Previously seen journeys
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deutsche Bahn ICE + Deutsche Bahn | Train | Kiel Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
Deutsche Bahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE | Train | Kiel Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
Deutsche Bahn ICE + Deutsche Bahn | Train | Kiel Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
Deutsche Bahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE | Train | Kiel Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | No tags | ||||
Deutsche Bahn + Deutsche Bahn ICE | Train | Kiel Hbf | Essen Central Train Station | No tags |
Compare 3 ways to travel from Kiel to Essen
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Carpool stands out as a good way to reach Essen. The journey takes about 4 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just €29, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Companies
Based on 13 reviews, the company was rated 3.6 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained with the value for money. Deutsche Bahn ICE ticket prices on this trip start at €33
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Kiel to Essen by train
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.
How much does a train ticket cost from Kiel to Essen?
The cheapest train tickets from Kiel to Essen start from €33. The average price for this train route is around €44. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Kiel to Essen?
The average train journey time from Kiel to Essen is 5h 8m, covering a distance of 382 km. The fastest train gets you there in 4h 42m and is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE.
Which train operators serve the Kiel to Essen route?
Several major train operators run on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Kiel to Essen?
The earliest train from Kiel to Essen departs at 12:16. And the latest train departs at 18:16.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Kiel to Essen was searched and found on 1 Feb 2026 with a price of €42To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Kiel to Essen as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from €42 to €133 for a train ticket from Kiel to Essen based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at €42, which is on 2026-02-01.