- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bremen to Essen
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
kr172
Average price
kr203
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
218 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bremen to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bremen to Essen will cost around kr203 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr172.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Bremen for Essen on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 218 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 3 h 55 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.
12:20 AM3h55Bremen4:15 AMEssenkr1721One-way0 transfers- 12:50 AM3h50Bremen4:40 AMEssenkr1931One-way0 transfers
- 7:10 AM3h40Bremen10:50 AMEssenkr2451One-way0 transfers
- 7:10 AM3h40Bremen10:50 AMEssenkr2451One-way0 transfers
- 12:50 AM3h50Bremen4:40 AMEssenkr1931One-way0 transfers
- 12:20 AM3h55Bremen4:15 AMEssenkr1721One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Bremen to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bremen to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr159. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr159, and a flight costs an average of kr2132.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr239 Average price Cheapest | kr380 Average price | kr4629 Average price | kr434 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 3m Average total duration 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 54m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Bremen to Essen is a bus with an average price of kr239.
This is compared to other travel options from Bremen to Essen:
A bus is kr141 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bremen to Essen costing on average kr380.
A bus is kr4390 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bremen to Essen costing on average kr4629.
The fastest way to travel from Bremen to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 2h 16m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 33m.
Flight takes on average 3h 54m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bremen and Essen including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bremen to Essen among Omio's users.
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 kr239 compared to roughly kr434 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr195. The journey takes 3h 33m versus 3h 1m 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, FlixBus.
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.
Bremen to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price kr172 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price kr187 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price kr190 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr172 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price kr193 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price kr401 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price kr470 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr225 |
Live departures
Bremen to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bremen to Essen buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:20 AM Bremen | 3h55 | 4:15 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:50 AM Bremen | 3h50 | 4:40 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:10 AM Bremen | 3h40 | 10:50 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bremen to Essen by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11
Aug 11
Why should you book Bremen to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Bremen to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bremen 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bremen to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bremen to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bremen to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Bremen to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr159 but you can travel from only kr121 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:05, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 3h 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 kr121
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price kr159 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 1:05 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 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 kr121
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Bremen to EssenYou can travel by bus between Bremen to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as kr121. 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
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
kr159
FlixBus frequency
2 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
5 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
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
- Recommended
Deutsches Plakat Museum
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
- Recommended
Kettwiger Straße
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten Essen
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
- Vegetarian
Reibekuchen
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pumpernickel
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
Sauerbraten
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Restaurant Hannappel
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Hausbrauerei Im Fcxschen Essen
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Meisenburg
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.60
- Day pass
- €8.10
To the city center
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Kennedyplatz, Essen
- Distance
- 600 m
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Tap-to-pay is not standard onboard across all Ruhrbahn services; buy tickets in the VRR App, at machines, or sales points before travel.
- Validate paper tickets if required before boarding. The VRR App shows the valid fare and is the official option for route planning and mobile tickets.
FAQs: Bus from Bremen to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bremen to Essen by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Bremen to Essen can start from as little as kr159 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bremen to Essen is kr239 ; 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 bus from Bremen to Essen is 3h 40m to travel the 135 miles (218 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Bremen to Essen leaves at 1:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bremen to Essen leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Bremen to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bremen to Essen, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bremen and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Essen from Bremen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bremen to Essen is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bremen and Essen including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bremen to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bremen to Essen for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bremen to Essen depends on the bus 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 bus with bus 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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bremen to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bremen 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 bus ticket from Bremen to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bremen to Essen. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bremen to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bremen to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bremen to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Bremen and Essen are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bremen to Essen among Omio's users.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. It's advisable to use official transport services and stay alert in busy locations to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bremen to Essen
Most Bremen to Essen buses use the Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bremen and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bremen
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg)Bremen Fernbusterminal Bus Stop,Rosa-Parks-Ring 11-15,28195
City-centre transport
Getting to Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) from Bremen city centre
Bus24E, N5, N3, 25, 24 · 8m · every ~26 min
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 Bremen
More options for your journey from Bremen to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Bremen
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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