- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£18
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£25
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
6 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
7 h 25 m
Buses on 17 Sept
18
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Berlin to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berlin to Essen will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £18.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 18 buses from Berlin to Essen, including 9 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 454 km distance in an average of 7 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 6m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, while a flight costs an average of £141.
Distance: 454 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£30 Average Price Cheapest | £37 Average Price | £141 Average Price | £71 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 0m Average total duration 6h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Berlin to Essen:
A coach is £6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin to Essen costing on average £37.
A coach is £111 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin to Essen costing on average £141.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 8m.
Coach takes on average 6h 30m.
Tickets start at around £30 compared to roughly £71 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £41. The journey takes 6h 30m versus 6h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Essen coaches for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 23:55 Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 6h55 | 6:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 17 September | |||||
FlixBus | 3:20 Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 7h25 | 10:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 3:35 Berlin, Alexanderplatz | 9h15 | 12:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 3:40 Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 7h05 | 10:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 4:00 Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 8h50 | 12:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 5:45 Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 9h00 | 14:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 6:20 Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 8h25 | 14:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 8h35 | 17:55 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:55 Berlin Südkreuz station | 9h40 | 19:35 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:19 Berlin Hbf | 9h16 | 19:35 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:31 Berlin Spandau | 9h04 | 19:35 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 19:10 Berlin, Alexanderplatz | 9h50 | 5:00 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 19:26 Berlin Spandau | 9h34 | 5:00 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 19:57 Berlin Hbf | 9h03 | 5:00 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 20:04 Berlin Südkreuz station | 8h56 | 5:00 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 20:18 Berlin Hbf | 9h22 | 5:40 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 20:31 Berlin Spandau | 9h09 | 5:40 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 23:35 Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 7h15 | 6:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Buses from Berlin to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £10 by train.
There are 12 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 454 km distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 454 km |
Average bus duration 6h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are often slightly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change or rounding up is customary.
Official public transport app
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Essen Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin to Essen by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Berlin to Essen buses use the Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Berlin and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) is 9 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Berlin (in the station), Schnitzel Express (0.5 km), Currywurst Haus (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB).
Available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB): Elevators, ramps.
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz.
Available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz: Elevators, ramps.
Berlin, Alexanderplatz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants around the area.
Available in nearby cafes. ATMs are several ATMs in close proximity.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Alexanderplatz.
Available at Berlin, Alexanderplatz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Alexanderplatz: Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need