- 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
€45
Average price
€84
Fastest journey
7 h 57 m
Average duration
8 h 3 m
Trains per day
15
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 €84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.
It's difficult to get from Prague to Essen without transferring at least once.
R 678 · RJ 250 · ICE 1540
RJ 386 · ICE 1540
EC 458 · S5 · 16340 · ICE 1540
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522 · ICE 920
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522 · 26843
RJ 174 · ICE 542
rj 174 · ICE 542
RJ 176 · ICE 544
rj 176 · ICE 544
RJ 178 · ICE 548Trains from Prague to Essen run on average 13 times per day, taking around 8h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €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 €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 |
The table below shows live departures for Prague to Essen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 178 · ICE 548 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h07 | 4:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 178 · ICE 548 | On time 8:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h07 | 4:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:30 AM Praha, ÚAN Florenc | 11h18 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 382 · ICE 546 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h07 | 6:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 382 · ICE 546 | On time 10:31 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h07 | 6:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 176 · ICE 544 | On time 12:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h06 | 8:37 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 176 · ICE 544 | On time 12:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 8h06 | 8:37 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJ 174 · ICE 542 | On time 2:41 PM Prague-Holešovice | 7h57 | 10:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
rj 174 · ICE 542 | On time 2:41 PM Prague-Holešovice | 7h57 | 10:38 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522 · 26843 | On time 3:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h15 | 1:50 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EX 352 · 3580 · ICE 522 · ICE 920 | On time 3:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 11h27 | 3:02 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 352 · R 3580 · ICE 522 · RE 26843 | 3:35 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h15 | 1:50 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 386 · ICE 1540 | Delayed 4:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 12h43 | 3:30 AM 3:30 AMEssen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
R 678 · RJ 250 · ICE 1540 | Delayed 5:47 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 11h27 | 3:30 AM 3:30 AMEssen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 458 · S5 · 16340 · ICE 1540 | Delayed 6:31 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 10h43 | 3:30 AM 3:30 AMEssen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 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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