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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Essen to Erfurt per day. The average train journey from Essen to Erfurt takes 10 hours, but some FlixTrain train trips are as short as 8 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 177 mi (285 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 14m |
| Lowest price | $24.49 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Essen to Erfurt?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Essen to Erfurt. 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 | 10h 0m | $38.12 |
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 Erfurt from Essen. The train usually departs from Essen Hbf in Essen and arrives at Central Station in Erfurt after about 10 hours and 0 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Essen and Erfurt is approximately 177 miles, or 285 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 14 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Essen to Erfurt on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Essen at 7:00am and arrives in Erfurt around 8 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 Erfurt to Essen.
City Information
Erfurt
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Erfurt is the capital and largest city in the German state of Thuringia. Most of the city was built and designed in the Middle Ages, so prepare to be charmed by narrow pedestrian streets, quaint bridges, and gorgeous green spaces like the Egapark. As you stroll around the city center, keep your eyes peeled for as many as 25 churches of different architectural styles. A unique sight in Erfurt is the Krämerbrücke, or merchants' bridge, arguably the most popular attraction in the city. This 15th-century arched bridge has houses built on either side, in a design that was common in medieval Europe.
Fitting for a large city, Erfurt does not disappoint when it comes to dining options. The most popular local restaurants you should consider visiting are EAT Erfurt and Gasthaus Feuerkugel. Or simply stop at any of the many stalls offering Thüringer Bratwurst, a regional delicacy!
Although there is a small airport for Erfurt, the route options are very limited. Most air passengers will travel through the Frankfurt airport and connect to Erfurt via bus or train. Erfurt's train station is actually one of the central hubs of Germany's Deutsche Bahn rail system. Much of the train service to and from Erfurt is on high-speed trains, so journeys to Munich, Berlin, and Nuremberg take hardly any time. FlixBus connects Erfurt to many additional destinations via affordable bus trips.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Essen?
Main departure station: Essen Hbf
There is one train station in Essen.
All train stations in Essen:
Essen Hbf
Where is the train station in Erfurt?
Main arrival station: Central Station
Erfurt receives travelers from Essen at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Erfurt:
Central Station
Erfurt Central Train Station
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Need a return trip from Erfurt to Essen?
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