- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$23
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$23
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
4 h
Buses on Sep 19
4
Distance
218 km
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 $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 4 buses from Bremen to Essen, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 218 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 25 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bremen to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 47m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, while a flight costs an average of $646.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $646 Average price | $61 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 2h 14m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bremen to Essen:
A bus is $30 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bremen to Essen costing on average $61 (€50).
A bus is $614 (€503) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bremen to Essen costing on average $646 (€528).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 17m.
Bus takes on average 4h 14m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $46 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $14 (€12). The journey takes 4h 14m 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.
| 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 | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Bremen to Essen buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 PM Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) | 10h10 | 6:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) | 13h00 | 11:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:50 AM Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) | 3h50 | 5:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:10 AM Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) | 3h40 | 12:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:20 AM Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) | 4h25 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:30 PM Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) | 4h05 | 7:35 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Bremen to Essen run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by train.
There are 2 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.
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€14) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
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 Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
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.
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.
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Kennedyplatz, 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.

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.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need