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- Power plugs
- WC
- Air-conditioned
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Lille to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£17
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£25
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
6 h 44 m
Buses on 17 Sept
5
Distance
291 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Lille to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lille to Essen will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £17.
Fast coaches
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 5 buses from Lille to Essen, including 4 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 291 km distance in an average of 6 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 20 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.
5112111:506h55Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)18:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£171One-way0 changes- 5042812:257h20Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)19:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£191One-way0 changes
FlixBus4:205h25Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)9:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£201One-way0 changes- FlixBus · FlixBus14:007h15Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)21:15Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£261One-way1 change
- FlixBus9:256h45Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)16:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£421One-way0 changes
- FlixBus4:205h25Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)9:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£201One-way0 changes
- FlixBus9:256h45Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)16:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£421One-way0 changes
- 5112111:506h55Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)18:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£171One-way0 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus14:007h15Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)21:15Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£261One-way1 change
- 5042812:257h20Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)19:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£191One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Lille to Essen
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Lille to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £87.
Distance: 291 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £87 Average Price | £48 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Lille to Essen is a coach with an average price of £23.
This is compared to other travel options from Lille to Essen:
A coach is £64 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lille to Essen costing on average £87.
The fastest way to travel from Lille to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 3h 23m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lille and Essen including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £23 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £25. The journey takes 5h 52m versus 4h 20m 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 BlaBlaCar Bus, 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.
Live departures
Lille to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Lille to Essen coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 4:20 Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) | 5h25 | 9:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 9:25 Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) | 6h45 | 16:10 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 51121 | 11:50 Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) | 6h55 | 18:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 50428 | 12:25 Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) | 7h20 | 19:45 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:00 Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) | 7h15 | 21:15 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lille to Essen by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Lille to Essen coaches with Omio?
BlaBlaCar Bus as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Lille to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lille to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs BlaBlaCar Bus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for BlaBlaCar Bus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Lille to Essen.
- 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 BlaBlaCar Bus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lille to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Lille to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Lille to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Lille to Essen
France
Germany
Buses from Lille to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 21:55. The fastest coach covers the 291 km distance in 5h 25m.
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
Distance 291 km |
Average bus duration 5h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 21:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 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
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Lille to EssenYou can travel by bus between Lille to Essen with BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as £17. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£22
FlixBus frequency
6 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 Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BlaBlaCar Bus Duration
6h 55m
Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price
£17
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
What's included in each class
Compare BlaBlaCar Bus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Standard
- Power plugs
- WC
- Air-conditioned
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
2 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
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
- 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: Lille to Essen coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lille 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 Lille to Essen can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Lille to Essen is £23; 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 Lille to Essen is 5h 25m to travel the 291 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 Lille to Essen leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Lille to Essen leaves at 21:55.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Lille to Essen with BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Lille to Essen, you can count on BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Lille and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Lille , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe), Fretin, Aéroport de Lille-Lesquin (Service Parking), Lens, Rue Paul Eluard (Quai n°8), Tourcoing, Avenue Salvador Allende . When arriving in Essen , you can end your route in coach stations like Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), Gelsenkirchen, Hauptbahnhof/ZOB.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe), which is located around 1 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 Lille is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Lille to Essen is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lille and Essen including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Lille to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Lille to Essen for coach company BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Lille to Essen depends on the coach companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- 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 BlaBlaCar Bus, 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 Lille to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Lille to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- 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 Lille to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Lille 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 Lille to Essen with the following coach company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Lille to Essen with the following coach company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Lille to Essen with the following coach company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Lille and Essen
Most Lille to Essen buses use the Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Lille and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Lille
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Lille station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Lille to Essen leave from Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe). The station is 1 km from Lille city centre at Boulevard de Turin, 59000 Lille, France.
Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)Boulevard de Turin, 59000 Lille, France
City-centre transport
Getting to Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) from Lille city centre
Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) is 1 km from Lille city centre. Public transport options include:
BusL5, N1 · 8m · £2 · every ~20 min
L5, N1 · 10m · £2 · every ~20 min
Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) bus station facilities and services
Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria de la Gare (in the station), Bistro de Lille (0.2 km), Le Petit Chef (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the concourse area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe): Elevators, ramps.
Fretin, Aéroport de Lille-Lesquin (Service Parking)Lille International Airport,,59273
City-centre transport
Getting to Fretin, Aéroport de Lille-Lesquin (Service Parking) from Lille city centre
TrainTer · 26m · £8 · every ~3 min
Bus1740 · 15m · £0.90
871 · 17m · £0.90
flibco · 20m · £3 · every ~2 min
ShuttleLa Navette Aéroport de Lille · 20m · £7 · every ~2 min
Which Essen station do buses from Lille arrive at?
Buses from Lille 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 Lille
More options for your journey from Lille to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Lille
Most popular bus connections
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