- 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 Aug 30
$181
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$199
Fastest journey on Aug 30
6 h 56 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
7 h 34 m
Trains on Aug 30
5
Distance
468 km
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 $199 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 2041 · ICE 104
IC 770 · ICE 106 · S1
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 118
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 596 · ICE 794
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · S1
IC 770 · ICE 106 · S1
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 516 · S1
IC 772 · ICE 278 · ICE 118
IC 772 · ICE 278 · IC 2041 · ICE 104
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 596 · ICE 794Omio 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 an average ticket price of $101 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $101, while a flight costs an average of $582.
Distance: 290 miles (468 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$163 Average price | $582 Average price | $101 Average price Cheapest | $189 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 16h 2m Average total duration 15h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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 Zurich to Essen:
A bus is $62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Essen costing on average $163.
A bus is $481 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Essen costing on average $582.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 7m.
Bus takes on average 15h 32m.
The journey is about 9m faster (6h 7m by train vs 6h 16m by car) and roughly $26 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($163 vs $189). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Essen trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 200 · S1 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h56 | 2:55 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 200 · ICE 2534 · 17417 · 26821 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 7h04 | 3:03 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 200 · ICE 2590 · ICE 798 · 26722 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 8h46 | 4:45 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918+ TGV 9210 | Delayed 8:46 AM 9:34 AMZurich HB | 6h40 | 4:14 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 6 · ICE 918 · ICE 228 · S1 | Delayed 8:46 AM 9:34 AMZurich HB | 8h21 | 5:55 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ICE 108 · S1 | On time 9:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h56 | 4:55 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 2012 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 7h43 | 6:42 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 · ICE 2538 · 17423 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 7h04 | 6:03 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
ICE 370 · ICE 518 · S1 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h56 | 5:55 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 370 · ICE 916 | On time 10:59 AM Zurich HB | 7h15 | 6:14 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 72 · ICE 916+ TGV 9218 | Delayed 10:46 AM 11:34 AMZurich HB | 6h40 | 6:14 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 596 · ICE 794 | 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 8h46 | 8:45 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · ICE 2516 · 79505 | 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 7h04 | 7:03 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 770 · ICE 106 · S1 | 11:59 AM Zurich HB | 6h56 | 6:55 PM Essen Hbf | 2 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 Zurich to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 but you can travel from only $43 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 290 miles (468 km) distance in 5h 13m.
Distance 290 miles (468 km) |
Average train duration 6h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 13m |
First train 12:08 AM |
Last train 11:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 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.

Most Zurich to Essen trains use the Zürich HB to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen-Werden. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Stadelhofen 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: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord.
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-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden 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: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need