Essen Stadtbahn — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

The Essen Stadtbahn subway stretches over 21.5 kilometres (13.6 miles) with 22 underground stations and additional surface stops where the trams operate.

Ticket prices are based on the distance travelled. The rail system is divided into four zones, Zone A, Zone B, Zone C and Zone D. A basic ticket, valid for a 20-minute journey, is the cheapest option, costing just €1.60 ($1.82).

Trains usually start at 4.30am and run non-stop until 11.30pm. Trains run every 10 minutes during normal hours, increasing to every 5 minutes at peak times.

It should be noted that Essen does not have its own airport.

The Essen Metro, also known as the “Stadtbahn”, operates in Germany but does not operate 24 hours a day. Average daily passenger figures are not available. The metro uses the honour system for its fares, and a typical fare is €1.50.

The metro does not use driverless trains, has no air conditioning and no platform screen doors. However, passengers are allowed to walk between platforms.

Essen Metro Map

Map of Essen Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Essen Metro map in PDF format.

Essen City and the Stadtbahn Metro

With a population of over 580,000, Essen is the ninth largest city in Germany and was once the fifth largest. It ranks fourth in the densely populated Ruhr region.

The city is widely regarded as the country’s energy capital, being home to two major electricity companies, E.ON SE and RWE AG. The massive industrial development the city experienced in the mid-twentieth century made it a popular destination for thousands of Germans and other Europeans looking for manufacturing jobs.

However, many immigrants who once worked in the city’s factories decided to leave Essen after the 1970s due to the natural evolution of the economy. Despite this exodus, the city’s population continued to grow in the 1960s before depopulation set in. This demographic growth obliged the local authorities to meet the service needs of the new residents.

One of the basic needs was transport, and despite Essen’s extensive tram network, it proved inadequate. As a result, solving Essen’s mobility problem became a top priority. After years of barely viable projects, the city’s transport authorities decided on an underground alternative. The Stadtbahn Essen, a medium-sized light rail system, was opened on 28 May 1877 to meet the city’s transport needs.

Lines and Stations of Essen Stadtbahn Metro

Essen’s light rail system runs on a central underground line from Essen’s main railway station to Berliner Platz, crossing the city centre. This route is used by the Stadtbahn’s three commercial lines. In addition, there are surface structures. For example, the northern section, served by the U-11 and U-17 lines, runs from Berliner Platz to Karlsplatz. Similarly, lines U-17 and U-18 run from Essen Central Station to Bismarckplatz.

Line U-11

Die U11 beginnt ihre Reise im Stadtteil Gelsenkirchen-Horst und führt über die Emscher und den Rhein-Herne-Kanal in die Essener Innenstadt. Diese Linie bietet eine schnelle Verbindung zwischen dem nördlichen Stadtteil Altenessen und dem Messezentrum und dem Grugapark. Nachfolgend sind die 23 Haltestellen der U-11 aufgeführt:

Gelsenkirchen Buerer Straße, Gelsenkirchen Schloss Horst, Gelsenkirchen Fischerstraße, Alte Landstraße, Boyer Straße, Arenbergstraße, Heßlerstraße, II. Schichtstraße, Karlsplatz, Altenessen Mitte, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Park, Altenessen Bahnhof, Bäuminghausstraße, Bamlerstraße, Universität Essen, Berliner Platz, Hirschlandplatz, Essen Hauptbahnhof, Philharmonie, Rüttenscheider Stern, Martinstraße, Messe Ost/Gruga, Messe West/Süd/Gruga.

Line U-17

Die Linie U-17 umfasst 17 Stationen, beginnend an der Haltestelle Karlsplatz im Stadtteil Altenessen und bis in den Essener Süden reichend. Die Haltestellen Karlsplatz bis Rampe Planckstraße sind unterirdisch, die übrigen oberirdisch. Nachfolgend sind die Stationen der Linie U-17 aufgeführt:

Karlsplatz, Altenessen Mitte, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Park, Altenessen Bahnhof, Bäuminghausstraße, Bamlerstraße, Universität Essen, Berliner Platz, Hirschlandplatz, Essen Hauptbahnhof, Bismarckplatz, Planckstraße, Gemarkenplatz, Holsterhauser Platz, Halbe Höhe, Laubenweg, Margarethenhöhe.

Line U-18

Die Linie U-18 umfasst 17 Stationen und erstreckt sich vom Essener Osten bis zur Stadt Mülheim an der Ruhr im Westen. Die Strecke umfasst die Bereiche Allee-Center Altenessen, Limbecker Platz, Innenstadt Essen, RheinRuhrZentrum und Forum Mülheim. Es ist die einzige Linie, die ihre Gleise nicht mit der Stadtbahn teilt. Folgende Haltestellen sind in U-18 enthalten:

Berliner Platz, Hirschlandplatz, Essen Hauptbahnhof, Bismarckplatz, Savignystraße/ETEC, Hobeisenbrücke, Breslauer Straße, Wickenburgstraße, RheinRuhrZentrum, Rosendeller Straße, Eichbaum, Heißen Kirche, Mühlenfeld, Christianstraße, Gracht, Von-Bock-Straße, Mülheim-Ruhr- Hauptbahnhof.

