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Trains from Calais to Essen

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

About the train journey from Calais to Essen

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

The train from Calais to Essen usually takes 4 hours 47 minutes on average to travel 118 miles (190 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 3 hours 6 minutes. You can expect to find 16 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais

First train

06:07

Last train

20:29

Departure stationCalais
Arrival stationEssen
Journey time

From 3h 6m

Distance

118 miles (190 km)

Frequency

16 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

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

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

How do you travel to Essen from Calais?

To get to Essen from Calais, why not take the train? With 16 trains per day and an average journey time of 4 hours and 47 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Calais to Essen by train?

On average, it takes around 4 hours and 47 minutes to travel from Calais to Essen by train, although you can get there in 3 hours and 6 minutes on the fastest services. With 16 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Calais to Essen?

The fastest time a train can travel the 118 miles (190 km) from Calais to Essen is 3 hours and 6 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Calais to Essen?

There are no direct trains that run between Calais and Essen. You’ll need to make at least 2 changes along the way.

What are the train times from Calais to Essen?

Check out the next trains departing from Calais to Essen for Tuesday 3rd March 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:2912:134h 44m, 2 changes
08:0012:554h 55m, 4 changes
08:0013:135h 13m, 3 changes
09:2914:134h 44m, 2 changes
10:2915:134h 44m, 2 changes
13:2918:134h 44m, 2 changes
14:2819:134h 45m, 2 changes
14:4919:134h 24m, 3 changes
15:2920:134h 44m, 2 changes
17:0721:134h 6m, 2 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Calais 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 Calais 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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