- 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 18
€55
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€65
Fastest journey on Sep 18
18 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
19 h 31 m
Buses on Sep 18
21
Distance
972 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Budapest to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Essen will cost around €65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €55.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 21 buses from Budapest to Essen, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 972 km distance in an average of 19 h 31 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 50 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 20 h 30 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
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €96 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €96, while a flight costs an average of €414.
Distance: 603 miles (972 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€96 Average price Cheapest | €119 Average price | €414 Average price | €210 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 19m Average total duration 19h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 10m Average total duration 12h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Essen:
A bus is €22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Essen costing on average €119.
A bus is €318 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Essen costing on average €414.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 40m.
Bus takes on average 19h 49m.
Tickets start at around €96 compared to roughly €210 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €114. The journey takes 19h 49m versus 12h 13m 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 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 01:45AM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 22h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 26h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 28h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 10:48AM | Duration 17h58 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 22h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 02:48PM | Duration 17h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 03:48PM | Duration 17h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 22h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €117 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Essen buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:55 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 19h10 | 6:05 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:15 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 18h50 | 6:05 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 23h20 | 11:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 23h50 | 12:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 22h05 | 11:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:55 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 21h50 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 21h15 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 20h50 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 22h20 | 4:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 22h30 | 5:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 22h15 | 5:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:20 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 19h30 | 4:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 26h10 | 11:40 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 21h20 | 7:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:00 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 20h50 | 7:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:20 PM Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 20h30 | 7:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:20 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 20h30 | 7:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:45 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 22h10 | 11:55 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:25 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 26h35 | 5:00 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 28h15 | 11:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 25h30 | 10:45 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 19h35 | 5:00 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
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 Budapest to Essen run on average 16 times per day, taking around 19h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €52 but you can travel from only €19 by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 603 miles (972 km) distance in 17h 15m.
Distance 603 miles (972 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price €52 |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 17h 15m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Budapest 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 Budapest to Essen buses use the Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás is 4 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station), Bistro Budapest (0.5 km), Café Central (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás.
Available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Elevators, ramps.
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