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Trains from Essen to Lisbon

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Essen to Lisbon

Taking the train from Essen to Lisbon in 40 hours 29 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Essen to Lisbon? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 43 hours 37 minutes to travel the 1176 miles (1892 km) from Essen to Lisbon by train, although you can get there in as little as 40 hours 29 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 3 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 7 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Train tickets from Essen to Lisbon are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to 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 Lisbon? 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 timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Lisbon from Essen

First train

17:28

Last train

18:21

Departure stationEssen
Arrival stationLisbon
Journey time

From 40h 29m

Distance

1176 miles (1892 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

7 changes

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

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

How do I travel from Essen to Lisbon?

You can get from Essen to Lisbon by train in 43 hours and 37 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 40 hours and 29 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Essen to Lisbon take?

The average journey time by train between Essen and Lisbon is 43 hours and 37 minutes, with around 3 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 Essen and Lisbon by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Essen to Lisbon is 40 hours and 29 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Essen to Lisbon?

No, there are no direct train services from Essen to Lisbon. Travelling from Essen to Lisbon by train will require a minimum of 7 changes.

What are the train times from Essen to Lisbon?

Check out the next trains departing from Essen to Lisbon for Tuesday 9th September 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
16:2814:0045h 32m, 7 changes
17:0914:0044h 51m, 8 changes
17:2109:5040h 29m, 8 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Essen to Lisbon?

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 Essen to Lisbon 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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