3:55 PM Paris Gare du Nord | 4h20 | 8:15 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
9471 | 5:55 PM Paris Gare du Nord | 4h24 | 10:19 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 $96 (€78) but you can travel from only $30 (€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 $96 (€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.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
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.

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