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Travelling from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf by train
Looking to travel from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 4 hours 6 minutes to travel from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 3 hours 53 minutes though. You'll usually find 29 trains per day running along the 280 miles (451 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Berlin Hbf. You'll be travelling with ICE, DB or FlixTrain on your way to Berlin Hbf, as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf start from £21.49 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Berlin Hbf by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf by train
It takes an average of 4h 6m to travel from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf by train, over a distance of around 280 miles (451 km). There are normally 29 trains per day travelling from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf and tickets for this journey start from £21.49 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:14 | |
| Departure station | Essen Hbf | |
| Arrival station | Berlin Hbf | |
| Journey time | From 3h 53m | |
| Distance | 280 miles (451 km) | |
| Frequency | 29 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £21.49 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), FlixTrain and IC (Intercity) trains from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
FlixTrain
IC (Intercity)
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.
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An express train running on German domestic routes, the Intercity is a little slower than the ICE and is also used for long distance trips. The integrated circuit covers long distances with a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). In recent years, trains of the new generation "Intercity 2" run on some lines at 100 mph (160 km/h) only – these trains, however, offer extra legroom and extra space for toddlers. They are also equipped with air conditioning, a food carriage and wheelchair parking spaces.
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Intercity (IC), ICE and FlixTrain classes from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC), ICE and FlixTrain when travelling from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf.
Intercity (IC)
ICE
FlixTrain
Second Class
Enjoy comfy seats with power sockets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Air-conditioning
- Luggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Standard
Although Flixtrain have only one class (Standard), they offer plenty of amenities on board, including free WiFi, power sockets and a bar car supplying snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
Onboard services on Intercity (IC), ICE and FlixTrain
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf.
Intercity (IC)
ICE
FlixTrain
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
Although the menu changes every three months, you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.
On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.
You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Bike storage spaces are usually located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
When travelling with Flixtrain, you can take the following luggage for free: 1x carry-on bag (max dimensions 42 x 30 x 18 cm and 7kg) and 1x checked bag (max dimensions 80 x 50 x 30 cm and 20kg).
For safety reasons, you must stow your carry-on bag beneath your seat, or in the overhead compartment above your seat.
Currently, FlixTrain does not offer a food and drink service. However, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
On FlixTrain services, you can connect to the free WiFi to surf the internet, chat with friends, check your emails and more.
If you’re worried about your battery life, you can charge your devices by connecting to the power sockets or USB outlets at your seat.
Children up to 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children between 6 and 14 years old can travel alone with a declaration of consent from their parent or guardian. Keep an eye out for special discounts, as FlixTrain offer cheap tickets for children less than 15 years old.
All FlixTrains are equipped with reservable bicycle storage. Bikes must be standard size and not exceed 20kg (45 lbs). To bring your bicycle on board, you must reserve a space with FlixTrain.
In Germany, passengers may take pets that are up to the size of a house cat carried in a secure container at no cost. If you want to take a dog with you on the train which is larger than a house cat, provided it is on a leash and wearing a muzzle, you can purchase an extra ticket at the child's price. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.
In Sweden, pets may not be transported on trains. The only exception is for guide and assistance dogs.
Passengers with limited mobility who require assistance with boarding and embarking should contact FlixTrain to book one of the designated seats provided. FlixTrain transport foldable wheelchairs, walking aids and other mobility devices for free.
Cheap train tickets from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf take?
The average journey time by train between Essen Hbf and Berlin Hbf is 4 hours and 6 minutes, with around 29 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Essen Hbf and Berlin Hbf by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf is 3 hours and 53 minutes.
How much does the train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf cost?
Train ticket prices from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf can start from as little as £21.49 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf without having to change trains. There are 20 direct trains from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf leave?
The first train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf leaves at 00:09. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf leave?
The last train from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf leaves at 20:14. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Essen Hbf and Berlin Hbf by train?
Trains travelling from Essen Hbf to Berlin Hbf cover a distance of around 280 miles (451 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Berlin Hbf to Essen Hbf.