- Must visit
Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum)
One of Berlin’s most famous museums on Museum Island, known for monumental antiquities including the Pergamon Altar collection displays and Near Eastern art. A major cultural highlight despite phased,
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
3 h 47 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
32
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Berlin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Berlin will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 32 trains that leave Essen for Berlin on Sat, Jun 20, 32 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 454 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 47 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 51 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.
ICE 1549
ICE 241
ICE 943
ICE 945
ICE 645
ICE 149
ICE 241
ICE 143
ICE 847
ICE 545Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Berlin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 $27, and a flight costs an average of $101.
Distance: 282 miles (454 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$62 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $260 Average price | $96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Essen to Berlin:
A bus is $19 (€16) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Berlin costing on average $62 (€51).
A bus is $217 (€178) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Berlin costing on average $260 (€213).
Other travel options to Berlin take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 32m.
Bus takes on average 5h 51m.
The journey is about 38m faster (5h 32m by train vs 6h 10m by car) and roughly $34 (€28) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($62 (€51) vs $96 (€79)). 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.
Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC).
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 Essen to Berlin 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 843 | Delayed 4:22 AM 6:21 AMEssen Hbf | 3h51 | 10:12 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1543 · S9 | On time 6:44 AM Essen Hbf | 4h11 | 10:55 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 543 | On time 7:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 11:10 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 141 | On time 7:54 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 11:45 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 845 | On time 8:21 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 12:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1545 | On time 8:47 AM Essen Hbf | 3h53 | 12:40 PM Berlin-Charlottenburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h27 | 1:31 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h16 | 1:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 9:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h06 | 1:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 545 | On time 9:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 1:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 143 | On time 9:54 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 1:45 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 847 | On time 10:21 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 2:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1547 | On time 10:47 AM Essen Hbf | 3h53 | 2:40 PM Berlin-Charlottenburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 547 | On time 11:19 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 3:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 145 | On time 11:54 AM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 3:45 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 849 | On time 12:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 4:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1053 | On time 12:32 PM Essen Hbf | 4h08 | 4:40 PM Berlin-Charlottenburg | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h05 | 5:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h15 | 5:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 1:05 PM Essen Hbf | 4h32 | 5:37 PM Berlin Südkreuz station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 549 | On time 1:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 5:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 147 | On time 1:54 PM Essen Hbf | 3h52 | 5:46 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 941 | On time 2:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 6:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1549 | On time 2:44 PM Essen Hbf | 3h59 | 6:43 PM Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 641 | On time 3:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h53 | 7:12 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 149 | On time 3:54 PM Essen Hbf | 3h47 | 7:41 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 943 | On time 4:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h52 | 8:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 1055 | On time 4:32 PM Essen Hbf | 4h15 | 8:47 PM Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h06 | 9:10 PM Berlin Spandau | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4h16 | 9:20 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 643 | On time 5:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 9:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 241 | On time 5:54 PM Essen Hbf | 3h49 | 9:43 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 945 | On time 6:21 PM Essen Hbf | 3h52 | 10:13 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 645 | On time 7:19 PM Essen Hbf | 3h51 | 11:10 PM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 947 | On time 8:21 PM Essen Hbf | 4h00 | 12:21 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 647 | On time 10:19 PM Essen Hbf | 4h17 | 2:36 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
89739 · ICE 647 | On time 10:29 PM Essen Hbf | 4h07 | 2:36 AM Berlin Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1541 | On time 11:46 PM Essen Hbf | 5h52 | 5:38 AM Berlin Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Trains from Essen to Berlin run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 282 miles (454 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 282 miles (454 km) |
Average train duration 5h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Berlin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Berlin trip today.
One of Berlin’s most famous museums on Museum Island, known for monumental antiquities including the Pergamon Altar collection displays and Near Eastern art. A major cultural highlight despite phased,
A standout Museum Island institution housing Egyptian, prehistoric and classical antiquities, including the celebrated bust of Nefertiti. Essential for first-time visitors interested in archaeology.
A major museum exploring Jewish history and culture in Germany through powerful architecture and thoughtful permanent and temporary exhibitions. Widely regarded as one of Berlin’s most important muse
Berlin’s premier cultural ensemble in the heart of the city, combining major museums and grand historic architecture. It is one of the best areas for first-time visitors to prioritize.
Berlin’s most famous historic boulevard, lined with monumental buildings and key sights. A classic walk connecting Brandenburg Gate with Museum Island and the city’s historic core.
Berlin’s central park offers broad paths, monuments, canals and green space ideal for walking or relaxing between major sights. It is a practical and scenic stop in most itineraries.
Berlin’s iconic street food: sliced pork sausage topped with curried ketchup and usually served with fries or a bread roll.
A Berlin staple with Turkish roots, typically shaved meat in flatbread with salad and sauces; widely associated with the city’s everyday food culture.
Traditional pork knuckle, usually cured and simmered, served with peas, potatoes, or sauerkraut; a classic hearty Berlin and Brandenburg dish.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on regional German ingredients, offering a distinctly Berlin contemporary culinary experience.
Historic Berlin tavern in Kreuzberg known for classic regional dishes such as Eisbein, sausages, and hearty beer-hall fare in a traditional setting.
One of Berlin’s oldest restaurants, serving traditional German and Berlin specialties in a historic, atmospheric dining room.
Moderate by Western European standards. Budget eats and transit are reasonable, while central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is usually included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10% for good service. Round up for taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafes; not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Berlin Hbf, Berlin -> Alexanderplatz, Berlin
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Berlin 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 Berlin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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