- 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
kr306
Average price
kr966
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
3 h 58 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
335 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stuttgart to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stuttgart to Essen will cost around kr966 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr306.
Of the 6 trains that leave Stuttgart for Essen on Thu, Aug 13, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 335 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 4 h 29 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 Stuttgart to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr245. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr245, and a flight costs an average of kr2178.
Distance: 208 miles (335 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr941 Average price | kr357 Average price Cheapest | kr4302 Average price | kr708 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 7m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 12m Average total duration 10h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg 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 Stuttgart to Essen:
A bus is kr585 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stuttgart to Essen costing on average kr941.
A bus is kr3945 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Stuttgart to Essen costing on average kr4302.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 37m.
Bus takes on average 10h 42m.
You'll arrive about 1h 19m sooner (3h 37m by train vs 4h 56m by car). Tickets start at around kr941 compared to roughly kr708 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 Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Stuttgart to Essen trains for today, Wednesday, August 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2168 · ICE 1012 | Delayed 7:59 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h23 | 9:25 AM 9:25 AMEssen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixTrain · FlixTrain | 8:14 AM Stuttgart | 12h50 | 9:04 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2592 · ICE 202 | On time 8:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h09 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 · ICE 726 | On time 9:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h17 | 1:06 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 612 · IC 2547 · 28518 · 32990 | On time 9:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h48 | 2:37 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2166 · ICE 1010 | On time 9:59 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h23 | 1:22 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 2590 · ICE 200 | Delayed 10:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h09 | 12:03 PM 12:03 PMEssen 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 Stuttgart to Essen run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr229 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 208 miles (335 km) distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 208 miles (335 km) |
Average train duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price kr229 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart to Essen trains use the Stuttgart Hbf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Stuttgart and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Stuttgart 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: backWERK, Ditsch, Kamps Backstube, Le Crobag, Dunkin' Donuts, min min, Starbucks, Yorma's
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Stuttgart Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Hbf. Information desks are located on the south side of the station near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the north entrance. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Hbf: Escalators and elevators. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include ARCOTEL Camino Stuttgart, Mirage City Hotel Stuttgart Zentrum Hbf, Hotel Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte.
Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart, Arnulf-Klett-Platz (Hauptbahnhof).
Stuttgart Nord is 2 km from Stuttgart city centre. Public transport options include:
Stuttgart Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Stuttgart Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Stuttgart Nord. Information desks are available at Stuttgart Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Stuttgart Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stuttgart Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Stuttgart Nord: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stuttgart Nord.
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, 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.
Essen-Eiberg is 6 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Eiberg has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Zur Krone, Hannappel, Pizzeria Roma, Horster Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Eiberg. ATMs are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Eiberg. Information desks are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Eiberg. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Eiberg: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Eiberg: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Eiberg.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need