Are there accessibility options when taking a bus from Cologne to Essen?

Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne to Essen: BlaBlaCar Bus Assistance Priority boarding Accessible seating options. FlixBus Assistance Priority boarding Wheelchair-accessible buses.

Can I cancel my bus ticket from Cologne to Essen?

Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne 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.

Is luggage included in the bus ticket price from Cologne to Essen?

Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne 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).

Can I book additional luggage for the bus from Cologne to Essen?

Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cologne to Essen: BlaBlaCar Bus Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee. FlixBus Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.

Can I bring my pet on board the bus from Cologne to Essen?

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.

COLOGNE to ESSEN bus from $5 (€4) with FlixBus

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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 07

Cheapest price on Oct 07

Average ticket price on Oct 07

$11

Fastest journey on Oct 07

1 h 26 m

Average journey duration on Oct 07

1 h 33 m

Buses on Oct 07

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 $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.

Fast buses

On Wed, Oct 07, we found 12 buses from Cologne to Essen, including 10 direct services.

On Wed, Oct 07 the direct buses cover the 58 km distance in an average of 1 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 26 m .

On Wed, Oct 07 the slowest buses will take 1 h 40 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.

50428
6:00 PM1h45
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
7:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$51One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
8:15 AM1h40
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
9:55 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
10:10 PM1h55
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
12:05 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
11:35 PM1h35
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
1:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$81One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus
4:45 AM1h40
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
6:25 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$81One-way
0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cologne to Essen

Germany

Buses from Cologne to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.

There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 36 miles (58 km) distance in 1h 25m.

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 55m

Cheapest ticket price

$5 (€4)

Buses per day

Direct buses

Fastest bus

1h 25m

First bus

3:45 AM

Last bus

11:35 PM

Cheapest Month

Jul

Cheapest Day

Mon

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Mon

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Cologne to Essen Bus Timetables

Operator	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Departure days	Cheapest price
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 04:00AM	Arrival Time 04:40AM	Duration 0h40	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price $4
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 04:10AM	Arrival Time 04:40AM	Duration 0h30	Departure days Sat	Cheapest price $4
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 04:45AM	Arrival Time 06:25AM	Duration 1h40	Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price $7
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 05:10AM	Arrival Time 07:10AM	Duration 2h00	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $7
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 05:20AM	Arrival Time 05:50AM	Duration 0h30	Departure days Mon	Cheapest price $2
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus	Departure Time 06:40AM	Arrival Time 08:40AM	Duration 2h00	Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price $5
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 07:00AM	Arrival Time 07:30AM	Duration 0h30	Departure days Wed, Thu	Cheapest price $4
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 07:40AM	Arrival Time 08:10AM	Duration 0h30	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price $5
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 08:00AM	Arrival Time 08:30AM	Duration 0h30	Departure days Wed, Sat	Cheapest price $2
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 08:15AM	Arrival Time 09:55AM	Duration 1h40	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $7
Operator Deutsche Bahn	Departure Time 08:45AM	Arrival Time 10:12AM	Duration 1h27	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price $29
Operator Deutsche Bahn	Departure Time 08:49AM	Arrival Time 10:17AM	Duration 1h28	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price $36
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 09:00AM	Arrival Time 10:50AM	Duration 1h50	Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun	Cheapest price $7
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 10:50AM	Arrival Time 12:45PM	Duration 1h55	Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price $7
Operator Deutsche Bahn	Departure Time 11:11AM	Arrival Time 12:37PM	Duration 1h26	Departure days Wed	Cheapest price $29
Operator Deutsche Bahn	Departure Time 11:46AM	Arrival Time 01:12PM	Duration 1h26	Departure days Wed	Cheapest price $26
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 12:40PM	Arrival Time 01:10PM	Duration 0h30	Departure days Wed	Cheapest price $4
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 01:20PM	Arrival Time 01:30PM	Duration 0h10	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price $3
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 01:40PM	Arrival Time 02:00PM	Duration 0h20	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price $4
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 03:45PM	Arrival Time 05:45PM	Duration 2h00	Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price $8
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 05:00PM	Arrival Time 05:20PM	Duration 0h20	Departure days Thu	Cheapest price $3
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 05:30PM	Arrival Time 07:50PM	Duration 2h20	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $8
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 05:30PM	Arrival Time 05:50PM	Duration 0h20	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price $3
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 05:45PM	Arrival Time 08:00PM	Duration 2h15	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $8
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 06:00PM	Arrival Time 06:10PM	Duration 0h10	Departure days Wed, Thu	Cheapest price $2
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus	Departure Time 06:00PM	Arrival Time 07:45PM	Duration 1h45	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $5
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 07:20PM	Arrival Time 07:40PM	Duration 0h20	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price $3
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 07:50PM	Arrival Time 09:50PM	Duration 2h00	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $8
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 09:40PM	Arrival Time 11:40PM	Duration 2h00	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $8
Operator BlaBlaCar	Departure Time 10:00PM	Arrival Time 10:20PM	Duration 0h20	Departure days Fri	Cheapest price $3
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 10:10PM	Arrival Time 12:05AM	Duration 1h55	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $7
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 10:20PM	Arrival Time 11:55PM	Duration 1h35	Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun	Cheapest price $7
Operator FlixBus	Departure Time 11:35PM	Arrival Time 01:10AM	Duration 1h35	Departure days Everyday	Cheapest price $7

