- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum known for outstanding 19th- to 21st-century collections, photography, and temporary exhibitions; one of Germany’s best museum visits.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cologne to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jul 09
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$8
Fastest journey
1 h 35 m
Average duration
1 h 42 m
Buses per day
15
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 $8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.
Fast buses
Of the 15 buses that leave Cologne for Essen on Thu, Jul 09, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 58 km distance in an average of 1 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 35 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 1 h 50 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.
504286:00 PM1h45Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)7:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$51One-way0 transfers- 504486:40 AM2h00Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)8:40 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$51One-way0 transfers
- 504585:00 PM1h55Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)6:55 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$51One-way0 transfers
FlixBus10:10 PM1h55Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)12:05 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$81One-way0 transfers- FlixBus11:35 PM1h35Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)1:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$81One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:35 PM1h35Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)1:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$81One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:15 AM1h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)9:55 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$81One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus4:45 AM1h40Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)6:25 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$81One-way0 transfers
- 504286:00 PM1h45Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)7:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$51One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:00 AM1h50Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen)10:50 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$81One-way0 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 $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. 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 $5, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 36 miles (58 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$6 Average price Cheapest | $15 Average price | $13 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cologne to Essen is a bus with an average price of $6 (€5).
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Essen:
A bus is $9 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Essen costing on average $15 (€12).
The fastest way to travel from Cologne to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 55m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cologne and Essen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne 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 (€5) compared to roughly $13 (€11) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $7 (€6). The journey takes 1h 30m versus 1h 3m 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, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:07AM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 0h28 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
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 Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
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, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50448 | 6:40 AM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 2h00 | 8:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:15 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1h40 | 9:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 5:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 50458 | 5:00 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 1h55 | 6:55 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:30 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h20 | 7:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:45 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 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, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 9:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 9:40 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 11:40 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 10:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1h55 | 12:05 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1h35 | 1:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
| FlixBus | 4:45 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 1h40 | 6:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:10 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Köln Bonn Flughafen) | 2h00 | 7:10 AM 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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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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cologne to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Cologne to Essen run on average 14 times per day, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 14 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 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 36 miles (58 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 1h 35m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
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, BlaBlaCar Bus from Cologne to EssenYou can travel by bus between Cologne to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, 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 Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Price
$7 (€6)
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 (€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.
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
The main regional museum of the Ruhr area, located in the former coal washery at Zollverein, with archaeology, history, and industrial culture displays.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum in the Zollverein complex showing contemporary product and industrial design in a striking former boiler house.
- Must visit
Margarethenhöhe
Picturesque garden-city district with distinctive early 20th-century planning, charming streets, and strong local character; very photogenic and walkable.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake area popular for walking, cycling, sailing views, and relaxed Ruhr landscapes; one of Essen’s top outdoor recreation spots.
- Must visit
Zollverein Park
Contemporary landscape park woven through the former industrial complex, mixing architecture, art, and broad walking spaces popular on social media.
Currywurst
Sliced sausage with a spiced ketchup-style curry sauce, a Ruhr area classic found at snack stands and pubs across Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and onions; common in the wider region around Essen.
Rheinischer Sauerbraten
Pot roast marinated for days in vinegar and spices, usually served with gravy and dumplings or potatoes; a classic festive dish in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Schote
An established fine-dining restaurant known for modern German cuisine, tasting menus, and an elegant atmosphere.
Unperfekthaus
A well-known creative venue with casual dining, buffet-style meals, and a lively cultural atmosphere in central Essen.
Tablo
A popular long-running restaurant serving generous Turkish and Mediterranean dishes in a busy, friendly setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable; hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is included, but tipping is customary. Round up small bills or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Taxis are usually rounded up; no tip is expected for counter service.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.60
- Day pass
- EUR 7.80
To the city center
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Essen Hauptbahnhof
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- On buses and trams in the VRR network, card payment is often available at ticket machines, but not always onboard, so buy in the VRR App when possible.
- Validate that your ticket matches the correct fare zone before travel, as VRR fares depend on trip distance and zones.
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 $6 (€5) ; 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 35m 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 14 direct buses a day from Cologne to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, 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, 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.
A day trip to Essen from Cologne 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 to Essen is October.
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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cologne to Essen for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar 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.
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.
Since both Cologne 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 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 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
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.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)Kennedystrasse, 51147 Koln, Germany
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.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance and baggage claim area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2): Elevators, ramps.
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
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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