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Travel from Gotha to Essen Hbf by train in 4 hours 17 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Gotha to Essen Hbf by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Gotha to Essen Hbf by train is 5 hours 10 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 4 hours 17 minutes. Around 37 trains per day travel the 164 miles (264 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change along the way to Essen Hbf. As the main train operator on this route, you'll probably be travelling on a DB service for all or at least part of your journey to Essen Hbf.

Book train tickets from Gotha to Essen Hbf in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Gotha to Essen Hbf in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Trains to Essen Hbf from Gotha

First train

05:31

Last train

23:32

Departure stationGotha
Arrival stationEssen Hbf
Journey time

From 4h 17m

Distance

164 miles (264 km)

Frequency

37 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn

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

Want to know more about your journey from Gotha to Essen Hbf? 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 Hbf from Gotha?

To get to Essen Hbf from Gotha, why not take the train? With 37 trains per day and an average journey time of 5 hours and 10 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 Gotha to Essen Hbf by train?

On average, it takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes to travel from Gotha to Essen Hbf by train, although you can get there in 4 hours and 17 minutes on the fastest services. With 37 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 Gotha to Essen Hbf?

The fastest time a train can travel the 164 miles (264 km) from Gotha to Essen Hbf is 4 hours and 17 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Gotha to Essen Hbf?

There are no direct trains that run between Gotha and Essen Hbf. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

What are the train times from Gotha to Essen Hbf?

Check out the next trains departing from Gotha to Essen Hbf for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:3514:405h 5m, 3 changes
09:3514:455h 10m, 2 changes
11:3316:024h 29m, 2 changes
11:3316:054h 32m, 1 change
11:3516:084h 33m, 3 changes
11:3516:264h 51m, 2 changes
12:4817:054h 17m, 1 change
13:3317:584h 25m, 2 changes
13:3318:024h 29m, 1 change
13:3518:405h 5m, 3 changes

Deutsche Bahn and IC (Intercity) trains from Gotha to Essen Hbf

You can travel from Gotha to Essen Hbf on Deutsche Bahn and IC (Intercity) 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.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

PhotoFalk2, under licence CC4.0

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.

What Intercity (IC) classes are there from Gotha to Essen Hbf?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity (IC) when travelling from Gotha to Essen Hbf.

What are the onboard services on Intercity (IC)?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Gotha to Essen Hbf.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

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.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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 travelling 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Gotha to Essen Hbf?

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 Gotha to Essen Hbf 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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