Connections

The Essen Metro connects to the city’s other transport systems, including buses, suburban trains and rapid transit lines.

The city is extremely well-connected, meaning that passengers are always just a few metres away from a public transport option. Several stations of the Essen Stadtbahn are also served by the tram lines.

Stations

Gelsenkirchen Buerer Straße: Connects to bus routes SB36, 252, 253, 254, 258, 259, 260, 383 and 396 and tram route 301.
Gelsenkirchen Schloss Horst: Connects to bus routes SB36, 253, 254, 259, 260, 383 and 396 and the tram route 301.
Gelsenkirchen Fischerstraße: Connects to bus routes 396.
Boyer Straße: Connects to bus routes 189 and 263.
Arenbergstraße: Connects to bus routes 189 and 263.
Karlsplatz: Connects to bus routes 162, 172, 173 and 183.
Altenessen Mitte: Connects to bus routes 162, 170 and 172.
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Park: Connects to bus routes 162 and 172.
Altenessen Bahnhof: Connects to the S-Bahn’s S2 line and the Rhein-Emscher-Express (RE3) express route. This station also connects to bus routes 140, 162, 172 and 183 and tram route 108 as well.
Bamlerstraße: Connects to bus route 196.
Universität Essen: Connects to bus routes SB16 and 166.
Berliner Platz: Connects to bus routes 145, 166 and SB16 and tram routes 101/106, 103, 105 and 109
Essen Hauptbahnhof: Connects to the S-Bahn lines, S1, S2, S3, S6 and S9 and express routes, RE1, RE2, RE6, RE11, RE14, RE16, RB40 and RB42. This station also connects to tram routes, 101/106, 105, 107 and 108 and bus lines, 145, 146, 147, 154, 155, 166, 193, 196, SB14, SB15, SB16 and SB19.
Philharmonie: Connects to tram routes 107 and 108.
Rüttenscheider Stern: Connects to tram routes, 101/106, 107 and 108.
Martinstraße: Connects to tram lines 107 and 108 as well as bus lines, 142M, 160 and 161.
Messe Ost/Gruga: Connects to bus route 142.
Messe West/Süd/Gruga: Connects to bus route 142.
Bismarckplatz: Connects to bus route 196.
Hobeisenbrücke: Connects to tram line 101/106.
Breslauer Straße: Connects to bus routes 160 and 161.
Wickenburgstraße: Connects to bus routes 145 and 196.
RheinRuhrZentrum: Connects to bus routes, 129, 130 and 138.
Eichbaum: Connects to bus route 136.
Heißen Kirche: Connects to bus routes 129, 132, 136, 138 and 753.
Von-Bock-Straße: Connects to bus route 131.
Mülheim –Ruhr– Hauptbahnhof: Connects to the S-Bahn’s S1 and S2 lines and the express routes, RE1, RE2, RE6 and RE11. This station also connects to bus lines 122, 124, 128, 131, 132, 133, 135, 151 and 752.
Holsterhauser Platz: Connects to tram route 101/106.
Margarethenhöhe: Connects to bus route 169.

Ticket Pricing

The Essen Metro offers a variety of fare options, including single tickets and rechargeable cards. Fares are based on the distance travelled, with the system divided into four main zones: Zone A, Zone B, Zone C and Zone D. A Short Distance option is also available, which covers a maximum of four stations and lasts 20 minutes.

Detailed fare information can be found below:

Single Ticket (Einzel Ticket)

This is the most straightforward ticket option for the metro. It allows travel within a certain timeframe, which begins once the ticket is validated.

Short Distance (K): €1.60 ($US 1.83). Valid for 20 minutes.
Zone A: €2.80 ($US 3.21). Valid for 90 minutes.
Zone B: €5.90 ($US 6.76). Valid for 120 minutes.
Zone C: €12.50 ($US 14.32). Valid for 180 minutes.
Zone D: €15.30 ($US 17.53). Valid for 300 minutes.

4-Trip Ticket (4er Ticket)

This ticket includes four trips within a set period. It’s an ideal choice for passengers planning to transfer between different modes of transport, as the 4er ticket is also valid for buses and trams.

Short Distance (K): €5.90 ($US 6.76). Valid for 20 minutes.
Zone A: €10.20 ($US 11.69). Valid for 90 minutes.
Zone B: €21.40 ($US 24.52). Valid for 120 minutes.
Zone C: €44.40 ($US 50.87). Valid for 180 minutes.
Zone D: €54.00 ($US 61.87). Valid for 300 minutes.

24-Hour Ticket (24-StundenTicket)

This ticket is ideal for students in the city. It allows unlimited 24-hour access to the metro, buses, and trams.

Zone A: €7.00 ($US 8.02).
Zone B: €14.20 ($US 16.27).
Zone C: €24.30 ($US 27.84).
Zone D: €29.10 ($US 33.34).

48-Hour Ticket (48-StundenTicket)

This ticket is designed for students in the city. It provides unlimited 48-hour access to the metro, buses, and trams.

