- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
17 h 3 m
Average duration
19 h 8 m
Buses per day
8
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 $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 8 buses that leave Budapest for Essen on Sat, Jun 20, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 972 km distance in an average of 19 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 3 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 21 h 15 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 $65. 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 $65, and a flight costs an average of $66.
Distance: 603 miles (972 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$90 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price | $223 Average price | $255 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 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Essen costing on average $129 (€105).
A bus is $133 (€109) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Essen costing on average $223 (€183).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 54m.
Bus takes on average 18h 45m.
Tickets start at around $90 (€74) compared to roughly $255 (€209) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $165 (€135). 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 $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
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 $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 20h22 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
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 $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 23h23 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 19h27 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $71 |
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 $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 21h15 | 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 $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 19h38 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixTrain | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 19h38 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $194 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 17h58 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 17h48 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
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 $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 08:48PM | Duration 24h03 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
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 $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 08:48PM | Duration 23h18 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
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 $84 |
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 $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 03:48PM | Duration 17h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:48PM | Duration 17h18 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:48PM | Duration 21h13 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 04:48PM | Duration 17h03 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Essen buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:35 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 28h15 | 11:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 19h35 | 5:00 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
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 | 4:00 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 22h45 | 2:45 PM 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 | 5:10 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 22h20 | 3:30 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:10 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 19h38 | 12:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 20h50 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:55 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 22h53 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 | 7:15 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 20h15 | 3:30 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 22h30 | 5:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
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+ FlixTrain | 11:30 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h18 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:35 PM Budapest, Mexikói Út M | 21h13 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 11:45 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 17h03 | 4:48 PM Essen Hbf | 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 26 times per day, taking around 18h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $65 (€54) but you can travel from only $51 (€42) 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 $65 (€54) |
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.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
Official public transport app
Essen Freiheit Hauptbahnhof, Essen -> Essen Hauptbahnhof, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need