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Timetable
Train route
Cheap train tickets

Cologne to Essen Train Prices and Times

Heading from Cologne to Essen? Trip.com has ICE tickets priced as low as £15.06, with the average fare for this route around £15.06. We suggest looking into split ticketing to ensure you get the best prices.
  • Thu, Jul 31
    From £15.06
  • Fri, Aug 1
    From £30.87
  • Sat, Aug 2
    From £30.87
  • Sun, Aug 3
    From £30.87
  • Mon, Aug 4
    From £30.87
  • Tue, Aug 5
    From £30.87
  • Wed, Aug 6
    From £30.87
DepartsArrivesDurationOperator
Find Tickets
08:11
Cologne Central Station
08:58
Essen Central Station
47m, DirectDeutsche Bahn
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08:25
Cologne Central Station
09:21
Essen Central Station
56m, DirectDeutsche Bahn
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09:05
Cologne Central Station
09:52
Paris
47m, DirectDeutsche Bahn
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Cologne to Essen Train Route Details

Train tickets from Cologne to Essen generally start at £15.06. The average travel duration is 47m, with the distance being approximately 37 miles. DB usually offer 3 trains daily. To plan your journey ahead, please see our train route table.
First train
First train
08:11
Last train
Last train
09:05
Departure station
Departure station
Arrival station
Arrival station
Journey time
Journey time
47m
Distance
Distance
37 miles
Price
Price
From £15.06
Train Operators
Train Operators
Deutsche Bahn

ICE and DB trains offers

Discover exciting train ticket offers with Deutsche Bahn, such as Saver fares, Super Saver fares, Flexible fares, and special discounts for young people and seniors. Availability is limited and subject to specific routes, times, and conditions. Check detailed information to choose the best fare for you.
ICE and DB trains offers

DB Group Saver Fares

For groups of up to 10 people travelling within Germany, DB Group Saver fares provide a cost-effective and convenient option. These discounted fares include free seat reservations and half-price travel for children aged 6 and older. The tickets are valid on various trains, such as ICE, IC, EC, and regional or local services. You can purchase these tickets up to nine months in advance on Trip.com. Group Saver fares also offer the flexibility of exchanges or cancellations under certain conditions, typically with an associated fee.

DB Saver fare

The Saver fare ( "Sparpreis" in German) provides an affordable ticket option for travelling on ICE, IC, or EC trains in Germany. One key benefit is that children aged 6 to 14 can travel at no cost when accompanied by an adult aged 15 or older. For the best prices, it's recommended to book up to nine months in advance from Trip.com. In case your travel plans change, the ticket is eligible for modification or cancellation for a fee before its first day of validity.

DB Flexible Fare

With the Flexible fare ("Flexpreis" in German), you have the utmost flexibility, allowing you to board any train on your chosen route on the day of travel. The fare depends on the specific route and travel time. You can secure this ticket up to nine months in advance on Trip.com, and you can also change or cancel your ticket for free before the departure date. However, a fee will be charged for any changes or cancellations made after departure.

DB Super Saver Young fare

The DB Super Saver Young fare ("Super Sparpreis Young" in German) is designed for travellers under 27, providing discounted rates on certain routes within Germany. This fare is valid on ICE, IC, and EC trains, and tickets are available for purchase up to nine months in advance. Children under 14 can also travel for free when accompanied by an adult aged 15 or older.

Please keep in mind that these tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so verify your travel plans before making a purchase.

DB Super Saver Senior fare

Seniors aged 65 and older can benefit from the DB Super Saver Senior fare ("Super Sparpreis Senioren" in German), which offers discounts on specific routes within Germany. This ticket is valid on ICE, IC, and EC trains, and tickets can be purchased up to nine months in advance on Trip.com. It is important to remember that these tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, so travellers should confirm their travel plans before booking.

Onboard ICE trains from Cologne to Essen

ICE trains are renowned for their velocity, comfort, and punctuality, ensuring every passenger enjoys a pleasant and comfortable journey. The facilities and services vary depending on the train type but generally include a variety of convenient amenities.

First-Class seats provide larger seating areas, additional legroom, power outlets, and a quieter atmosphere. They also offer dining service at your seat and German newspapers, making them ideal for business travellers and those desiring greater comfort. First-class ticket holders also enjoy access to DB lounges at major train stations, which offer refreshments and a comfortable waiting space.

Second-Class seats also offer considerable comfort, including adjustable backrests and one power socket for every two seats, ideal for budget-conscious passengers who still want quality service.

All trains have luggage racks for convenient storage of various baggage. Additionally, free WiFi is available throughout the train, keeping passengers connected during their journey. ICE trains typically feature a bar car that offers simple meals, snacks, and drinks to meet passengers' dining needs. With these thoughtful services, ICE trains ensure an efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

Cologne to Essen DB tickets

Deutsche Bahn offers three ticket types to meet different needs and budgets: Sparpreis, Super Sparpreis, and Flexpreis, each with distinct fares, services, and change/refund policies.

Cologne to Essen DB tickets

Sparpreis

Sparpreis offers discounted train tickets with fixed travel times, allowing changes and cancellations for a fee. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers seeking affordability with some flexibility.

Super Sparpreis

Super Sparpreis offers the lowest fares for train travel with fixed travel schedules and no options for changes or cancellations. Perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

Flexpreis

Flexpreis is the most flexible train ticket, allowing travel on any train on the booked route, even if plans change and free cancellations up to one day before validity.

How to buy cheap DB train tickets

  • Book in Advance

    Book in Advance

    Book DB train tickets up to 180 days in advance to get a cheaper price.

  • Buy Super Saver tickets

    Buy Super Saver tickets

    SuperSparpreis starts at €19.99, limited tickets on selected journeys. Book in advance for better availability.

  • Consider regional trains

    Consider regional trains

    Discover Germany on Regional Express and Regionalbahn trains, which connect towns and villages to major cities and offer the same comfort as intercity trains.

  • Use Trip.com Discounts

    Use Trip.com Discounts

    Discover train discounts and promotions with Trip.com.

Why Book Train Tickets With Trip.com?

  • Best Price Promise

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    No Booking Fees in App

    Only pay for your train travel – no hidden fees on your Cologne to Essen journey

  • Cross-Border Trains

    Cross-Border Trains

    Travel cross-border between Germany and France, Switzerland, the Netherlands.

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