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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Essen
Showing times and prices for Nov 30
Cheapest price
$151
Average price
$159
Fastest journey
5 h 41 m
Average duration
6 h 7 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
468 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Essen will cost around $159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $151.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Zurich for Essen on Sun, Nov 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Nov 30 the direct trains cover the 468 km distance in an average of 6 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 41 m .
On Sun, Nov 30 the slowest trains will take 7 h 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.
05:59AM5h41
Zurich11:40AMEssen
$1511One-way
0 transfers
07:59AM5h41
Zurich01:40PMEssen
$1511One-way
0 transfers
06:59AM7h00
Zurich01:59PMEssen
$1751One-way
0 transfers
05:59AM5h41
Zurich11:40AMEssen
$1511One-way
0 transfers
07:59AM5h41
Zurich01:40PMEssen
$1511One-way
0 transfers
06:59AM7h00
Zurich01:59PMEssen
$1751One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 290 miles (468 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€115 Average price | €126 Average price | €46 Average price Cheapest |
7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 13m Average total duration 8h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Essen trains for today, Saturday, November 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 7:50 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:59 AM Zurich | 7h41 | 3:40 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, November 30 | |||||
| 5:59 AM Zurich | 5h41 | 11:40 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:59 AM Zurich | 7h00 | 1:59 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich 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.
Sun
Nov 30
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Dec 06
Why should you book Zurich to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB) as well as SBB and Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) offer trains services from Zurich to Essen. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Zurich to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB), but also compare tickets for the likes of SBB and Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Essen.
- 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 (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of SBB and Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) to help you choose the right option for your journey from Zurich to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Zurich to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Essen
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Zurich to Essen run on average 17 times per day, taking around 6h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $74 (€60) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 290 miles (468 km) distance in 5h 41m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $36 (€29)
Distance 290 miles (468 km) |
Average train duration 6h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 (€60) |
Trains per day 17 |
Fastest train 5h 41m |
First train 00:08 |
Last train 23:39 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $36 (€29)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Zurich to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Essen from $36 (€29). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 41m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€50)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
20 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
SBB
About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 1m
Cheapest Price
$101 (€82)
SBB frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 52m
Cheapest Price
$152 (€123)
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
The train journey from Zurich to Essen offers scenic views, particularly through the Swiss and German countryside, including picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and charming villages, enhancing the travel experience.
To explore Essen's key attractions, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and Grugapark, a stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient.
The distance by train from Zurich to Essen is 290 miles (468 km).
Train ticket prices from Zurich to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $74 (€60), while the average price is around $142 (€115).
A day trip from Zurich to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 41m. The distance is 290 miles (468 km) with 17 trains per day.
The first train from Zurich to Essen leaves at 12:08 AM.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around $36 (€29).
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Essen.
The train from Zurich to Essen takes 5h 41m and runs 17 per day.
The last train from Zurich to Essen leaves at 11:39 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Essen.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Essen is Zurich HB, which connects to Essen Hbf.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Zurich to Essen.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Essen
Zurich
Essen
The major train station for departures in Zurich is Zürich Altstetten. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zürich Altstetten for your trip from Zurich to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
5 km
Number of platforms
5Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
Dining
- Restaurant Markthalle
- Restaurant LaSalle
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Placid Hotel Zurich
- Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
- H+ Hotel Zürich
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 240 places, covered
Car Rental
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
Public transit options for Zürich Altstetten
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
- Tram: Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
Zürich Stadelhofen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
3Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
Dining
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 1000 places, covered
Car Rental
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
Public transit options for Zürich Stadelhofen
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
Zürich Hardbrücke
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
3 kmNumber of platforms
8Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking available nearby with several parking options
Dining
- Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar
- Les Halles
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- 25hours Hotel Zürich West
- Sheraton Zürich Hotel
- Novotel Zurich City West
Bike Parking
- 800 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located on the main concourse
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-8 for S-Bahn and regional trains
Public transit options for Zürich Hardbrücke
- Tram: Line 4, Line 8
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Shower
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 kmNumber of platforms
26Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
Dining
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- CHF 2
Hotel
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
Shower
- Cost CHF 12
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
Public transit options for Zürich HB
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Zurich.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Essen-Steele Ost
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
5 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Bacchos
- Döner
- Eiscafe Kemmerling
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
7 kmDining
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
Hotel
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
More options for your journey from Zurich to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Essen
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