Zone A: €13.30 ($US 15.24).
Zone B: €27.00 ($US 30.94).
Zone C: €46.20 ($US 52.93).
Zone D: €55.30 ($US 63.36).

YoungTicket

This monthly ticket is designed for students in the city. It offers unlimited access to the metro, bus or tram for 30 consecutive days. The cost includes Zone D pricing only. The ticket is personalized, and identification must be carried along with it.

Cost: €69.95 ($US 80.14)

Ticket1000

The Ticket1000 is a monthly subscription. Its cost is based on the number of zones covered and it is valid for travel on the metro, bus, and tram.

Zone A: €76.00 ($US 87.08).
Zone B: €109.35 ($US 125.29).
Zone C: €147.30 ($US 168.77).
Zone D: €185.30 ($US 212.31).

BärenTicket

This ticket is designed for adults aged 60 and older, including those who continue to work. This is a monthly subscription and the fare corresponds to Zone D.

Cost: €86.70 ($US 99.34).

Operating Hours

The Essen Metro operates with convenient timetables for passengers. On weekdays, services start at 4:30 a.m. and run continuously until closing at 11:30 p.m. (although some stations close at 11:00 p.m.).

On Saturdays, services run from 7:00 until either 23:00 or 23:30, with reduced frequency during this period.

On Sundays and public holidays, services start at 8:00 a.m. As on Saturdays, trains run less frequently due to lower customer demand.

In normal circumstances, trains arrive every 10 minutes, with a higher frequency of every 5 minutes at peak times. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays the frequency is reduced to every 15 minutes.

Accessibility

The Essen metro was designed with the intention of ensuring accessibility for all groups within the city. The design includes facilities for the elderly and people with reduced mobility. Each train is low-level, making it easier for passengers to get on and off. Special areas have been reserved for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles. In addition, dedicated Metro staff are on hand to assist passengers as needed. This can range from help navigating the station to advice on buying tickets.

Regulations

Intentional damage to transport vehicles or equipment is punishable by a fine. Repeat offenders may be excluded from the system.
Luggage must not obstruct other passengers.
Items or behaviour that may cause discomfort to other passengers are not permitted. This includes carrying smelly or potentially toxic materials, making irritating noises, etc.
Emergency equipment located throughout Essen Metro trains and stations should only be used in a genuine emergency. Misuse of these devices is considered sabotage of the system and may result in a fine.
Wearing skates or riding on skateboards, scooters or similar items is not permitted. Offenders will be asked to stop and, if they do not comply, will be asked to leave.
Aggressive behaviour, insults or intimidation of other passengers is strictly forbidden on the Essener Metro.
Smoking is not allowed on trains or in stations.
Eating is not allowed in the metro.
Consumption of alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol is not allowed on the Metro.
Unauthorised distribution of propaganda is strictly prohibited in metro stations and trains.
Passengers should always stay behind the designated yellow line.
Begging is not allowed on metro trains or in stations.
Firearms are not allowed on trains unless the person is a clearly identified official.
Music on portable devices must be listened to through headphones.
Access to the tracks is prohibited. If items fall on the tracks, passengers should ask for assistance from the staff.

Airport Connections

Essen does not have its own commercial airport. Instead, there is a facility for private use, independent pilots and charter flights. However, most visitors use Düsseldorf International Airport, which is only 30 minutes from Essen city centre. To reach the airport by metro, passengers can travel to Essen Hauptbahnhof (served by three commercial lines) and then board the RE 10162 express train, which goes directly to the airport. The journey usually takes 35 to 40 minutes and stops directly in front of the airport. In addition, the airport has excellent connections to other cities via fast trains and suburban trains.

Future Expansions

One of Essen Metro’s major future projects is the extension of line U-17, which will extend three stations south from the Margarethenhöhe terminal. There have also been discussions about a possible extension of line U-11 to the south. There are also plans to replace the old high-floor trams, particularly on the 101 and 107 lines. These would be replaced by cars with fold-away stairs, as they share tracks with the U-11 at Essen Hauptbahnhof – Martinstraße. The plans include a partial reduction of the platform heights at the underground stops of the system to facilitate the movement of tram lines 101 and 107, while maintaining accessibility for metro and tram passengers.

Attractions

One of Essen’s most prominent landmarks is the Zollverein Coal Mine, a former industrial site that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage, it preserves a rich history from the mid-19th century to the 1990s, when it was finally closed. Guided tours are available today, along with stories of the factories on the site. The complex also houses a fine restaurant that successfully blends Essen’s manufacturing past with modern culinary trends.

To reach the complex, take the underground to Altenessen Bf station (served by lines U-11 and U-18) and walk a few metres to the Essen-Altenessen S-Bahn station. From there, take the S2 and get off at Essen-Zollverein Nord.

The famous GOP Varieté Essen theatre and restaurant is about 500 metres from Berliner Platz station (accessible by three underground lines). Theatrical productions feature acrobats, magicians, ventriloquists, singers and other artists who entertain and interact with the audience. Productions change monthly, so there is always something new to see. The venue has a playful atmosphere, inspired by both its British influences and classic circus charm.