Live departures

Cologne to Essen bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Essen buses for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
FlixBus	5:30 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	2h20	7:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	5:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	2h15	8:00 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
50428	6:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1h45	7:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	7:50 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	2h00	9:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	9:40 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	2h00	11:40 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	10:10 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1h55	12:05 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	10:20 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1h35	11:55 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	11:35 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1h35	1:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, October 7
FlixBus	4:45 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1h40	6:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	5:10 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	2h00	7:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
FlixBus	8:15 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)	1h40	9:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)	0 transfersDirect
This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne to Essen buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer buses services from Cologne to Essen.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne 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 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 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 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 to Essen.

Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus from Cologne to EssenYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus 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 FlixBus Duration

1h 25m

Cheapest FlixBus Price

$5 (€4)

FlixBus frequency

11 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.

Learn more about FlixBus

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 BlaBlaCar Bus Duration

1h 45m

Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price

$5 (€4)

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.

Learn more about BlaBlaCar Bus

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

Museum Folkwang

World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Ruhr Museum

Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Deutsches Plakat Museum

Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.

View on map Visit website

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.

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 $8 (€7) ; 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 to Essen is 1h 25m to travel the 36 miles (58 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 to Essen leaves at 3:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest bus from Cologne to Essen leaves at 11:35 PM.

Yes, there are 12 direct buses a day from Cologne to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus. 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 Bus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cologne and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.

When departing from Cologne , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2), Leverkusen, Bf Mitte . When arriving in Essen , you can end your journey in bus stations like Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), Bochum, Hbf .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen), which is located around 8 miles (13 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), located 0 away from the city centre.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Essen including taking a train and bus.

Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cologne 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 to Essen for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cologne 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 to Essen.

Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cologne 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 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 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 company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus

Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cologne to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cologne to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

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 to Essen

Most Cologne to Essen buses use the Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne 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

Which Cologne station do buses to Essen leave from?

Buses from Cologne to Essen leave from Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). The station is 8 miles (13 km) from Cologne city centre at Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany.

Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)Kennedystrasse, Koln, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) from Cologne city centre

Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 8m · $5 · every ~2 min

Rb26 · 12m · $5

Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) bus station facilities and services

Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Parking, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen): Elevators, ramps.

More about Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen)

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, Germany Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) from Cologne city centre

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 16m · $5 · every ~2 min

Rb26 · 20m · $5

Re · 21m · every ~2 min

BusS19, S12 · 27m · $6

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) bus station facilities and services

Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.