- 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
$49
Average price
$170
Fastest journey
10 h 22 m
Average duration
10 h 23 m
Trains per day
34
Distance
761 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Essen will cost around $170 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Essen without transferring at least once.
RJX 68 · ICE 618
RJX 64 · ICE 510 · 26843
RJX 64+
ICE 522 · ICE 920+
IC 646
IC 646+
RJX 64+
ICE 522 · ICE 920
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839
RJX 19952 · ICE 118 · ICE 224 · 26831
RJX19916+
ICE 910+
RE1+
EC 114
RJX 19952 · ICE 118Trains from Vienna to Essen run on average 25 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 (€47) but you can travel from only $50 (€41) by flight.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 472 miles (761 km) distance in 9h 30m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average train duration 8h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€47) |
Trains per day 25 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 9h 30m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Essen trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:28 AM Vienna | 10h25 | 5:53 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:57 AM Vienna | 10h56 | 6:53 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:28 AM Vienna | 10h25 | 6:53 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:28 PM Vienna | 12h30 | 4:58 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:10 PM Vienna | 12h35 | 6:45 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 624 | On time 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 11h01 | 7:03 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 216 · ICE 564 | 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 10h51 | 6:53 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 262+ ICE 624 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h35 | 7:03 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
RJX 262+ ICE 216 · ICE 564 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h25 | 6:53 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 262 · ICE 624 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna | 10h35 | 7:03 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 546+ ICE 118 | On time 8:34 AM Vienna Airport | 11h19 | 7:53 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 546+ EC 1216+ ICE 224+ RE1 | 8:34 AM Vienna Airport | 11h16 | 7:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118+ IC 2349 | 8:34 AM Vienna Airport | 13h24 | 9:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118 | On time 8:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h56 | 7:53 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Vienna 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 Vienna to Essen trains use the Wien Hauptbahnhof to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Vienna and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Wien Hauptbahnhof is 2 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, L’Osteria, Akakiko, McDonald’s, Oberlaa, Nordsee, Som Kitchen, Starbucks, Admiral Sports Bar, Asia Gourmet, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are information desks are located at each end of the main level.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
Nearby hotels include Star Inn Hotel, Quartier Belvedere, AZIMUT Hotel Vienna.
Flughafen Wien is 3 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Flughafen Wien 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Café Restaurant Johann Strauss, Zugvogel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Flughafen Wien. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Flughafen Wien. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Flughafen Wien: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Vienna Airport Conference Center, Moxy Vienna Airport, LifeHotel Vienna Airport.
Wien Meidling Bahnhof is 4 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Meidling Bahnhof 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 Meidlinger Markt, Gasthaus Tirolergarten
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Rainers, Austria Trend Hotel Bosei, Hotel Fabrik.
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.
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