- 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$8
Fastest journey
1 h 35 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
65 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen will cost around $8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Cologne Bonn Airport for Essen on Tue, Aug 04, 3 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 65 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 35 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 1 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.
3:50 PM1h55Cologne Bonn Airport5:45 PMEssen$51One-way0 transfers- 4:00 PM1h45Cologne Bonn Airport5:45 PMEssen$51One-way0 transfers
8:20 PM1h35Cologne Bonn Airport9:55 PMEssen$131One-way0 transfers
- 8:20 PM1h35Cologne Bonn Airport9:55 PMEssen$131One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM1h45Cologne Bonn Airport5:45 PMEssen$51One-way0 transfers
- 3:50 PM1h55Cologne Bonn Airport5:45 PMEssen$51One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $10.
Distance: 40 miles (65 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$6 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price | $14 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 5m Average total duration 1h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is a bus with an average price of $6.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen:
A bus is $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen costing on average $27.
The fastest way to travel from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 18m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 $6 compared to roughly $14 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8. The journey takes 1h 35m versus 58m 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, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar.
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.
Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $13 |
Live departures
Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:50 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1h55 | 5:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:00 PM Cologne Bonn Airport | 1h45 | 5:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Aug 08
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Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Why should you book Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer buses services from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $5 if you book in advance.
There are 15 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:40, the last at 20:20. The fastest bus covers the 40 miles (65 km) distance in 1h 35m.
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
Distance 40 miles (65 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 15 |
Fastest bus 1h 35m |
First bus 4:40 AM |
Last bus 8:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar from Cologne Bonn Airport to EssenYou can travel by bus between Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $5. 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
1h 35m
Cheapest Price
$8
FlixBus frequency
10 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 Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Price
$5
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
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
4 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen can start from as little as $5 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is $6 ; 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is 1h 35m to travel the 40 miles (65 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen leaves at 4:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen leaves at 8:20 PM.
Yes, there are 15 direct buses a day from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Essen from Cologne Bonn Airport is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen depends on the bus companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- 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, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Since both Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport 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 Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
Most Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Bonn Airport and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cologne
Arrival bus stations in Essen
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 Cologne Bonn Airport
More options for your journey from Cologne Bonn Airport to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Cologne Bonn Airport
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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