- 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
$78
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
19 h 30 m
Average duration
21 h 14 m
Buses per day
6
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 $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Of the 6 buses that leave Budapest for Essen on Tue, Aug 04, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 972 km distance in an average of 21 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 30 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 22 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.










Omio 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 prices starting from $66. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $66, and a flight costs an average of $67.
Distance: 603 miles (972 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$91 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price | $225 Average price | $256 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 15m Average total duration 18h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 24m Average total duration 12h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 3h 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 $39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Essen costing on average $129.
A bus is $134 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Essen costing on average $225.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 54m.
Bus takes on average 18h 45m.
Tickets start at around $91 compared to roughly $256 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $166. The journey takes 18h 45m 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, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 20h22 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 23h23 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 19h27 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 10:48AM | Duration 17h58 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 05:02PM | Duration 23h52 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 04:48PM | Duration 22h43 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 18h18 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 17h58 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 04:48PM | Duration 21h53 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 17h48 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 22h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 22h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 08:48PM | Duration 24h03 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 08:48PM | Duration 23h18 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 02:48PM | Duration 17h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 03:48PM | Duration 17h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:48PM | Duration 17h18 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:48PM | Duration 21h13 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 08:48PM | Duration 21h03 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Essen buses for today, Monday, August 3. 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+ FlixTrain | 12:40 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 20h22 | 9:02 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 23h50 | 12:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 1:35 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 19h27 | 9:02 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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+ FlixTrain | 5:10 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 23h52 | 5:02 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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+ FlixTrain | 6:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 18h18 | 12:48 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 6:50 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 17h58 | 12:48 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 22h35 | 5:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 7:15 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 21h47 | 5:02 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 22h20 | 5:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:45 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 24h03 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:20 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 19h30 | 4:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:30 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 23h18 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:35 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 21h13 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:45 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 21h03 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 26 times per day, taking around 18h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $66 but you can travel from only $52 by train.
There are 1 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 3m.
Distance 603 miles (972 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 |
Buses per day 26 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 17h 3m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 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 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need