Trains from Leipzig to Essen
is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
How to travel from Leipzig to Essen by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Leipzig to Essen? Look no further.
You'll usually find 19 trains per day running between Leipzig and Essen, which usually take 16 hours 33 minutes to complete the 373 km journey. It can take as little as 11 hours 54 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Essen from Leipzig, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. Hop on a train operated by either DB or FlixTrain to reach your destination in no time. These train companies are the main operators of services on this route and run modern comfortable trains to make your journey as relaxing as possible.
You can save money on train tickets from Leipzig to Essen if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for train schedules (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Leipzig to Essen by train
| First train | 06:34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:15 | |
| Departure station | Leipzig | |
| Arrival station | Essen | |
| Journey time | From 11h 54m | |
| Distance | 231 miles (373 km) | |
| Frequency | 19 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain and IC (Intercity) trains from Leipzig to Essen
Deutsche Bahn
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.
More information
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.
More information
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.
More information
Intercity (IC) and FlixTrain classes from Leipzig to Essen
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC) and FlixTrain when traveling from Leipzig to Essen.
Intercity (IC)
FlixTrain
Second Class
Enjoy comfortable seats with power outlets, fold-down tables and free WiFi in Second Class. Some IC trains are double decker trains (IC2) too.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track access
- 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 outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Standard Class
Although Flixtrain have only one class (Standard), they offer plenty of amenities on board, including free WiFi, power outlets and a bar car supplying snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
Onboard services on Intercity (IC) and FlixTrain
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Leipzig to Essen.
Intercity (IC)
FlixTrain
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.
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 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.
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.
When traveling with Flixtrain, you can take the following baggage for free: 1x carry-on bag with max dimensions 42 x 30 x 18 cm and 7kg (16.5 x 11.8 x 7 inches and 15.4 pounds) and 1x checked bag with max dimensions 80 x 50 x 30 cm and 20kg (31.4 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches and 44 pounds).
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 pounds). 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 Leipzig to Essen
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 Leipzig to Essen 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 Leipzig to Essen
Want to know more about your journey from Leipzig to Essen? 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 Leipzig to Essen take?
The average journey time by train between Leipzig and Essen is 16 hours and 33 minutes, with around 19 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 Leipzig and Essen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Leipzig to Essen is 11 hours and 54 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Leipzig to Essen?
No, there are no direct train services from Leipzig to Essen. Travelling from Leipzig to Essen by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Leipzig to Essen leave?
The first train from Leipzig to Essen leaves at 06:34. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Leipzig to Essen leave?
The last train from Leipzig to Essen leaves at 21:15. 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 Leipzig and Essen by train?
Trains travelling from Leipzig to Essen cover a distance of around 231 miles (373 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Essen to Leipzig.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.