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Want to travel from Gothenburg Central to Essen by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Gothenburg Central to Essen usually takes 14 hours 59 minutes on average to travel 475 miles (765 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 13 hours 14 minutes. You can expect to find 9 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Gothenburg Central and Essen, you’ll need to make 2 changes on your way to Essen. You can choose to travel with Thalys, ICE or DB to get to Essen. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Gothenburg Central to Essen in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Essen, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
First train | 04:40 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 21:40 | |
Departure station | Gothenburg Central | |
Arrival station | Essen | |
Journey time | From 13h 14m | |
Distance | 475 miles (765 km) | |
Frequency | 9 trains per day | |
Changes | 2 changes | |
Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, DSB, Nettbuss, SJ |
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.
Danish State Railways (DSB) is the largest Danish railway company. The Danish high-speed train is Eurocity, which operates two lines connecting Copenhagen to Hamburg and Hamburg to Flensburg. It offers two classes or levels of comfort – First Class and Second Class. DSB's long-distance trains are Intercity and IntercityLyn, in order of importance. The regional lines are operated by the R-tog trains, and the S-tog service gives its name to the trams that run through the old city of Copenhagen.
EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
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.
Enjoy comfy seats with power sockets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
Upgrade to First Class and you'll get to enjoy Fast Track in some German stations and free access to DB lounges.
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.
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.
Travelling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power sockets and a bar carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and at-seat catering service.
DSB’s Second Class is ideal for travellers looking for good value and flexibility. On board, you’ll find free WiFi, comfortable seating and extendable tables.
In DSB's First Class, you’ll take advantage of extra ticket flexibility, access to First Class lounges, complimentary food and drink and free daily newspapers.
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.
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.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink 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.
In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on their EC trains.
When travelling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.
When travelling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
If you’re travelling on a EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional 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 extra 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.
The Mobility Service can help you with board, disembark and change trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
On DSB trains, you can bring luggage onboard so long as you can carry it yourself. There are storage spaces above and under your seat, as well as in dedicated luggage racks.
Food and drink is not generally available to buy on DSB trains, so pick up some snacks at the station before you leave! The exception is if you have a First Class ticket, as you may be offered complimentary tea and coffee onboard.
DSB trains are equipped with WiFi so you can surf the web during your journey. Some trains may also have plug sockets.
You can take a pushchair with you on DSB Intercity trains free of charge, but you must get a free Pram ticket to reserve a place. On regional trains and S-trains, you don't need a reservation for your pushchair.
You can travel with a bicycle on DSB trains if you buy a bicycle reservation (currently it costs 20 DKK). You can buy a bike ticket at a ticket machine, at a 7-Eleven at Danish train stations, or on the DSB app. On S-trains, you don't need a reservation; it's free to take your bike onboard. Folding bikes and scooters are allowed on trains free of charge.
Small dogs and animals can travel on DSB trains for free if they're kept in a carrier not exceeding 100 x 60 x 30cm during the journey. The carrier can be stowed in dedicated luggage storage areas, such as above your seat, or on your lap. Larger dogs need a child's ticket to travel, and must be kept on the floor and on a lead during your journey. You can buy a ticket for your dog online or at a 7-Eleven at Danish train stations. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are always allowed on board for free.
You can pre-book assistance on the DSB website or by calling DSB Customer Service. You need to book at least 12 hours before your train departs. Some trains have step-free access, while others can have ramps attached for wheelchair users. If you need a wheelchair space, you'll need to book a free space at least 12 hours before your train departs by calling DSB Customer Service. If you have a disability or are accompanying a disabled person, you can get a reduced price train ticket.
On many DSB trains, it's possible to reserve a seat for a small fee. If you're travelling in a busy period, you may want to make a reservation to guarantee yourself a seat.
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 Gothenburg Central to Essen by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Gothenburg Central and Essen is 14 hours and 59 minutes, with around 9 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Gothenburg Central to Essen is 13 hours and 14 minutes.
No, there are no direct train services from Gothenburg Central to Essen. Travelling from Gothenburg Central to Essen by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
The first train from Gothenburg Central to Essen leaves at 04:40. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Gothenburg Central to Essen leaves at 21:40. 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.
Trains travelling from Gothenburg Central to Essen cover a distance of around 475 miles (765 km) during the journey.