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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Cologne to Essen. Traveling by train from Cologne to Essen usually takes around 54 minutes, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 48 minutes.
| Distance | 36 mi (58 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 48m |
| Lowest price | £3.40 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Essen?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Cologne, NW to Essen, NW was £3.46. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Essen if you book your train tickets at least 21 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £2.10.
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Cologne to Essen?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Essen. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 3 | 0h 54m | £4.40 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 3 daily trips to Essen from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Essen Hbf in Essen after about 0 hours and 54 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Cologne to Essen are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Cologne at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Cologne to Essen.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Essen to Cologne.
City Information
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a coach from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Central Station
There is one train station in Cologne.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne Central Station
Where is the train station in Essen?
Main arrival station: Essen Hbf
Essen has one train station.
Train stations in Essen:
Essen Hbf
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Need a return trip from Essen to Cologne?
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