The cheapest and fastest trains from Zagreb to Essen
Cheapest price
$119
Average price
$154
Fastest journey
15 h 29 m
Average duration
17 h 27 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
909 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zagreb to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zagreb to Essen will cost around $154 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
It's difficult to get from Zagreb to Essen without transferring at least 3 times.
R 7700 · 314 · RJ 110 · ICE 61810:34 AM20h24Zagreb Main Station6:58 AMEssen Hbf$1191One-way3 transfers
EC 214 · EC 114 · ICE 782 · ICE 12208:40 AM16h29Zagreb Main Station1:09 AMEssen Hbf$1581One-way3 transfers
EC 214 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · ICE 1008:40 AM15h29Zagreb Main Station12:09 AMEssen Hbf$1841One-way3 transfers
EC 214 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · ICE 1008:40 AM15h29Zagreb Main Station12:09 AMEssen Hbf$1841One-way3 transfers
EC 214 · EC 114 · ICE 782 · ICE 12208:40 AM16h29Zagreb Main Station1:09 AMEssen Hbf$1581One-way3 transfers
R 7700 · 314 · RJ 110 · ICE 61810:34 AM20h24Zagreb Main Station6:58 AMEssen Hbf$1191One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zagreb to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zagreb to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $21.
Distance: 564 miles (909 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $158 Average price | $284 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 29m Average total duration 15h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 50m Average total duration 19h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 2.7 - 5.4kg 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 Zagreb to Essen:
A bus is $7 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zagreb to Essen costing on average $106 (€85).
A bus is $58 (€46) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zagreb to Essen costing on average $158 (€126).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 59m.
Bus takes on average 19h 20m.
Tickets start at around $106 (€85) compared to roughly $284 (€226) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $178 (€142). The journey takes 15h 59m versus 11h 52m 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.
Live departures
Zagreb to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Zagreb to Essen trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 214 · EC 114 · ICE 782 · ICE 1220 | On time 8:40 AM Zagreb Main Station | 16h29 | 1:09 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 214 · EC 114 · ICE 910 · ICE 100 | On time 8:40 AM Zagreb Main Station | 15h29 | 12:09 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
R 7700 · 314 · RJ 110 · ICE 618 | On time 10:34 AM Zagreb Main Station | 20h24 | 6:58 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zagreb to Essen by train, bus, or flight
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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Why should you book Zagreb to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zagreb to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zagreb to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zagreb to Essen
Trains from Zagreb to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 (€53) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:48, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 564 miles (909 km) distance in 15h 37m.
Distance 564 miles (909 km) |
Average train duration 15h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€53) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 15h 37m |
First train 12:48 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Zagreb to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Zagreb and Essen from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
FAQs: Trains from Zagreb to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zagreb 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zagreb to Essen
- 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Trg kralja Tomislava.
- Zinfandel's Restaurant
- Le Bistro Esplanade
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- HRK 3
- Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
- Hotel Central
- Palace Hotel Zagreb
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for trains to Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and domestic destinations
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6, Line 13
- Bus: Several lines available
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Most popular train connections from Zagreb
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