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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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Travelling from Kiel to Essen by train

If you're planning to travel from Kiel to Essen, we're here to help!

On average, the train journey from Kiel to Essen takes around 6 hours 33 minutes. There are normally 33 trains per day travelling from Kiel to Essen.

You'll have to make 2 changes on your journey to Essen, as there are no direct trains.

Ticket prices start from £25.05 on this route. Save money on your train tickets by booking in advance.

Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and find the cheapest fares.

Trains to Essen from Kiel

It takes an average of 6h 33m to travel from Kiel to Essen by train, over a distance of around 236 miles (380 km). There are normally 33 trains per day travelling from Kiel to Essen and tickets for this journey start from £25.05 when you book in advance.

First train

00:05

Last train

23:03

Departure stationKiel
Arrival stationEssen
Journey time

From 4h 49m

Distance

236 miles (380 km)

Frequency

33 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £25.05

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

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

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

How do I get from Kiel to Essen?

You can travel from Kiel to Essen by train in about 6 hours and 33 minutes. With around 33 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Kiel to Essen?

On average, the train journey from Kiel to Essen takes around 6 hours and 33 minutes, with 33 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Kiel to Essen?

Train tickets from Kiel to Essen start from as little as £25.05, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

What is the fastest train from Kiel to Essen?

The fastest trains from Kiel to Essen can cover the distance of 236 miles (380 km) in as little as 4 hours and 49 minutes.

What are the train times from Kiel to Essen?

Check out the next trains departing from Kiel to Essen for Tuesday 21st July 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:0513:544h 49m, 2 changes
10:0516:076h 2m, 3 changes
10:4316:355h 52m, 2 changes
11:0516:355h 30m, 3 changes
11:0516:585h 53m, 2 changes
12:0517:235h 18m, 2 changes
12:4318:355h 52m, 2 changes
13:0518:355h 30m, 3 changes
13:0518:585h 53m, 2 changes
14:0519:585h 53m, 2 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Kiel 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 Kiel to Essen starts at £25.05§ 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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