| City | Essen |
| Country | Germany |
| Type | Railway station |
It is important for passengers to know that the station features intuitively clear navigation. The main hall is located at ground level, from where you can access the platforms via stairs and escalators. The underground levels house a transfer hub for the metro (U-Bahn) and trams, making transfers to city transport as quick as possible.
To plan your journey and receive up-to-date information, please use the following contacts:
The station is ideally located right in the city centre, making it easily accessible by any means.
On foot: The main exit leads directly onto the pedestrian shopping street, Kettwiger Straße. You can walk to the central square and the cathedral in 5–7 minutes.
Public Transport: A major metro and tram station is located beneath the railway station. Lines U11, U17, U18 and numerous tram routes (101, 103, 105, etc.) lead here. The bus station is located on the southern side of the building.
Taxi: Taxi stands are located at both main exits (North and South); a trip within the city centre will take 5–10 minutes.
Essen Hauptbahnhof offers a full range of services for a comfortable wait.
Inside the building, you will find the DB Reisezentrum (Travel Centre) for ticket purchases and personal consultations, as well as numerous ticket machines. Wi-Fi (WIFI@DB network) is available throughout the area, free for the first 30 minutes or unlimited with certain tariffs.
For passenger convenience, there are automated luggage lockers of various sizes, paid restrooms operated by Sanifair, and gadget charging points in the waiting areas. For travellers with reduced mobility, elevators to all platforms and an escort service are available.
It is impossible to stay hungry at Essen Station: a wide selection of dining options is available here to suit every taste and budget.
For a quick bite, numerous bakeries (such as Kamps or BackWerk) are suitable, where you can buy fresh pastries and sandwiches. Fans of fast food will find popular international chains here, such as McDonald's or KFC. If you need to buy groceries for the road, mini-markets and a supermarket (e.g., Lidl) operate on the premises, offering goods at standard city prices. The average cost for a coffee and a bun is approximately 4–6 Euros.
The history of rail transport in Essen began back in 1862, when the first station building was opened. Like many structures in the Ruhr region, the station suffered serious damage during the Second World War and was almost completely destroyed.
The current building is a striking example of post-war modernist architecture from the 1950s. An important milestone was the large-scale reconstruction before Essen became the European Capital of Culture 2010. Today, it is not just a historical monument, but a high-tech hub playing a key role in the transport system of all of Germany.
To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we recommend arriving at the station 15–20 minutes before your train departs, especially if you need to buy a ticket at the counter.
Tickets and Boarding: For long-distance trains (ICE/IC), it is better to book seats in advance. For regional trains and city transport (VRR), do not forget to validate your ticket before entering the platform if it is not an electronic one.
Safety: As at any major station, please keep an eye on your luggage and valuables, especially during peak hours. At night, it is safer to wait for your train in the illuminated areas of the main hall or in 24-hour cafes.
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