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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Bielefeld to Essen. Traveling by train from Bielefeld to Essen usually takes 7 hours and 55 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 76 mi (123 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 55m |
| Lowest price | $22.87 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Bielefeld to Essen?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Bielefeld to Essen. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 1 | 7h 55m | $23.95 |
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 1 daily trips to Essen from Bielefeld. The train usually departs from Am Bahnhof 1 in Bielefeld and arrives at Train Station in Essen after about 7 hours and 55 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Bielefeld and Essen is approximately 76 miles, or 123 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 55 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 Bielefeld to Essen tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Bielefeld at 10:00am and arrives in Essen around 7 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Essen to Bielefeld.
City Information
Bielefeld
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Although meme conspiracy theories suggest this city does not exist, Bielefeld is a real city that, in fact, has existed since 1214! Bielefeld is located close to the Teutoburg Forest, so lace up your hiking boots for some seriously scenic walks and hikes. History-lovers might get more of a thrill at the Sparrenburg Castle, a fortress dating to the 13th century and mainly sporting 16th-century architecture. Also visit the Altstädter Nicolaikirche, the oldest church in the city, overlooking Alter Markt. This central square offers many cafés with outdoor seating and is the site of Bielefeld's Christmas market each December.
If you're a football fan, plan to see the Bundesliga team DSC Arminia Bielefeld play at the SchücoArena stadium. Luckily this and many other spots in the city are connected via the Stadtbahn light rail system.
To reach destinations beyond city limits, Deutsche Bahn trains are your best bet for efficient, comfortable travel throughout Germany. Most trains arrive at Am Bahnhof 1 station, and intercity buses also operate through this central station. You can catch a bus in Bielefeld headed to nearby Münster, Hanover, Dortmund, and more.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Bielefeld?
Main departure station: Am Bahnhof 1
There is one train station in Bielefeld.
All train stations in Bielefeld:
Am Bahnhof 1
Where is the train station in Essen?
Main arrival station: Train Station
Essen Hauptbahnhof (Freiheit) is Essen's central bus terminal located directly outside the main train station. Buses servicing the terminal include FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, which travel to Hamburg six times daily and make regular trips to Munich, Mannheim, and Dusseldorf. The terminal stretches along Freiheit, with various seating areas and stops for different bus companies. Although there aren't many amenities on the road near the station besides a large multistory parking garage, the nearby train station and city center have plentiful shops, restaurants, and hotels. The station also has a Starbucks, McDonald's, and a Lidl supermarket. You can also find information and tickets for major bus services in the train station, although it is advisable to book in advance online.
All train stations in Essen:
Train Station
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