- 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
$138
Average price
$175
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
3 h 6 m
Trains per day
8
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 $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
Of the 8 trains that leave Stuttgart for Essen on Sun, Jun 28, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 28 the direct trains cover the 335 km distance in an average of 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
On Sun, Jun 28 the slowest trains will take 3 h 9 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.
ICE 772 · IC 1947 · ICE 941
ICE 774 · ICE 1049 · ICE 849
ICE 692 · ICE 202
ICE 612
ICE 1010
ICE 1010
ICE 692 · ICE 202
ICE 612
ICE 690 · ICE 200
ICE 614Omio 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 $25. 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 $25, and a flight costs an average of $226.
Distance: 208 miles (335 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$98 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $447 Average price | $74 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 $61 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stuttgart to Essen costing on average $98 (€81).
A bus is $410 (€338) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Stuttgart to Essen costing on average $447 (€369).
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 $98 (€81) compared to roughly $74 (€61) 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 tomorrow, Sunday, June 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 694 · ICE 204 | On time 6:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h09 | 9:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 774 · ICE 1049 · ICE 849 | On time 7:22 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h58 | 12:20 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 614 | On time 7:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h09 | 10:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 692 · ICE 202 | On time 8:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h09 | 11:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 772 · IC 1947 · ICE 941 | On time 9:22 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 4h58 | 2:20 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 612 | On time 9:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h09 | 12:58 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1010 | On time 10:26 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 2h56 | 1:22 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 690 · ICE 200 | On time 10:49 AM Stuttgart Hbf | 3h09 | 1:58 PM Essen 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 $24 (€20) 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 $24 (€20) |
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.
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 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 Süd. 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 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.
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.
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