Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | Cheapest | ||||
| Train | Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12 Train Station | Essen Central Train Station | Fastest | ||||
 | Train | Hbf | HBF | No tags | ||||
National Express + DB Fernverkehr | Train | Cologne Messe/Deutz | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
| Train | Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
DB Regio NRW + DB Fernverkehr | Train | Cologne Messe/Deutz | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
| Train | Hbf | HBF | No tags | ||||
National Express + DB Fernverkehr | Train | Cologne Messe/Deutz | Essen Central Train Station | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 2:45 PM CEST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Cologne to Essen
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Essen. The journey takes about 53 minutes, and with fares starting at just PLN 37, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Cologne and Essen?
Cologne
- A
Hbf
Bahnsteig Gleis 2 + 3, 50667 Köln, Germany - C
Köln-Blumenberg
Köln-Blumenberg, 50765 Köln, Germany - D
Köln-Dellbrück
Dellbrück, Diepeschrather Str., 51069 Köln, Germany - E
Köln-Holweide
Köln-Holweide, 51067 Köln, Germany - F
Köln Volkhovener Weg
Volkhovener Weg, 50767 Köln, Germany
Essen
- A
HBF
Am Hauptbahnhof 27, 45127 Essen, Germany - B
Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit
Freiheit 5A, 45127 Essen, Germany
Train companies
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cologne to Essen by train
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the train ticket from Cologne to Essen?
The cheapest train tickets from Cologne to Essen start at PLN 37. The average price for this train route is around PLN 110. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Cologne to Essen?
The average train trip from Cologne to Essen takes 53m and covers 57 km. The quickest train gets you there in 45m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn.
Which train operators serve the Cologne to Essen route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 27 trains available per day, including services from Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn ICE, IC Bus.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Cologne to Essen?
The earliest train from Cologne to Essen departs at 6:00am. The latest train departs at 7:29pm.
What is the best train operator from Cologne to Essen?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is IC Bus, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 20 reviews.
Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Cologne to Essen?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Deutsche Bahn ICE has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.4.
Which train operator has the best on-time performance from Cologne to Essen?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is IC Bus, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Cologne to Essen?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is IC Bus, 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.
The cheapest trip from Cologne to Essen was searched and found on Jul 18, 2026 with a price of PLN 23To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Cologne to Essen, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from PLN 23 to PLN 319 for a train ticket from Cologne to Essen based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at PLN 26 which is on 2026-07-19.
