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Taking the train from Kassel to Essen Hbf in 2 hours 49 minutes

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

It usually takes around 3 hours 35 minutes to travel the 106 miles (171 km) from Kassel to Essen Hbf by train, although you can get there in as little as 2 hours 49 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 42 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel with DB trains during your journey, as they are the main operator of services on this route.

Train tickets from Kassel to Essen Hbf 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 Essen Hbf? 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 Essen Hbf from Kassel

First train

00:15

Last train

23:46

Departure stationKassel
Arrival stationEssen Hbf
Journey time

From 2h 49m

Distance

106 miles (171 km)

Frequency

42 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Deutsche Bahn

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

Want to know more about your journey from Kassel 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 Kassel?

To get to Essen Hbf from Kassel, why not take the train? With 42 trains per day and an average journey time of 3 hours and 35 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 Kassel to Essen Hbf by train?

On average, it takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes to travel from Kassel to Essen Hbf by train, although you can get there in 2 hours and 49 minutes on the fastest services. With 42 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 Kassel to Essen Hbf?

The fastest time a train can travel the 106 miles (171 km) from Kassel to Essen Hbf is 2 hours and 49 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Kassel to Essen Hbf?

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

What are the train times from Kassel to Essen Hbf?

Check out the next trains departing from Kassel 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
10:2213:463h 24m, 1 change
10:3714:023h 25m, 1 change
11:0314:073h 4m, 1 change
11:2314:453h 22m, 1 change
11:3715:023h 25m, 1 change
12:0315:073h 4m, 1 change
12:2215:453h 23m, 1 change
13:0316:053h 2m, 1 change
13:2316:463h 23m, 1 change
13:3717:023h 25m, 1 change

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

You can travel from Kassel 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 Kassel to Essen Hbf?

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

What are the onboard services on Intercity (IC)?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Kassel 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 Kassel 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 Kassel 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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