- 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
$8
Average price
$14
Fastest journey
24 m
Average duration
24 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
31 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Düsseldorf to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Düsseldorf to Essen will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 11 trains that leave Düsseldorf for Essen on Sat, Jun 20, 10 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 31 km distance in an average of 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 24 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 25 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.
FlixTrain
ICE 826
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
FlixTrain
ICE 206
FlixTrain
ICE 616Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Düsseldorf to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $4, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 19 miles (31 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price | $5 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
58m Average total duration Fastest 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Düsseldorf to Essen:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Düsseldorf to Essen costing on average $12 (€10).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 35m.
You'll arrive about 13m sooner (28m by train vs 41m by car). Tickets start at around $12 (€10) compared to roughly $7 (€5) 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional).
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 Düsseldorf 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2206 · ICE 1545 | On time 8:12 AM Düsseldorf Hbf | 0h34 | 8:46 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 616 | On time 8:33 AM Düsseldorf Hbf | 0h25 | 8:58 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 8:38 AM Düsseldorf Hbf | 0h24 | 9:02 AM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 12:38 PM Düsseldorf Hbf | 0h25 | 1:03 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 4:38 PM Düsseldorf Hbf | 0h24 | 5:02 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Düsseldorf to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) but you can travel from only $4 (€3) by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 19 miles (31 km) distance in 24m.
Distance 19 miles (31 km) |
Average train duration 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 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
The train connection between Düsseldorf and Essen is well-served by several providers, including Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, and VIAS Rail GmbH. With frequent services throughout the day, travelers can enjoy a comfortable journey that typically takes around 30 minutes. Whether you're commuting for work or exploring the vibrant culture of these two cities in North Rhine-Westphalia, you'll find convenient options to suit your schedule.
The train connection between Düsseldorf and Essen is direct, with a travel duration of just 23 minutes. There are 18 connections available per day, making it convenient for travelers. The departure station is Düsseldorf Hbf and the arrival station is Essen Hbf.
The first daily train from Düsseldorf to Essen departs at 06:02 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Essen. The last journey of the day leaves at 09:37 PM, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their evening activities before returning.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Düsseldorf and Essen is €3. The average ticket price typically hovers around €12, making it an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in Germany.
Welcome to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that played a pivotal role in Germany's industrial revolution. This remarkable complex not only symbolizes the region’s rich coal mining history but also showcases stunning Bauhaus architecture, making it an iconic example of modern industrial design. As you explore its vast grounds and museums, you'll discover how this once-thriving mine has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub.
Next on our journey is the Essen Cathedral, or Essener Münster, which dates back to the 9th century and serves as one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most significant religious landmarks. Its impressive Romanesque architecture houses exquisite treasures like the Golden Madonna and offers insight into centuries of spiritual heritage intertwined with local history. The cathedral stands as a testament to resilience through time—having survived wars and renovations while still captivating visitors with its serene beauty.
Finally, we arrive at Museum Folkwang, renowned for its exceptional collection of 19th-21st-century art that reflects both historical significance and contemporary relevance. Founded by philanthropist Karl Ernst Osthaus in 1922, this museum emphasizes accessibility to culture through innovative exhibitions featuring masterpieces from artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso alongside groundbreaking photography collections. With its commitment to fostering creativity within society today, Museum Folkwang invites you not just to observe art but truly engage with it on multiple levels.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Düsseldorf 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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