- 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 London to Essen
Showing times and prices for 25 Aug
Cheapest price
£72
Average price
£82
Fastest journey
12 h 15 m
Average duration
14 h 58 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
494 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Essen will cost around £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £72.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave London for Essen every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 494 km distance in an average of 14 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 17 h 40 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.
FlixBus20:3012h15London, Victoria Coach Station9:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£721One-way0 changes- FlixBus · FlixBus9:3017h40London, Victoria Coach Station4:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£911One-way1 change
- FlixBus20:3012h15London, Victoria Coach Station9:45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£721One-way0 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:3017h40London, Victoria Coach Station4:10Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)£911One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for London to Essen
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £22, and a train costs an average of £117.
Distance: 494 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
£73 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest | £242 Average Price |
16h 18m Average total duration 15h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
London to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Essen coaches for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 19:00 London | 22h45 | 17:45 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:00 London | 22h45 | 18:45 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:30 London | 15h25 | 13:55 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:59 London | 21h31 | 20:30 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 25 August | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 17h40 | 4:10 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London 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.
Tue
25 Aug
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26 Aug
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Thu
27 Aug
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31 Aug
Why should you book London to Essen coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer coaches services from London to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from London 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from London to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Essen
United Kingdom
Germany
Buses from London to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £22 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 00:14, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 494 km distance in 12h 15m.
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
Flight from £22
Distance 494 km |
Average bus duration 15h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 12h 15m |
First bus 0:14 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 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
Flight from £22
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus from London to EssenYou can travel by bus between London to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as £22. 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
12h 15m
Cheapest Price
£46
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 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 Duration
22h 15m
Cheapest Price
£100
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 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.
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: London to Essen coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Essen can start from as little as £46 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London to Essen is £73; 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 London to Essen is 12h 15m to travel the 494 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 London to Essen leaves at 0:14. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London to Essen leaves at 23:30.
There are 4 coaches a day from London to Essen which require at least one change with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London to Essen, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from London , you have various coach station options to start your route from including London, Victoria Coach Station, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney), London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 . When arriving in Essen , you can end your route in coach stations like Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), Duisburg, Bochum, Hbf.Passengers board the coach most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, 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 London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Essen is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Essen including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London 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 London to Essen for coach company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London 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.
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 London to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London 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 London 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 London 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 London to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Essen with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Essen
Most London to Essen buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which London station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from London to Essen leave from London, Victoria Coach Station. The station is 2 km from London city centre at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom.
London, Victoria Coach Station164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Victoria Coach Station from London city centre
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN11, N44 · 9m · £10 · every ~4 min
148 · 17m · £2 · every ~30 min
24 · 25m · £2 · every ~25 min
38, N38 · 30m · £2 · every ~46 min
A8 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
390 · 35m · £2 · every ~26 min
London, Victoria Coach Station bus station facilities and services
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, Longford, Hounslow TW6 2GA, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 from London city centre
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 22m · £31
Elizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 22m · £31
BusUk061 · 1h 5m · £3 · every ~1 min
035, 025, 030, 032, A40 · 1h 10m · £4 · every ~12 min
025, 030, 032, 035, A40 · 1h 10m · £4 · every ~12 min
N9 · 1h 22m · £2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 53m · £21 · every ~27 min
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 bus station facilities and services
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Crown Rivers (in the station), Giraffe (in the station), Wagamama (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the arrivals and departures areas.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, Hounslow, TW6 1EW, London, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 from London city centre
TrainElizabeth, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 4, London Paddington - Heathrow Terminal 5 · 21m · £31 · every ~3 min
Elizabeth · 41m · £15 · every ~8 min
BusUkn14, Ukn02, Uk043, Uk042, Ukn23, Ukxn10, Ukn49 · 50m · £2 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
Ukxn10 · 50m · £3 · every ~1 min
N9 · 1h 11m · £2 · every ~4 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 48m · £19 · every ~27 min
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 bus station facilities and services
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
Which Essen station do buses from London arrive at?
Buses from London to Essen most often arrive at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Some services arrive at Duisburg, Mercatorstrasse / Güntherstraße, 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.
More options for your journey from London to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and London
Most popular bus connections
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