- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 30 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
178 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Amsterdam to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Amsterdam to Essen will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 7 trains that leave Amsterdam for Essen on Sat, Jun 20, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 42 m 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Amsterdam to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $218.
Distance: 110 miles (178 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $484 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 12m Average total duration 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Amsterdam to Essen:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Amsterdam to Essen costing on average $70 (€58).
A bus is $453 (€372) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Amsterdam to Essen costing on average $484 (€397).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 42m.
Bus takes on average 6h 21m.
You'll arrive about 7m sooner (2h 42m by train vs 2h 49m by car). Tickets start at around $70 (€58) compared to roughly $46 (€38) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Amsterdam to Essen trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 121 · ICE 616 | On time 6:38 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h20 | 8:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 3121 · S3+ 20013 | 6:42 AM Amsterdam Zuid | 2h53 | 9:35 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 143 | On time 7:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h21 | 9:52 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 225 · ICE 614 | On time 8:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h27 | 10:58 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 145 | On time 9:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h21 | 11:52 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 123 · ICE 1020 | On time 10:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h24 | 12:55 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 147 | On time 11:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h21 | 1:52 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 125 · ICE 610 | On time 12:33 PM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h25 | 2:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 149 | On time 1:31 PM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h21 | 3:52 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 127 · ICE 518 | On time 2:33 PM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h25 | 4:58 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 241 | On time 3:31 PM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h21 | 5:52 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 129 · ICE 216 | On time 4:33 PM Amsterdam Centraal | 2h20 | 6:53 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 4:01 AM Amsterdam | 3h42 | 7:43 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Amsterdam to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 2h 22m.
Distance 110 miles (178 km) |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
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.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Amsterdam 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.

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