Essen → Amsterdam

5 a weekfastest 2h12Deutsche Bahn, ÖBBHigh-speedNight train

Direct trains · no change

07:13 → 10:20
NJ 40490 Night train
Essen Hbf → Amsterdam Centraal · via Arnhem, Utrecht
3h074 stops
Runs: Only Tue 20 Oct, Wed 21 Oct, Thu 22 Oct, Fri 23 Oct, Sat 24 Oct…open data confirms only these dates; it may run on othersÖBB ↗
07:51 → 10:05
ICE 77 High-speed
Essen Hbf → Amsterdam Centraal · via Arnhem, Utrecht
2h145 stops
Runs: Only Sat 17 Oct, Sun 18 Octopen data confirms only these dates; it may run on othersDeutsche Bahn ↗
16:35 → 19:23
ICE 144 High-speed
Essen Hbf → Amsterdam Centraal · via Arnhem, Utrecht
2h485 stops
Runs: Only Sun 25 Octopen data confirms only these dates; it may run on othersDeutsche Bahn ↗
16:36 → 19:08
ICE 77 High-speed
Essen Hbf → Amsterdam Centraal · via Arnhem, Utrecht
2h325 stops
Runs: Only Sat 17 Oct, Sun 18 Octopen data confirms only these dates; it may run on othersDeutsche Bahn ↗
17:59 → 20:53
ICE 142 High-speed
Essen Hbf → Amsterdam Centraal · via Arnhem, Utrecht
2h545 stops
Runs: Only Sat 17 Oct, Sun 18 Oct, Sat 24 Oct, Sun 25 Octopen data confirms only these dates; it may run on othersDeutsche Bahn ↗
17:59 → 20:29
ICE 142 High-speed
Essen Hbf → Amsterdam Centraal · via Arnhem, Utrecht
2h305 stops
Runs: Only Sat 17 Oct, Sun 18 Octopen data confirms only these dates; it may run on othersDeutsche Bahn ↗
20:49 → 23:01
ICE 77 High-speed
Essen Hbf → Amsterdam Centraal · via Arnhem, Utrecht
2h125 stops
Runs: Only Sat 17 Oct, Sun 18 Octopen data confirms only these dates; it may run on othersDeutsche Bahn ↗

Local times at each station. From official open timetable data (at, de_delfi, de_fv, de_rv, nl_ovapi) for 28 Sep – 25 Oct 2026; timetables change, so check with the operator before you travel. How we build this.

Door to door vs flying

The train wins by 1h42

Train · fastest direct2h23

To Essen Hbf1 min
Before departure10 min
ICE 772h12

Plane · nonstop DUS–AMS4h05

To Düsseldorf (DUS)1h05
Check-in & security1h30
Flight DUS–AMS55 min
Landing to exit20 min
From AMS15 min

From city centre to city centre unless you pick otherwise. Getting to stations and airports: typical public-transport times (estimates). Airport: check-in & security 1h30 before, 20 min to get out after landing. Flight time is typical for the distance. Nonstop airlines: KLM.