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Trip Summary
24 trains operate daily from Kiel to Essen. The train trip from Kiel to Essen is usually about 6 hours long. However, traveling on the fastest Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 17 minutes.
| Distance | 237 mi (381 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 17m |
| Lowest price | $50.62 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Kiel to Essen?
2 train services operate from Kiel to Essen. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company usually has more trains scheduled, with 17 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 9 | 6h 38m | $65.11 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 17 | 5h 54m | $48.16 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Kiel to Essen start from $26, and on average cost . Daily there are 17 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Essen. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Kiel leaves from Kiel-Russee and 3 other stations. And in Essen trains arrive at Train Station .
From Kiel to Essen train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 5 hours and 54 minutes. If you are looking to get to Essen faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 17 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers 53 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Essen.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Kiel and Essen is approximately 237 miles, or 381 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 17 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 Kiel to Essen are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Kiel at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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 24 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.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Essen to Kiel.
City Information
Kiel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Kiel is a port city on the coast of the Baltic Sea, known for its role in WWII as the base of Germany's submarine fleet. Large ferries transport visitors from Scandinavia into the city. So, if you're ready to discover Kiel, start at its harbor. Right on the waterfront, the Kiellinie is a promenade that begins at Schlossgarten and ends at Hindenburgufer. It is filled with sailing clubs, cafes, restaurants, and even a small aquarium.
For more water-based attractions, check out the Kiel Canal, a manufactured canal that runs from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. In nearby Holtenau, you can watch ships pass through the locks and learn more in a small museum devoted to the canal.
If you want to experience Kiel's history, then the Schiffahrtsmuseum is a must-see. This maritime museum is appropriately located where Kiel's fish market used to be. Paintings, installations, and even ships showcase the city's legacy in the maritime industry.
There is definitely a lot to see, do, and experience in Kiel. To get to the city, you can ride Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, or FlixTrain. There are also a few buses serving the area, such as FlixBus and Sindbad. The nearest airport is about an hour south in Hamburg.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Kiel?
Main departure station: Kiel-Russee
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Kiel where you can board the train.
All train stations in Kiel:
Kiel-Russee
Kiel-Elmschenhagen
oppendorf
ellerbek
Suchsdorf
Where is the train station in Essen?
Image credit: wwwuppertal
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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
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