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

Thu, 11 Dec
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
WestfalenBahn
Eurostar
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Berlin to Essen

Showing times and prices for 11 Dec

Cheapest price

$35

Average price

$96

Fastest journey

3 h 49 m

Average duration

3 h 49 m

Trains per day

17

Distance

454 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Berlin to Essen will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $35.

Fast trains

Of the 17 trains that leave Berlin for Essen every day 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 454 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 49 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.

FlixTrainFlixTrain
07:59AM4h49
Berlin Ostbahnhof
12:48PMEssen Hbf
$351One-way
0 changes
FlixTrainFlixTrain
08:10AM4h38
Berlin Hbf
12:48PMEssen Hbf
$351One-way
0 changes
FlixTrainFlixTrain
08:40AM4h08
Berlin Spandau
12:48PMEssen Hbf
$351One-way
0 changes
FlixTrainFlixTrain
04:32PM4h16
Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station
08:48PMEssen Hbf
$361One-way
0 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 758
11:06AM4h06
Berlin Hbf
03:12PMEssen Hbf
$1021One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Berlin to Essen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $30. 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 coach costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $62.

Distance: 454 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

$67

Average Price

$46

Average Price

Cheapest

$215

Average Price

5h 39m

Average total duration

5h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 7m

Average total duration

6h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.4 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Berlin to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Essen trains for today, Wednesday, 10 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 7:05 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 642
On time
7:46 am Berlin Hbf
3h49
11:35 am Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1050
Delayed
8:09 am Berlin Hbf
4h14
12:29 pm 12:29 pmEssen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 942
On time
8:46 am Berlin Hbf
3h49
12:35 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 640
On time
9:46 am Berlin Hbf
3h49
1:35 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 758
On time
10:06 am Berlin Hbf
4h06
2:12 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 940
On time
10:46 am Berlin Hbf
3h49
2:35 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain11:27 am Berlin Hbf
4h21
3:48 pm Essen Hbf0 changesdirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain11:40 am Berlin Spandau
4h08
3:48 pm Essen Hbf0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 548
On time
11:46 am Berlin Hbf
3h51
3:37 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 1546
Delayed
12:06 pm Berlin Hbf
4h20
4:30 pm 4:30 pmEssen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 848
On time
12:46 pm Berlin Hbf
3h49
4:35 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 546
On time
1:46 pm Berlin Hbf
3h49
5:35 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 750
On time
2:06 pm Berlin Hbf
4h07
6:13 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 846
Delayed
2:46 pm Berlin Hbf
3h49
6:40 pm 6:40 pmEssen Hbf		0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahnICE 544
On time
3:46 pm Berlin Hbf
3h49
7:35 pm Essen Hbf		0 changesdirect
flixbus_flixtrainFlixTrain6:59 am Berlin Ostbahnhof
4h49
11:48 am Essen Hbf0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Berlin to Essen by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
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13 Dec
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Mon
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31 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Berlin to Essen?

The best time to book your train from Berlin to Essen is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Berlin to Essen route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Berlin to Essen per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Berlin to Essen.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Berlin to Essen

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Berlin to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 454 km distance in 3h 47m.

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
Distance
454 km
Average train duration
5h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
$25
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
3h 47m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn from Berlin to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, WestfalenBahn trains will get you between Berlin and Essen from $25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 46m
Cheapest Price
$69
Deutsche Bahn frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
$23
FlixTrain frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

WestfalenBahn

About
WestfalenBahn is a train company offering regional trains in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia in Northern Germany. Founded in 2005, it has been owned by Abellio Deutschland since 2017. WestfahlenBahn covers the RE15, RE60 and RE70 regional train routes serving cities like Emden, Braunschweig, Hanover, Münster and Bielefeld.
Luggage & cancellation policy
WestfalenBahn frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations not included, can be purchased separately
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

FAQs: Berlin to Essen train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Berlin to Essen can start from as little as $17 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Berlin to Essen is $62; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Berlin to Essen is 3 h 50 min   to travel the 453 km long trip, with around there are 22 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Berlin to Essen leaves at 12: 04am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Berlin to Essen leaves at 11: 58pm.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Berlin to Essen without having to change trains with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. There are 9 direct trains from Berlin to Essen each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
Take the Berlin to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn or FlixTrain. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the journey between Berlin and Essen as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Berlin Hbf, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Essen Hbf, located away from the city centre.

A trip to Essen from Berlin is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 50 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Berlin to Essen is November.
You have options as you can travel between Berlin and Essen 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Berlin and Essen

Berlin
Essen
The major train station for departures in Berlin is Berlin-Lichtenberg. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Berlin-Lichtenberg for your trip from Berlin to Essen.
Berlin-LichtenbergWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Berlin-Lichtenberg, Weitlingstr. 22, 10317 Berlin
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
Dining
Dining
  • AVCI Bistro
  • Restaurant Athos
  • Yoko Sushi
  • Payamlino Bistro
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Nova
  • Pension Adamshof
  • Pension Zum Lichtenberger
Berlin OstbahnhofWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Berlin Ostbahnhof, Koppenstr. 3, 10243 Berlin
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Friday: 08:00 - 19:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Jäger & Lustig
  • BLOCK HOUSE
  • Pizza und Pasta
  • Lang Van II
Hotel
Hotel
  • Upstalsboom Hotel Friedrichshain
  • Armony Hotel
  • Nu hotel berlin
  • Holiday Inn Berlin - City East Side
Berlin-CharlottenburgWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
Berlin-Charlottenburg, Stuttgarter Platz 36, 10627 Berlin
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Dining
Dining
  • Haus der 100 Biere
  • Ach!NikO!Ach!
  • Ristorante Salve
  • Mommsen-Eck
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Orion
  • Come Inn Berlin Kurfürstendamm Opera
  • Ku’ Damm 101 Design-Hotel Berlin
  • EnergieHotel

More options for your journey from Berlin to Essen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return trains from Essen to Berlin
Berlin to Essen coach
Berlin to Essen flights
HomeTrainsBerlin to Essen train

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