- 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 on Sep 20
$46
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$124
Fastest journey on Sep 20
8 h 14 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
8 h 16 m
Trains on Sep 20
18
Distance
542 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Prague to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Prague to Essen will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
It's difficult to get from Prague to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
EC 458 · S5 · 16340 · ICE 1540
R 676 · Os 28015 · S1 · 16536
R 676 · Os 28015 · S1 · 16536
EC 458 · ICE 699 · IC 60402 · 26805
R 676 · Os 28015 · S1 · 16538
RJ 176 · ICE 544 · 26730
RJ 178 · ICE 548 · 26722
RJ 382 · ICE 546 · 26726
RJ 384 · ICE 640 · 26718
RJ 174 · ICE 542 · 26838Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Prague to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $73 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $73, while a flight costs an average of $445.
Distance: 336 miles (542 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$169 Average price | $73 Average price Cheapest | $445 Average price | $138 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 8m Average total duration 8h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 34m Average total duration 11h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.3kg 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 Prague to Essen:
A bus is $96 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Prague to Essen costing on average $169.
A bus is $372 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Prague to Essen costing on average $445.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 38m.
Bus takes on average 11h 4m.
Tickets start at around $169 compared to roughly $138 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-31.31. The journey takes 8h 38m versus 6h 37m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Prague to Essen trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 384 · ICE 640 · 26718 | On time 6:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h14 | 2:45 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 178 · ICE 548 · 26722 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h14 | 4:45 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 382 · ICE 546 · 26726 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h14 | 6:45 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 176 · ICE 544 · 26730 | On time 12:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h14 | 8:45 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 Prague to Essen run on average 11 times per day, taking around 8h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 336 miles (542 km) distance in 7h 39m.
Distance 336 miles (542 km) |
Average train duration 8h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 7h 39m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 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 Prague 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 Prague to Essen trains use the Praha hlavní nádraží to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen West. Use this guide to compare Prague and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Praha hlavní nádraží is 1 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha hlavní nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Fantova Kavárna, Sushi Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Esplanade Prague, Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag, Hotel City Central.
Praha-Holesovice is 2 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha-Holesovice has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Na Kovárně, Cross Club
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha-Holesovice. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha-Holesovice. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha-Holesovice: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha-Holesovice: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Mama Shelter Prague, Plaza Alta Hotel, Hotel Belvedere.
Praha Masarykovo Nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Kotleta, Café Imperial
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kings Court, Grand Hotel Bohemia, Hotel Paris Prague.
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, 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.
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