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Trains from Zwickau to Essen

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

How to travel from Zwickau to Essen by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Zwickau to Essen? Look no further.

There are around 40 trains per day running between Zwickau and Essen, which usually take 8 hours 32 minutes to complete the 243 miles (391 km) journey. It can take as little as 7 hours 6 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Essen from Zwickau, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way.

You can save money on train tickets from Zwickau to Essen if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Essen from Zwickau

First train

02:43

Last train

21:43

Departure stationZwickau
Arrival stationEssen
Journey time

From 7h 6m

Distance

243 miles (391 km)

Frequency

40 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

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

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

How do I travel from Zwickau to Essen?

You can get from Zwickau to Essen by train in 8 hours and 32 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 7 hours and 6 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Zwickau to Essen take?

The average journey time by train between Zwickau and Essen is 8 hours and 32 minutes, with around 40 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Zwickau and Essen by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Zwickau to Essen is 7 hours and 6 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Zwickau to Essen?

No, there are no direct train services from Zwickau to Essen. Travelling from Zwickau to Essen by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What are the train times from Zwickau to Essen?

Check out the next trains departing from Zwickau 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
09:0816:467h 38m, 3 changes
09:3218:028h 30m, 2 changes
09:3916:587h 19m, 4 changes
09:3917:027h 23m, 3 changes
10:3917:457h 6m, 3 changes
11:0818:457h 37m, 3 changes
11:3220:158h 43m, 2 changes
11:3918:587h 19m, 3 changes
12:3919:457h 6m, 3 changes
13:0820:457h 37m, 3 changes

How do I find cheap train tickets from Zwickau 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 Zwickau 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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