Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Hbf | HBF | Cheapest | ||||
 | Train | Cologne Messe/Deutz | Essen Central Train Station | Fastest | ||||
Regionalbahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE | Train | Cologne Messe/Deutz | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
S-Bahn + InterCity | Train | Cologne Messe/Deutz | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
| Train | Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:38 CET.
Compare 3 ways to travel from Cologne to Essen
Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Essen. The journey takes about 50 minutes and with fares starting at just £3, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Cologne and Essen?
Cologne
- ABahnsteig 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
- AAm Hauptbahnhof 27, 45127 Essen, Germany
- BFreiheit 5A, 45127 Essen, Germany
Train Companies
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cologne to Essen by train
How much does a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Essen cost?
The average train ticket price from Cologne to Essen is £18. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Cologne to Essen is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the train trip from Cologne to Essen?
A train trip between Cologne and Essen is around 55m, although the fastest train will take about 37m. This is the time it takes to travel the 36 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Cologne and Essen?
The number of trains from Cologne to Essen can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 24. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Cologne to Essen by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Cologne to Essen?
When taking the train from Cologne to Essen, you can travel comfortably and safely with Deutsche Bahn ICE, FlixTrain, Deutsche Bahn.
What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Cologne to Essen?
Trains travelling between Cologne and Essen leave from Hbf or Cologne/Bonn Airport and arrive at HBF, Essen Hauptbahnhof Freiheit.
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 25 Nov 2025 with a price of £6To 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 £6 to £67 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 £6, which is on 2025-11-25.
Usually Deutsche Bahn ICE will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.
