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Trains from Zagreb to Essen

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

About the train journey from Zagreb to Essen

Want to travel from Zagreb to Essen by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Zagreb to Essen usually takes 18 hours 20 minutes on average to travel 565 miles (909 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 15 hours 20 minutes. You can expect to find 5 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Zagreb and Essen, you’ll need to make 2 changes on your way to Essen.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Zagreb 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.

Trains to Essen from Zagreb

First train

07:05

Last train

20:37

Departure stationZagreb
Arrival stationEssen
Journey time

From 15h 20m

Distance

565 miles (909 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

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

How do you get to Essen from Zagreb?

To travel to Essen from Zagreb, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 18 hours and 20 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 15 hours and 20 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Zagreb to Essen?

Trains from Zagreb to Essen take an average of 18 hours and 20 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 15 hours and 20 minutes. You'll usually find 5 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Zagreb and Essen by train?

The quickest journey time between Zagreb and Essen by train is 15 hours and 20 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Zagreb to Essen?

No, there are no direct trains running from Zagreb to Essen, you’ll usually need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

What are the train times from Zagreb to Essen?

Check out the next trains departing from Zagreb 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
06:0521:2515h 20m, 3 changes
11:5006:0318h 13m, 2 changes
18:4010:0515h 25m, 2 changes
19:3716:5821h 21m, 6 changes
19:3717:0221h 25m, 4 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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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