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Cheap train tickets from Berlin to Essen

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Berlin to Essen Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Berlin to Essen?

There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from Berlin to Essen.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$43.76
Avg. Price
$37.80
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
8
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
7h 57m
Duration
4h 19m

Trip Summary

6 trains operate daily from Berlin to Essen. The train trip from Berlin to Essen is usually about 4 hours and 24 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest FlixTrain train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 57 minutes.

Distance282 mi (453 km)
Fastest train3h 57m
Lowest price$13.24
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceFlixTrain
Train lines1

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What is the price of a train ticket from Berlin to Essen?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Berlin, BE to Essen, NW was $13.24. 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 20 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $25.84.

Average train ticket prices from Berlin to Essen by month

$100$80$60$40$20JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from Berlin to Essen often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $31. If you're thinking of traveling from Berlin to Essen during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $81 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Berlin to Essen?

FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Berlin to Essen. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixTrain64h 25m$34.63
  • 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 6 daily trips to Essen from Berlin. The train usually departs from Berlin Central Station in Berlin and arrives at Essen Hbf in Essen after about 4 hours and 25 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Berlin to Essen

The distance between Berlin and Essen is approximately 282 miles, or 453 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 57 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 departing from Berlin to Essen tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Berlin at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Essen. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Essen to Berlin.

City Information

Berlin

Berlin is one of the most exciting destinations in Europe for all travelers. One of the most unique landmarks in Berlin is its famous Brandenburg Gate, which was built for King Frederick Wilhelm II. The Gate now represents German unity, and it is perhaps the most photogenic landmark in the capital city. Modern art enthusiasts should visit the Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art which is Germany’s first street art museum. Opened in 2017, the museum displays works from various graffiti artists from around the world and it’s located in Schöneberg, one of the city’s edgier areas. If you’re simply looking to enjoy a stroll, the Tiergarten, which spans 519 acres from central Berlin, will offer the relaxing vibes you need.

Berlin has an expansive and vibrant food scene with a good variety. Those looking for traditional German dishes should head over to Zur letzten Instanz, which is the oldest restaurant in Berlin. For a special twist, don’t hesitate to visit the Turkish Market, which offers amazing Turkish delicacies.

The main hub for intercity bus services is the Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof Berlin. For rail services, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the main train station. The Berlin Brandenburg Airport, located just outside of the city’s south-eastern border, is the main air travel hub of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Berlin?

Berlin Hbf (tief)  - DEBRLDEDBN144-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Berlin Hbf (tief)  - DEBRLDEDBN144-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Berlin Hbf (tief)  - DEBRLDEDBN144-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Main departure station: Berlin Central Station

Occupying a grand modern glass and steel building on the River Spree, Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) is around 1.5 km from the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Also referred to as Berlin Central Station, the station is German capital's main railway station (hauptbahnhof). The lower platforms serve train lines that run north-south on Deutsche Bahn. The lower platforms are linked with upper platforms – for east-west services – via escalators and a middle floor containing shops, cafés, and other convenient facilities. It has additional connections with U-Bahn (metro) Line 5 and trams (streetcars). The intercity bus station lies on the opposite side of Europaplatz, with FlixBus providing services across Germany.

All train stations in Berlin:

  • Berlin Central Station

  • Berlin-Spandau

  • Berlin Ostbahnhof

  • Berlin Südkreuz

  • Stuttgarter Platz

  • Berlin Gesundbrunnen(S)

Where is the train station in Essen?

Main arrival station: Essen Hbf

Essen has one train station.

All train stations in Essen:

  • Essen Hbf

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Essen by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Essen to Berlin?

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