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How to travel from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen? Look no further.

There are around 26 trains per day running between Berlin Südkreuz and Essen, which usually take 4 hours 39 minutes to complete the 279 miles (450 km) journey. It can take as little as 4 hours 20 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 Berlin Südkreuz, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. All or part of your journey will be on board a FlixTrain train, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Berlin Südkreuz 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 timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Essen from Berlin Südkreuz

First train

05:01

Last train

22:58

Departure stationBerlin Südkreuz
Arrival stationEssen
Journey time

From 4h 20m

Distance

279 miles (450 km)

Frequency

26 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen?

Want to know more about your journey from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen?

You can get from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen by train in 4 hours and 39 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 4 hours and 20 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen take?

The average journey time by train between Berlin Südkreuz and Essen is 4 hours and 39 minutes, with around 26 trains per day running on this route. 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 Berlin Südkreuz and Essen by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen is 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen?

No, there are no direct train services from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen. Travelling from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What are the train times from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen?

Check out the next trains departing from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:1912:454h 26m, 1 change
09:2413:464h 22m, 1 change
09:4714:404h 53m, 2 changes
10:1914:454h 26m, 1 change
11:2415:454h 21m, 1 change
11:4716:084h 21m, 2 changes
11:4716:264h 39m, 1 change
12:1916:464h 27m, 1 change
13:2417:454h 21m, 1 change
13:4718:404h 53m, 2 changes

FlixTrain trains from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen

You can travel from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen on FlixTrain trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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.

What FlixTrain classes are there from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen?

Compare the different travel classes offered by FlixTrain when travelling from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen.

What are the onboard services on FlixTrain?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

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.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Currently, FlixTrain does not offer a food and drink service. However, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

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.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Berlin Südkreuz to Essen starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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