- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Dortmund to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$3
Average price
$3
Fastest journey
20 m
Average duration
26 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
32 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Dortmund to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dortmund to Essen will cost around $3 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $3.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Dortmund for Essen on Sun, Jun 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 32 km distance in an average of 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 20 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 30 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.
9:50 PM0h30Dortmund10:20 PMEssen$31One-way0 transfers- 9:00 PM0h20Dortmund9:20 PMEssen$31One-way0 transfers
- 11:20 PM0h20Dortmund11:40 PMEssen$31One-way0 transfers
- 2:40 PM0h30Dortmund3:10 PMEssen$41One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM0h30Dortmund4:30 PMEssen$41One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 PM0h20Dortmund9:20 PMEssen$31One-way0 transfers
- 11:20 PM0h20Dortmund11:40 PMEssen$31One-way0 transfers
- 9:50 PM0h30Dortmund10:20 PMEssen$31One-way0 transfers
- 2:40 PM0h30Dortmund3:10 PMEssen$41One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM0h30Dortmund4:30 PMEssen$41One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Dortmund to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dortmund to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $3, and a bus costs an average of $9.
Distance: 19 miles (32 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price | $8 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 8m Average total duration 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m Average total duration Fastest 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Dortmund to Essen is a train with an average price of $8 (€6).
This is compared to other travel options from Dortmund to Essen:
A train is $0.93 (€0.76) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Dortmund to Essen costing on average $9 (€7).
The fastest way to travel from Dortmund to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 23m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Dortmund and Essen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Dortmund to Essen among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the quicker way to make this trip, and the time saved usually justifies the slightly higher cost.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (38m by bus vs 41m by car). Tickets start at around $9 (€7) compared to roughly $8 (€6) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar, FlixBus.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
Dortmund to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Live departures
Dortmund to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Essen buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM Dortmund | 0h30 | 3:00 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:00 PM Dortmund | 0h20 | 3:20 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Dortmund | 0h40 | 5:10 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 Dortmund 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.
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Why should you book Dortmund to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Dortmund to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Dortmund to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 Dortmund to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Dortmund to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Dortmund to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Dortmund to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) but you can travel from only $3 (€3) by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 11:45, the last at 17:45. The fastest bus covers the 19 miles (32 km) distance in 30m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $3 (€3)
Distance 19 miles (32 km) |
Average bus duration 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 30m |
First bus 11:45 AM |
Last bus 5:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $3 (€3)
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Dortmund to EssenYou can travel by bus between Dortmund to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as $3 (€3). 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
30m
Cheapest Price
$9 (€7)
FlixBus frequency
1 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
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.
- Recommended
Ruhr Museum
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
- Must visit
Zollverein Park
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
- Recommended
Kettwig Old Town
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Currywurst
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
- Gluten-free
Pfefferpotthast
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Hugenpoet Restaurant 1831
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Schote
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Meisenburg
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down 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 usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
eezy.nrw
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.60
- Day pass
- EUR 8.90
To the city center
Essen Freiheit Hauptbahnhof, Essen -> Essen Hauptbahnhof, Essen
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- On Ruhrbahn and VRR services, tickets can be bought digitally in the eezy.nrw app before travel. Validate that your ticket matches the correct fare product or check-in system.
- Card payment is commonly available in ticket machines, but not always directly on board every bus or tram. Buying in the app is usually the simplest option.
FAQs: Bus from Dortmund to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dortmund 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 Dortmund to Essen can start from as little as $9 (€7) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Dortmund 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 average journey time by bus from Dortmund to Essen is 30m to travel the 19 miles (32 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 Dortmund to Essen leaves at 11:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Dortmund to Essen leaves at 5:45 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Dortmund to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Dortmund to Essen, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Dortmund and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Essen from Dortmund is worth doing with a journey time of 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Dortmund to Essen is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Dortmund and Essen including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Dortmund to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Dortmund to Essen for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Dortmund to Essen depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
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 Dortmund to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Dortmund to Essen:
- 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 Dortmund to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Dortmund 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 Dortmund to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Dortmund to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Dortmund to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Dortmund 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 Dortmund 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 Dortmund to Essen
Most Dortmund to Essen buses use the Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Dortmund and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Dortmund
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Dortmund station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Dortmund to Essen leave from Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Dortmund city centre at Steinstrasse 54, 44147 Dortmund, Germany.
Dortmund, ZOB am HbfSteinstrasse 54, 44147 Dortmund, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf from Dortmund city centre
Bus452, 453, 460 Metro: U41, U45, U47, U49 Train: S1, S2, S5
Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf bus station facilities and services
Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Express (in the station), Bistro Central (0.2 km), Restaurant Heimatliebe (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf: 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 Dortmund
More options for your journey from Dortmund to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Dortmund
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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