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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Essen
Showing times and prices for Nov 15
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$9
Fastest journey
1 h 35 m
Average duration
1 h 47 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
58 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cologne 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 to Essen will cost around $9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Cologne for Essen on Sat, Nov 15, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 15 the direct buses cover the 58 km distance in an average of 1 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 35 m .
On Sat, Nov 15 the slowest buses will take 2 h 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.
06:40PM1h55
Cologne08:35PMEssen
$81One-way
0 transfers
06:35PM1h35
Cologne08:10PMEssen
$91One-way
0 transfers
03:05AM2h00
Cologne05:05AMEssen
$91One-way
0 transfers
08:50AM2h00
Cologne10:50AMEssen
$91One-way
0 transfers
09:15PM1h45
Cologne11:00PMEssen
$111One-way
0 transfers
06:35PM1h35
Cologne08:10PMEssen
$91One-way
0 transfers
06:25AM1h40
Cologne08:05AMEssen
$121One-way
0 transfers
09:15PM1h45
Cologne11:00PMEssen
$111One-way
0 transfers
06:40PM1h55
Cologne08:35PMEssen
$81One-way
0 transfers
03:05AM2h00
Cologne05:05AMEssen
$91One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cologne to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €4, and a train costs an average of €5.
Distance: 36 miles (58 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€6 Average price Cheapest | €11 Average price |
1h 50m Average total duration 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Cologne to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Live departures
Cologne to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Essen buses for today, Friday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 2:46 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 3:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1h40 | 5:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 4:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 6:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 50448 | 5:40 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 2h00 | 7:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:25 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1h40 | 9:05 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 9:50 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 11:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1h55 | 4:40 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 4:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 2h20 | 6:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 4:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 2h15 | 7:00 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 50428 | 4:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1h55 | 6:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1h35 | 9:10 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1h55 | 9:35 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 10:40 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 9:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 1h25 | 10:55 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cologne 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Essen
GermanyGermany
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 36 miles (58 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 1h 25m |
First bus 03:15 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Cologne to Essen start from as low as $5 (€4) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $7 (€6) depending on the train type and class.
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 from Cologne to EssenYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $5 (€4). 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 25m
Cheapest Price
$6 (€4)
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
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
FAQs: Bus from Cologne to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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 to Essen can start from as little as $5 (€4) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cologne to Essen is $9 (€7); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Cologne to Essen is on average 1 h 25 min for the 36 mile (58 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Cologne to Essen by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cologne to Essen leaves at 4: 05AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Cologne to Essen leaves at 9: 55PM.
Yes, there are 14 direct buses a day from Cologne to Essen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cologne to Essen, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar or BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus providers who offer a service to Essen from Cologne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Essen from Cologne is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 25 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cologne to Essen is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Essen from Cologne including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Essen for bus companies FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne to Essen depends on the bus providers:
- 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.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cologne to Essen, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cologne to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Essen:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cologne 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 to Essen with the following bus providers: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Essen with the following bus providers: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Essen with the following bus companies: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cologne to Essen
Cologne
Essen
The major bus station for departures in Cologne is Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) for your trip from Cologne to Essen.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Accessibility
WCinformation
Distance to city center
13 km
Car connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
The major bus station for arrivals in Essen is Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) for your trip to Essen from Cologne.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
information
Most popular bus connections from Cologne
More options for your journey from Cologne to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Cologne
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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