Zurich to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE,RB)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Essen

Showing times and prices for Jul 09

Cheapest price

$160

Average price

$160

Fastest journey

5 h 41 m

Average duration

6 h 24 m

Trains per day

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 $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $160.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Zurich to Essen without transferring at least once.

ICE 76 · ICE 1010

07:59AM5h41

Zurich HB

01:40PMEssen Hbf

$1601One-way

1 transfer

IC 764 · ICE 370 · ICE 610 · ICE 928

08:59AM5h59

Zurich HB

02:58PMEssen Hbf

$1601One-way

3 transfers

IC 764 · ICE 370 · IC 2045 · ICE 108

08:59AM7h00

Zurich HB

03:59PMEssen Hbf

$1601One-way

3 transfers

ICE 74 · IC 2012

09:59AM7h41

Zurich HB

05:40PMEssen Hbf

$1601One-way

1 transfer

ICE 74 · ICE 918

09:59AM5h41

Zurich HB

03:40PMEssen Hbf

$1601One-way

1 transfer

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 €32. 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 €32, and a flight costs an average of €50.

Distance: 290 miles (468 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Flight	Bus
€118 Average price	€153 Average price	€50 Average price Cheapest
7h 17m Average total duration 6h 47m 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

Showing trains for today, Tuesday, July 8

Last updated at 4:19 AM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
ICE 76 · ICE 1010	On time 5:59 AM Zurich HB	5h41	11:40 AM Essen Hbf	1 transfer
IC 764 · ICE 370 · ICE 610 · ICE 928	Delayed 6:59 AM Zurich HB	5h59	1:34 PM 1:34 PMEssen Hbf	3 transfers
IC 764 · ICE 370 · IC 2045 · ICE 108	On time 6:59 AM Zurich HB	7h00	1:59 PM Essen Hbf	3 transfers
ICE 74 · IC 2012	On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB	7h41	3:40 PM Essen Hbf	1 transfer
ICE 74 · ICE 918	On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB	5h41	1:40 PM Essen Hbf	1 transfer
IC 778 · ICE 102 · RE 26837	On time 1:59 PM Zurich HB	6h51	8:50 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
IC 778 · ICE 102 · RE 28534 · RE 91547	On time 1:59 PM Zurich HB	6h38	8:37 PM Essen Hbf	3 transfers
ICE 272 · ICE 512 · RE 26839	On time 2:59 PM Zurich HB	6h51	9:50 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
ICE 272 · IC 2347 · RE 26841	On time 2:59 PM Zurich HB	7h51	10:50 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers
IC 782 · ICE 100 · RE 26841	On time 3:59 PM Zurich HB	6h51	10:50 PM Essen Hbf	2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Essen by train, bus, or flight

Tue
Jul 08

Wed
Jul 09

Thu
Jul 10

Fri
Jul 11

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Jul 12

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Jul 13

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Jul 14

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich to Essen

Switzerland

Germany

Trains from Zurich to Essen run on average 23 times per day, taking around 6h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) but you can travel from only $41 (€32) by bus.

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 $41 (€32)

Distance

290 miles (468 km)

Average train duration

6h 47m

Cheapest ticket price

$50 (€40)

Trains per day

Fastest train

5h 41m

First train

00:02

Last train

23:58

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $41 (€32)

Train providers: Deutsche Bahn and TGV INOUI from Zurich to Essen trains

Travel to Essen from Zurich from $25 (€20) with Omio’s train partners Deutsche Bahn and TGV INOUI! You can find the best schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the most convenient trip for you.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the main provider of train services in Germany, making on average 40,000 journeys per day. A special feature of Deutsche Bahn is its wide range of ticket types, savings offers including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible fares and discount cards like the Bahncard 25, 50 and 100. DB uses different types of trains such as the ICE (Intercity Express), IC (Intercity), EC (Eurocity), IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regionalbahn) on its routes, which differ in terms of comfort and the time required to travel.

Train information from Zurich to Essen with Deutsche Bahn:

Average Duration: 5 h 41 min
Cheapest Price: $25
Deutsche Bahn frequency: 4 a day

TGV INOUI is a high-speed train service operated by the French national railway company SNCF. It operates throughout France, connecting major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Lille. The TGV INOUI offers a variety of train types, including the TGV Duplex, TGV Lyria, and TGV Océane. The Duplex is a double-decker train with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom, while the Lyria is a high-speed train that connects France and Switzerland. The Océane is a regional train that connects Paris to the Atlantic coast. The TGV INOUI offers a variety of ticket types, including the Prem's ticket, which offers discounts for travelers who book in advance, and the Carte Jeune, which offers discounts for young travelers. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for TGV INOUI are Paris to Lyon, Paris to Marseille, and Paris to Lille. These routes offer travelers a convenient and comfortable way to travel between France's major cities.

Train information from Zurich to Essen with TGV INOUI:

Average Duration: 8 h 24 min
Cheapest Price: $502
TGV INOUI frequency: 1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Essen

FAQs: Travel by train from Zurich to Essen easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Zurich to Essen.

Yes, traveling by train from Zurich to Essen is possible. In addition to trains, you can also consider traveling between these cities by bus or flight.

The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Essen is by train, with prices starting at €30.

Given the train duration of 7 hours and 9 minutes each way, covering a distance of 468 kilometers between Zurich and Essen, it would be challenging to undertake a day trip, as the total travel time one way would most likely surpass the duration of your planned activities in Essen.

The number of days to spend in Essen depends on your personal itinerary and interests. Generally, a stay of 2 to 3 days allows visitors to explore key attractions such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex and the Museum Folkwang, as well as enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

There is no direct train between Zurich and Essen.

The train journey from Zurich to Essen covers a distance of 468 km and typically takes approximately 7 hours and 9 minutes to complete.

The first train from Zurich to Essen leaves at 6:59.

The train journey from Zurich to Essen covers a distance of 468 km and takes approximately 7 hours and 9 minutes, which indicates it is not serviced by a high-speed train.

The last train from Zurich to Essen departs at 20:59.

There is no sleeper train from Zurich to Essen. The last train journey departs at 20:59.

Yes, the train journey from Zurich to Essen offers a scenic route, showcasing picturesque landscapes including rolling hills, charming villages, and lush forests as it travels through the diverse regions of Switzerland and Germany.

Essen offers a range of activities and notable sights for visitors. Known primarily for its vibrant cultural scene, Essen is home to several high-profile museums, theatres, and galleries that provide an enriching experience. The city also boasts an extensive parks network, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy relaxing spaces and the opportunity for recreational activities.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Zurich to Essen

Zurich

Essen

The major train station for departures in Zurich is Zürich HB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zürich HB for your trip from Zurich to Essen.

Zürich HB