Train from Berlin to Essen: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Berlin to Essen on 18 March
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Deutsche Bahn ICE
Berlin Ostbahnhof
Essen Central Train StationCheapest
Deutsche Bahn ICE
Berlin Hbf
Essen Central Train StationFastest
Flixtrain
Hauptbahnhof
HBFNo tags
Flixbus + Flixtrain
Berlin Airport BER (Berlin Brandenburg),Terminal 1/2,
HBFNo tags
Deutsche Bahn ICE
Berlin Ostbahnhof
Essen Central Train StationNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 11:09 AM CET.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Berlin to Essen

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Essen. The journey takes about 4 hours 6 minutes and with fares starting at just R 252, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

23train per day
4h 6mAverage duration
452 kmDistance
11kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 431 - R 1 076Average duration7h 50m
11kg CO₂e
Average priceR 252 - R 3 646Average duration4h 6m
11kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Berlin to Essen by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Berlin to Essen?

    The cheapest train tickets from Berlin to Essen start from R 252. The average price for this train route is around R 1 063. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Berlin to Essen?

    The average train journey time from Berlin to Essen is 4h 6m, covering a distance of 452 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 48m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.

  3. Which train operators serve the Berlin to Essen route?

    Several major train operators serve this route, with 23 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn, FlixBus.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Berlin to Essen?

    The earliest train from Berlin to Essen departs at 06:07. And the latest train departs at 23:52.

  5. Which is the best train operator from Berlin to Essen?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Deutsche Bahn, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

  6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Berlin to Essen?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn ICE has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.4.

  7. Which train operator offers the most punctual service from Berlin to Essen?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.

  8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Berlin to Essen?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Deutsche Bahn ICE, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
15/03
R 967
16/03
R 563
Today
R 402
18/03
R 565
19/03
R 769
20/03
R 566
21/03
R 566
22/03
R 765
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Berlin to Essen was searched and found on 17 Mar 2026 with a price of R 402

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Berlin to Essen as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 402 to R 4 626 for a train ticket from Berlin to Essen based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 565, which is on 2026-03-18.

People from around the world trust Busbud