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Train Essen → Kiel

Schedule & travel time

7h 10m 381 km 29 trains/day
RE RB

Route overview

7h 10m

Fastest time

8h 36m

Avg. duration

381

Kilometers

29

Trains per day

Accommodation

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By train from Essen to Kiel

An important rail connection: The train connection from Essen to Kiel is one of the popular rail routes in Germany. On the RE you reach your destination in just 7h 10m and can travel in comfort.

The route covers a distance of 381 kilometers and is served by about 29 trains every day. The solid frequency enables flexible trip planning.

Route overview

Infrastructure: Regionalverkehr

More route details

Available train types

This route is served by RE, RB.

Travel sustainably

Taking the train from Essen to Kiel saves you about 42 kg of CO₂ per trip compared with driving. Rail is the most sustainable way to cover this route.

Travel tips
  • Book online: bahn.de shows all connections, fares, and BahnCard discounts in one place.
  • Use a BahnCard: Benefit from discounts and exclusive Deutsche Bahn services.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train journey from Essen to Kiel?

The fastest connection from Essen to Kiel takes 7h 10m. The average travel time is 8h 36m.

How many trains run daily from Essen to Kiel?

About 29 trains run daily on the Essen - Kiel route. Train types include RE, RB.

What is the route from Essen to Kiel?

The direct connection covers 381 km.

More interesting connections

Essen → Dortmund
0h 22m34 km
Essen → Bochum
8m15 km
Hamburg → Kiel
1h 7m85 km
Lübeck → Kiel
1h 08m75 km
All connections from Essen All connections to Kiel All connections

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Return journey

Kiel Essen

More connections

Essen → Dortmund0h 22mEssen → Bochum8mEssen → Duisburg0h 10mEssen → Mülheim (Ruhr)5mHamburg → Kiel1h 7mLübeck → Kiel1h 08mFlensburg → Kiel1h 15m
All connections

Schedule data last updated: 17/06/2026 · Live data refreshed in real time

Notice: All information on this page (Travel times, Frequencies, Connections) is provided without guarantee and may change at any time. For current and binding information, please visit the official provider websites. This website is not affiliated with Deutsche Bahn AG or other railway companies.

Last update: April 2026

Sources & More Information:

  • Omio – Compare Providers
  • Omio – Price comparison for train, bus and flight