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Trip Summary
There are 20 daily trains from Essen to Bratislava. Traveling by train from Essen to Bratislava usually takes around 12 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest DB Intercity-Express train can make the trip in 10 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 504 mi (812 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 36m |
| Lowest price | $148.17 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Essen to Bratislava?
There are 3 train lines with service from Essen to Bratislava. Deutsche Bahn is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 10 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity-Express | 6 | 11h 35m | $225.38 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 10 | 13h 11m | $266.28 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 5 | 12h 30m | $308.50 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Essen to Bratislava start from $221, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Bratislava. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Essen leaves from Essen-Zollverein Nord and 2 other stations. And in Bratislava trains arrive at Bratislava-Petrzalka and one other train station.
From Essen to Bratislava train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 12 hours and 30 minutes. If you are looking to get to Bratislava faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 10 hours and 36 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The distance between Essen and Bratislava is approximately 504 miles, or 812 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 36 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Essen to Bratislava are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Essen at 2:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 20 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
City Information
Bratislava
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The capital of Slovakia and a beautiful city straddling two sides of the Danube, Bratislava is a popular tourist destination in Europe that features plenty of attractions. Tourists often flock to the Old Town quarter, a historic area that dates back to several centuries. In this quarter, you can also find the magnificent Baroque Palaces, with their awe-inspiring architecture, as well as Mozart House, where Mozart performed for the Palffy clan when he was only six years old. Don't miss out on the chance to marvel at the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin, the coronation church for the kings and queens of Hungary for three centuries.
As the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava naturally features many world-famous restaurants that serve the finest local specialties. Special mentions go to the Modrá Hviezda, a small restaurant in the Old Town quarter of the city. However, for the best local dishes, try the Bratislava Flagship.
The primary train station in Bratislava is the Bratislava-Petrzalka. Bus service also makes Bratislava accessible from many major cities in Eastern Europe. Flights go through the nearby M. R. Štefánik Airport, located just 5.1 miles away from the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Essen?
Image credit: wwwuppertal
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Train Station
Essen Hauptbahnhof is the central railway station in Essen in Western Germany. The station has been rebuilt numerous times due to damage from the Second World War and other structural issues, and now over 400 trains serve the station daily. In addition, long-distance Deutsche Bahn ICE trains run regularly to destinations including Berlin, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Vienna. Regional trains travel cities such as Aachen, Dusseldorf, Wuppertal, and Munster. Inside the station are a variety of shops, restaurants and bakeries, banks, a pharmacy, ticket offices, and information desks. The station is in the center of Essen, so there are hotels, restaurants, and attractions a short walk away.
All train stations in Essen:
Train Station
Essen-Zollverein Nord
Essen-Altenessen
Essen-Kupferdreh
Where is the train station in Bratislava?
Image credit: Phil Richards
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bratislava-Petrzalka
Built in 1897, the Bratislava-Petrzalka railway station is a bright and airy train station in the borough of Petržalka, in the southern part of Bratislava. It went through a significant renovation in the 1990s and became the terminal station for trains running to and from Vienna. The current station features a wide range of on-site amenities, including a vast waiting lounge and public restrooms. Bus lines connect the station with the city center and other major stations in Bratislava.
Train stations in Bratislava:
Bratislava-Petrzalka
Bratislava hl.st.
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