To Essen by train
With ICE
Quickly to the heart of Essen
- From € 25 one-way trip with ICE
- Travel time Amsterdam – Essen 2.20 hrs
- Tip! Early booking = lowest prices
Essen is known for its "Zollverein". This industrial complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its distinctive Bauhaus architecture. The city is also bursting with cultural attractions, such as museums, theatres, and cinemas. In 2010, it was even one of Europe's cultural capitals! It's still very worthwhile to visit Essen.
Travel information Essen
Going to Essen for a city getaway or a business trip? With the international train ICE you can travel from Amsterdam Central Station, changing trains once to get to Essen.
Overview travel time to Essen
| Route | Travel time | Transfer | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Essen Hbf | 2.20 | 1 | Content | Content |
| Amersfoort - Essen Hbf | 2.18 | 2 | Content | Content |
| Utrecht - Essen Hbf | 1.54 | 1 | Content | Content |
| Rotterdam - Essen Hbf | 2.38 | 2 | Content | Content |
| Arnhem - Essen Hbf | 1.21 | 1 | Content | Content |
For a complete travel itinerary, consult our itinerary planner
Prices train tickets Essen
ICE offers different fare types for your journey. You can choose the Flexpreis, Sparpreis or Supersparpreis Europa rate. Each rate has its own conditions.
The price depends on
- The moment of booking - Early booking means lowest prices
- Travel class - 1st or 2nd class
- Flexibility - Regarding changing or cancelling bookings
Options flexibility ICE
Supersparpreis Europa
- Always the most affordable tickets
- Available to book up to and including the day of travel, subject to availability
- Changes and cancellations not possible
Sparpreis Europa
- Affordable tickets
- Available to book up to and including the day of travel, subject to availability
- Changes and cancellations possible at a cost
Flexpreis Europa
- Available to book up to and including the day of travel
- Free to change up to and including the day of travel (except for reservation costs)
- Includes City-Ticket
*With a City-Ticket, travel free by bus, metro and tram on your day of arrival and departure in over 140 German cities. Included with Flexpreis, available at extra cost with Sparpreis and Supersparpreis.
View the full fare information for ICE
Book in advance and save money
The cheapest way to travel by train is to book early. Do you already know when you want to go? Then choose the Supersparpreis Europa fare. This is the most affordable fare, but it is tied to a fixed date, time and train. Changes or cancellations are not possible.
Tips for buying budget train tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
- Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee.
Practical information
To make your train journey as smooth as possible, we have put together the most important practical information for you.
Facilities on board
ICE offers a comfortable travel experience with spacious seating, power sockets and Wi-Fi on board. In 1st class, you enjoy extra space and service. Your city break has already begun before you even arrive.
Read all about the facilities and practical details of ICE
Check the journey planner and app
Always check your journey in the journey planner beforehand. This keeps you informed of any delays or engineering works. Download the NS International App too for up-to-date travel information on the go.
Free access to the lounges
ITravelling in 1st class? You can relax comfortably before your train journey to Düsseldorf in the NS International Lounge in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with a complimentary drink. You also have access to the 1st class lounge of Deutsche Bahn, where you can enjoy a free snack and drink (excluding the Supersparpreis rate (Europe) and the Sparpreis Europe rate).
Seat reservation
In the summer of 2026 (26 June to 31 August), a seat reservation for international trains is compulsory. Outside this period, reserving a seat is not required, but it is recommended. After booking, you will receive a confirmation with your carriage and seat number. Want to make sure you have a seat? Reserve online.
1st class reservation
When booking a 1st class full-flex ticket, the cost of the seat reservation is included in the price. You can often also indicate a seating preference when booking.
Essen
Walking near Essen
Essen offers a special combination of urban and mountainous walks.
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