- 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
$53
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
7 h 57 m
Average duration
8 h 56 m
Trains per day
8
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 $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 8 trains that leave Prague for Essen on Sun, Jun 21, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 542 km distance in an average of 8 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 57 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 10 h 7 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.










Omio 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 prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 336 miles (542 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $190 Average price | $136 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 2m Average total duration 8h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 47m Average total duration 9h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m Onboard + 3h 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 $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Prague to Essen costing on average $87 (€71).
A bus is $129 (€106) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Prague to Essen costing on average $190 (€155).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 32m.
Bus takes on average 9h 17m.
Tickets start at around $87 (€71) compared to roughly $136 (€112) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $49 (€40). The journey takes 8h 32m 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 tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:00 AM Prague | 10h48 | 10:48 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:50 AM Prague | 12h06 | 3:56 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:31 AM Prague | 8h07 | 12:38 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:50 AM Prague | 12h06 | 4:56 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:31 AM Prague | 10h07 | 4:38 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:31 AM Prague | 9h03 | 8:34 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 PM Prague | 9h27 | 10:02 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:41 PM Prague | 7h57 | 9:38 PM Essen | 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 Prague to Essen run on average 13 times per day, taking around 8h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 336 miles (542 km) distance in 7h 57m.
Distance 336 miles (542 km) |
Average train duration 8h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 7h 57m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 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 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 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.
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