- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Berlin to Essen
Showing times and prices for 02 Aug
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£41
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 4 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
454 km
Cheap tickets
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 £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £35.
Fast coaches
Of the 10 buses that leave Berlin for Essen every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 454 km distance in an average of 7 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 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.
FlixBus23:556h55Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)6:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£351One-way0 changes- FlixBus23:357h15Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz6:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£351One-way0 changes
- FlixBus9:208h35Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)17:55Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£351One-way0 changes
- FlixBus0:106h40Berlin, Kronprinzessinnenweg (Wannsee)6:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£371One-way0 changes
- FlixBus6:208h25Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)14:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£381One-way0 changes
- FlixBus0:106h40Berlin, Kronprinzessinnenweg (Wannsee)6:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£371One-way0 changes
- FlixBus23:556h55Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)6:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£351One-way0 changes
- FlixBus3:407h05Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)10:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£411One-way0 changes
- FlixBus23:357h15Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz6:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£351One-way0 changes
- FlixBus3:207h25Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz10:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£561One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Berlin to Essen
Omio 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 prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £56.
Distance: 454 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£32 Average Price Cheapest | £43 Average Price | £177 Average Price |
7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Berlin to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Essen coaches for today, Saturday 1 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 9:20 Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 8h35 | 17:55 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 23:35 Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 7h15 | 6:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 23:55 Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 6h55 | 6:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 2 August | |||||
| FlixBus | 0:10 Berlin, Kronprinzessinnenweg (Wannsee) | 6h40 | 6:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 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 | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Berlin to Essen by train, coach or flight
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.
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Why should you book Berlin to Essen coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Berlin to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Berlin to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Berlin to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Berlin to Essen.
ReviewsReviews for the bus trip from Berlin to Essen
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
A stress-free journeyA simple bookingGreat pricesDisadvantages
No weaknesses for meThe journey by bus was uncomplicated and stress-free and is therefore really recommendable. Booking is quick online and there are always good prices, even if you book spontaneously. The ticket then arrives in digital form by email and is also presented digitally at the start of the journey. Everything is very efficient and fun. The journey is punctual and also quiet, as there is little foot traffic. Only when passengers use the toilet. The toilet was clean and did not smell unpleasant. There were no noisy or disturbing fellow passengers and thus a stress-free journey. Great service and value for money. Really recommendable.
Advantages
PunctualityDisadvantages
PricesToiletsEquipmentWhen I went into the train, it stank a bit and also the toilets were not clean. There was toilet paper on the floor and the soap dispenser had run out. There were power sockets on the train, but no wifi or curtains to block out the sun. The floor was scratched. Nevertheless, the train left on time and arrived on time.
Advantages
1st class ticketTrain was on timeComfortableDisadvantages
Train was very fullReserved seats were not always well signpostedToday I would like to share a positive experience about the train journey from Essen to Berlin. The journey started in 1st class with a reserved seat.
I liked the friendly service and the warm welcome from the staff. Particularly noteworthy were the comfortable seats and generous legroom; it was easy to lean back, work or sleep. At my seat, I had a small table that folded down, as well as power sockets and storage options. So I could work comfortably on my laptop.
The toilets in the ICE were very clean and well maintained. A big plus. The most important thing was that the train was on time. The price-performance ratio is reasonable. I will travel 1st class again.
Advantages
Fast connection and good wifiDisadvantages
Unfortunately slightly lateI often travel on business and have travelled this route many times. Until 1 year ago, the wifi was extremely bad or the train couldn't be split in Hamm or or or. This time there was almost nothing to complain about. The internet only broke down once and the journey was quiet and, despite the summer temperatures outside, the train was well air-conditioned.
Unfortunately, the train was still 15 minutes late. For the railway, that's almost on time, but I still missed my connecting train in Berlin, ICE is and always will be a gamble.
Advantages
much choice of foodCleanlinessthe heaters were onThat was my outward journey. My train arrived on time. The wifi was very good and I had a socket at my seat to charge my mobile phone. The seats were very comfortable. The staff were very nice. The food was very tasty, you had a lot of choice of different dishes. The whole train was clean and so were the toilets. I can recommend this great trip.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Berlin to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Berlin to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £19 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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £19
Distance 454 km |
Average bus duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 84 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £19
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Berlin to EssenYou can travel by bus between Berlin to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as £19. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 40m
Cheapest Price
£20
FlixBus frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: \Bla\" for quiet, \"BlaBla\" for talkative, and \"BlaBlaBla\" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys."
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
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.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.60
- Day pass
- €7.90
To the city centre
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Essen Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
Best option: Tram/U-Bahn (Ruhrbahn, Price level A single ticket)
- Price
- €3.60
- Duration
- 5 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP for journey planning and mobile tickets in Essen and Mülheim. It is the official local app.
- Ruhrbahn uses the VRR fare. For travel within Essen, use Price level A; ticket machines are available, but contactless acceptance on vehicles was not clearly confirmed from official sources.
FAQs: Berlin to Essen coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Berlin to Essen can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Berlin to Essen is £32; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Berlin to Essen is 6h 40m to travel the 454 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Berlin to Essen leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Berlin to Essen leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 12 direct coaches a day from Berlin to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Berlin to Essen, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Berlin and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Essen from Berlin is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Berlin to Essen is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Berlin and Essen including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Berlin to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Berlin to Essen for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Berlin to Essen depends on the coach companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Berlin to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Berlin to Essen:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Berlin to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Berlin to Essen. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Berlin to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Berlin to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Berlin to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Berlin and Essen
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.
Departure bus stations in Berlin
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Berlin station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Berlin to Essen leave from Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB). The station is 9 km from Berlin city centre at Masurenallee 4-6, 14057 Berlin, Germany.
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)Masurenallee 4-6, 14057 Berlin, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) from Berlin city centre
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) is 9 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainU2 · 35m · £3 · every ~27 min
S41, S42 · 45m · £3 · every ~44 min
BusN232, N70, N1387, N44, 032, 157A, 157 · 20m · £0.90
N2 · 47m · £4 · every ~1 min
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) bus station facilities and services
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Berlin (in the station), Schnitzel Express (0.5 km), Currywurst Haus (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB): Elevators, ramps.
Berlin, Bahnhof SüdkreuzHildegard-Knef-Platz 1, 10829 Berlin, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz from Berlin city centre
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainFex, Re20, Re4, Re5, Re3 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~18 min
S26, S25, S2 · 13m · £3 · every ~25 min
Bus025, N67, N44, 065, 032 · 25m · £0.90
248 · 34m · £3 · every ~11 min
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz bus station facilities and services
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz: Elevators, ramps.
Berlin, Alexanderplatz
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 7m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Most popular bus connections from Berlin
More options for your journey from Berlin to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Berlin
Most popular bus connections
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