4.9
4.6
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Dresden 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 4h 4m. 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 £375.
Distance: 470 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£30 Average Price Cheapest | £88 Average Price | £375 Average Price | £72 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 36m Average total duration 8h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg 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.
Compare the available ways to get from Dresden to Essen, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Dresden to Essen:
A coach is £59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dresden to Essen costing on average £88.
A coach is £346 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dresden to Essen costing on average £375.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 39m.
Coach takes on average 8h 36m.
Tickets start at around £30 compared to roughly £72 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £42. The journey takes 8h 6m versus 6h 15m 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.
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.
How to get to Essen from Dresden by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Dresden to Essen is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Essen are Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Münster and Bonn. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Essen on Omio.
Düsseldorf is known for fashion, contemporary art and its lively Altstadt on the Rhine. Sleek shopping streets, traditional breweries and bold modern architecture give it a polished yet sociable character.
Cologne is known for its towering cathedral, Roman heritage and relaxed Rhineland spirit. Museums, riverfront views and a strong brewing culture give the city an open, sociable feel.
Dortmund is a Ruhr city known for football, brewing heritage and its industrial roots. Former worksites, parks and modern cultural venues give it a practical, lively character.
Münster is a historic university city known for its cycling culture, rebuilt old town and links to the Peace of Westphalia. Gothic churches, Prinzipalmarkt and a strong student presence give it a lively but relaxed feel.
Bonn is best known as Beethoven’s birthplace and the former capital of West Germany. Set on the Rhine, it feels calm and cultured, with museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a strong university presence.
Travel to Essen easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Dresden to Essen.
This is compared to other travel options from Dresden to Essen:
A coach is £59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dresden to Essen costing on average £88.
A coach is £346 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dresden to Essen costing on average £375.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 39m.
Coach takes on average 8h 36m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Dresden and Essen as scheduled services by train, coach and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
