- 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 on Sep 18
€49
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€151
Fastest journey on Sep 18
10 h 22 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
10 h 22 m
Trains on Sep 18
54
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 €151 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 3 times.
RJX 68 · ICE 618 · Bus RE1
RJ 820 · S 2 · Bus RE50 · ICE 722
IC 407+
ICE 628+
DB S6
REX 7+
IC 407+
ICE 628+
DB S6
REX 7+
IC 540+
RJX 260+
ICE 628
RJX19952+
ICE 118 · ICE 224+
RE1
RJX19950+
ICE 210 · ICE 916+
RE1
RJX19938+
EC 212+
ICE 918+
RE1
RJX19916+
EC 114+
ICE 910+
RE1
RJX 19938 · EC 212 · ICE 918 · S6Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €69 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €69, while a flight costs an average of €437.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€201 Average price | €437 Average price | €69 Average price Cheapest | €67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 25m Average total duration 9h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 15h 56m Average total duration 15h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Vienna to Essen:
A bus is €132 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Essen costing on average €201.
A bus is €368 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Essen costing on average €437.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 55m.
Bus takes on average 15h 26m.
Tickets start at around €201 compared to roughly €67 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-133.76. The journey takes 9h 55m versus 9h 14m 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 Vienna to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 820 · REX 5052 · R 25798 · ICE 610 | 12:28 AM Vienna | 15h09 | 3:37 PM Essen | 6 transfers | |
RJ 820 · S 2 · Bus RE50 · ICE 722 | 12:28 AM Vienna | 15h04 | 3:32 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
REX 7+ IC 407+ ICE 628+ DB S6 | 4:46 AM Vienna Airport | 12h46 | 5:32 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7+ RJX19938+ ICE 918+ RE1 | On time 4:46 AM Vienna Airport | 11h04 | 3:50 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 848+ ICE 918+ RE1+ EC 212 | On time 4:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h53 | 3:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7+ IC 540+ RJX 260+ ICE 628 | 5:16 AM Vienna Airport | 12h16 | 5:32 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX 19938 · EC 212 · ICE 918 · S6 | 5:28 AM Vienna | 10h24 | 3:52 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX19938+ ICE 918+ RE1+ EC 212 | On time 5:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h22 | 3:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 407+ ICE 628+ DB S6 | 5:39 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h53 | 5:32 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
REX 7+ RJX 260+ ICE 628+ DB S6 | 5:46 AM Vienna Airport | 11h46 | 5:32 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 540+ RJX 260+ ICE 628+ DB S6 | 5:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h35 | 5:32 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 260+ ICE 628+ DB S6 | 6:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h04 | 5:32 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 260 · ICE 628 · S6 | On time 6:28 AM Vienna | 11h04 | 5:32 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 260 · ICE 518 · ICE 228 · Bus RE1 | On time 6:28 AM Vienna | 11h09 | 5:37 PM Essen | 3 transfers | |
REX 7+ EC 1218+ ICE 916+ RE1 | 6:46 AM Vienna Airport | 11h04 | 5:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX19950+ ICE 210 · ICE 916+ RE1 | 7:02 AM Vienna Airport | 10h48 | 5:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 1218 · ICE 916 · S6 | On time 7:13 AM Vienna | 10h39 | 5:52 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 1218+ ICE 916+ RE1 | 7:13 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h37 | 5:50 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX19950+ ICE 210 · ICE 916+ RE1 | 7:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h22 | 5:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 19950 · ICE 210 · ICE 916 · S6 | 7:28 AM Vienna | 10h24 | 5:52 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 544+ RJX 262+ ICE 624+ DB S6 | 7:34 AM Vienna Airport | 11h58 | 7:32 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 544+ RJX 262+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 | 7:34 AM Vienna Airport | 11h16 | 6:50 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 544+ RJX 262+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 | 7:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h53 | 6:50 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 624+ DB S6 | 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 11h30 | 7:32 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 754+ RJX 262+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 | 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 11h10 | 7:12 PM Essen Hbf | 6 transfers | |
RJX 262+ ICE 624+ DB S6 | 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h04 | 7:32 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 262 · ICE 624 · S6 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna | 11h04 | 7:32 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna | 10h44 | 7:12 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
RJX 262 · ICE 564 · ICE 216 · 10228 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna | 10h53 | 7:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 262+ ICE 564 · ICE 216 · ICE 12 | 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h44 | 7:12 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118 · ICE 224+ DB S6 | 8:34 AM Vienna Airport | 11h38 | 8:12 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
REX 7+ ICE 224+ RE1+ EC 1216 | 8:46 AM Vienna Airport | 11h04 | 7:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 546+ ICE 118 · ICE 224+ DB S6 | 8:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 11h15 | 8:12 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 1216 · ICE 224 · 63615 | On time 9:13 AM Vienna | 10h45 | 7:58 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 224+ RE1+ EC 1216 | Delayed 12:20 PM 9:13 AMVienna Hbf | 10h37 | 7:50 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX19952+ ICE 118 · ICE 224+ RE1 | 9:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h22 | 7:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJ 750+ RJX 62+ ICE 512 · ICE 24 | 12:02 PM Vienna Airport | 11h40 | 11:42 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 526 · Bus RE1 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna | 11h37 | 12:05 AM Essen | 2 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 · Bus RE1 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna | 11h22 | 11:50 PM Essen | 3 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 526 · S2 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna | 11h39 | 12:07 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 62+ ICE 512+ RE1 | 12:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 11h22 | 11:50 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
RJX 62+ ICE 512 · ICE 24+ DB S6 | 12:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 11h14 | 11:42 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ICE 512 · ICE 24 · S6 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna | 11h14 | 11:42 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 644+ ICE 910+ RE1+ EC 114 | On time 12:34 PM Vienna Airport | 11h16 | 11:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 644+ ICE 910+ RE1+ EC 114 | On time 12:57 PM Vienna Hbf | 10h53 | 11:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX19956+ ICE 910+ RE1+ EC 114 | On time 1:02 PM Vienna Airport | 10h48 | 11:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839 | 1:28 PM Vienna | 10h44 | 12:12 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
RJX 19916 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · 26839 | 1:28 PM Vienna | 10h52 | 12:20 AM Essen | 4 transfers | |
RJX19916+ ICE 910+ RE1+ EC 114 | On time 1:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 10h22 | 11:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 646+ RJX 64+ ICE 522 · ICE 920 | 1:34 PM Vienna Airport | 14h16 | 3:50 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 646+ RJX 64+ ICE 510+ RE1 | 1:34 PM Vienna Airport | 12h16 | 1:50 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
RJX 64 · ICE 510 · 26843 · Bus RE1 | On time 2:28 PM Vienna | 11h52 | 2:20 AM Essen | 3 transfers | |
RJX 64 · ICE 510 · 26843 · S6 | On time 2:28 PM Vienna | 11h43 | 2:11 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
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 Vienna to Essen run on average 17 times per day, taking around 9h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €50 but you can travel from only €33 by bus.
There are 1 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 8h 9m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average train duration 9h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €50 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 9m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 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 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, 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-Steele is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Steele 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: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need