- 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 Hamburg to Essen
Showing times and prices for 15 Aug
Cheapest price
£30
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 45 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
311 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Hamburg to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg to Essen will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £30.
Fast coaches
Of the 4 buses that leave Hamburg for Essen every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 311 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 15 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.
FlixBus7:305h20Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof12:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£301One-way0 changes- FlixBus13:405h55Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof19:35Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£301One-way0 changes
- FlixBus8:306h15Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof14:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£301One-way0 changes
- FlixBus0:105h30Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof5:40Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£411One-way0 changes
- FlixBus7:305h20Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof12:50Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£301One-way0 changes
- FlixBus0:105h30Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof5:40Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£411One-way0 changes
- FlixBus13:405h55Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof19:35Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£301One-way0 changes
- FlixBus8:306h15Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof14:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£301One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Hamburg to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hamburg to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a flight costs an average of £65.
Distance: 311 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£22 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price | £191 Average Price |
5h 9m Average total duration 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.9kg 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
Hamburg to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 15 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 0:10 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 5h30 | 5:40 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:30 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 5h20 | 12:50 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:30 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 6h15 | 14:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 13:40 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 5h55 | 19:35 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hamburg 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.
Sat
15 Aug
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Why should you book Hamburg to Essen coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Hamburg to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Hamburg to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Hamburg to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £8 by train.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 311 km distance in 5h 20m.
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 £8
Distance 311 km |
Average bus duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 £8
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Hamburg to EssenYou can travel by bus between Hamburg to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as £8. 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
5h 20m
Cheapest Price
£13
FlixBus frequency
3 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: Hamburg to Essen coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen can start from as little as £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Hamburg to Essen is £22; 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 Hamburg to Essen is 5h 20m to travel the 311 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 Hamburg to Essen leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Hamburg to Essen leaves at 23:50.
Yes, there are 5 direct coaches a day from Hamburg to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Hamburg to Essen, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Hamburg and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Hamburg , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof, Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport . When arriving in Essen , you can end your route in coach stations like Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), Gelsenkirchen, Hauptbahnhof/ZOB, Bochum, Hbf, Oberhausen, Hbf Fernbushaltestelle, Duisburg, Mercatorstraße / Portsmouthplatz.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Essen from Hamburg is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Hamburg to Essen is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Hamburg and Essen including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Hamburg to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Hamburg to Essen for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Hamburg to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Hamburg to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Hamburg and Essen
Most Hamburg to Essen buses use the Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Hamburg and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Hamburg
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Hamburg station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Hamburg to Essen leave from Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof. The station is 3 km from Hamburg city centre at Adenauerallee 78, 20097 Hamburg, Germany.
Hamburg, Zentraler OmnibusbahnhofAdenauerallee 78, 20097 Hamburg, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX80, 610, 609, 3, 641, 608, 606, 603, 19, 5 · 6m · £3 · every ~45 min
SubwayU3 · 3m · £2 · every ~27 min
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof bus station facilities and services
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), Burger Lounge (0.3 km), Café Paris (0.5 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 Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Hamburg, S Hamburg AirportHamburg Airport station, 22335 Hamburg, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport is 6 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS1 · 28m · £3 · every ~13 min
BusN73, 353, 198, 172 · 30m · £0.90
606 · 42m · £4
105 · 54m · £6 · every ~5 min
Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport bus station facilities and services
Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several dining options available in the airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in designated areas. ATMs are aTMs available in the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport: Elevators and ramps available for accessibility.
Which Essen station do buses from Hamburg arrive at?
Buses from Hamburg to Essen most often arrive at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Some services arrive at Gelsenkirchen, Hauptbahnhof/ZOB, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, Germany
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
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) bus station facilities and services
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Most popular bus connections from Hamburg
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular bus connections
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