Trains from Duisburg to Aachen
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Taking the train from Duisburg to Aachen in 1 hour 22 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Duisburg to Aachen? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to travel the 87 km from Duisburg to Aachen by train, although you can get there in as little as 1 hour 22 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 58 trains per day running on this route. You won't need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available. You can travel on this route with either Thalys, ICE or DB. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
Train tickets from Duisburg to Aachen start from $20.16 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Aachen? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train schedule below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Duisburg to Aachen by train
It takes an average of 1h 45m to travel from Duisburg to Aachen by train, over a distance of around 54 miles (87 km). There are normally 58 trains per day traveling from Duisburg to Aachen and tickets for this journey start from $20.16 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:22 | |
| Departure station | Duisburg | |
| Arrival station | Aachen | |
| Journey time | From 1h 22m | |
| Distance | 54 miles (87 km) | |
| Frequency | 58 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $20.16 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and Thalys trains from Duisburg to Aachen
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
Thalys
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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Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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Thalys and Intercity Express (ICE) classes from Duisburg to Aachen
Compare the different travel classes offered by Thalys and Intercity Express (ICE) when traveling from Duisburg to Aachen.
Thalys
Intercity Express (ICE)
Standard
Standard is the perfect class for you if you’re after great value with no hidden extra costs. On board, you’ll find free WiFi, power outlets, a generous luggage allowance and snacks and drinks available from the Thalys Welcome Bar.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Comfort
If you’d like to enjoy all of the amenities of Standard Class, as well as wider, more comfortable seating and a welcome from Thalys staff on the platform, then upgrade to Comfort!
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Premium
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to Premium and you’ll enjoy complimentary food and drinks, as well as access to the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Welcome service
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Thalys and Intercity Express (ICE)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Duisburg to Aachen.
Thalys
Intercity Express (ICE)
There are baggage racks near the entrance doors, or in the spaces between the seat backs, or on the rack above your seat.
Although there’s no weight limit for your luggage, you should be able to carry your bags safely.
Their baggage policy includes 2 items of baggage/suitcases with max size of 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches) and 1 carry-on item.
You may also bring special items of baggage on board like musical instruments. However, they must be under 2 meters (78 inches) long.
Food in Standard and Comfort Class
You can visit the Thalys Welcome Bar – you’ll get to choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savory snacks.
You can also pre-order food and drinks on your smartphone, tablet or laptop and collect from the Welcome Bar.
Food in Premium Class
You’ll enjoy a complimentary meal, which will be served straight to your seat.
Thalys' menu is designed by Belgian chef, Frank Fol. Meals are served for any international journey over 50 minutes.
Once you’ve found your seat and made yourself comfortable, you can connect to the complimentary WiFi and chat to your friends, catch up on work or watch your favorite TV show. To make sure your devices don’t lose power, connect to the power sockets at your seat.
Thalys make it easy to take your little ones on a train journey. Kids under 4 can travel free of charge and without a ticket, provided they sit on your lap. Kids between 4 and 12 can get discounted ticket prices.
In cars 7, 17 and 27 on Thalys trains you’ll also find baby-changing facilities, a sink, and a bottle warmer.
Strollers are allowed on board free of charge, but should be folded before boarding and stored in the baggage racks in the carriage you’re sitting in.
Thalys accept a small number of non-folding bikes on board, however both wheels must be removed and the whole bike must be covered in a non-rigid container with a maximum size of 135 x 85 x 30cm (53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Folding bikes are treated as standard luggage with a max size of 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
Small dogs and other domestic animals that weigh less than 6kg (2.3 lb) can travel free of charge on Thalys trains. They must travel in a cage or container though, with max dimensions of 45 x 30 x 25 cm (17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
If your dog is bigger than this, you’ll need to purchase a specific dog ticket (usually at a fixed price of €30) and the dog must travel on your lap, or on the floor, on a lead and muzzled.
Guide and assistance dogs of any size are also allowed free of charge.
If you need help with boarding or disembarking, you should contact Thalys directly before your trip. Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they do not exceed:
- 70 cm (27.5 inches) wide / 120 cm (47.2 inches) high
- Turning circle diameter: 150 cm (59 inches)
- Maximum weight: 300 kg (661.3 pounds) with the passenger and luggage
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling 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 traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite 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 traveling 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.
Cheap train tickets from Duisburg to Aachen
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 Duisburg to Aachen 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.
FAQs for Duisburg to Aachen
How long does the train from Duisburg to Aachen take?
The average journey time by train between Duisburg and Aachen is 1 hour and 45 minutes, with around 58 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 Duisburg and Aachen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Duisburg to Aachen is 1 hour and 22 minutes.
How much does the train from Duisburg to Aachen cost?
Train tickets from Duisburg to Aachen can start from as little as $20.16 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Duisburg to Aachen?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Duisburg to Aachen without having to change trains. There are 22 direct trains from Duisburg to Aachen each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Duisburg to Aachen leave?
The first train from Duisburg to Aachen leaves at 00:16. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Duisburg to Aachen leave?
The last train from Duisburg to Aachen leaves at 23:22. 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 Duisburg and Aachen by train?
Trains travelling from Duisburg to Aachen cover a distance of around 54 miles (87 km) during the journey.