- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
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 | 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 | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sun | 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, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Live departures
Dortmund to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Dortmund to Essen buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 8:25 AM Dortmund | 0h30 | 8:55 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:50 PM Dortmund | 0h30 | 4:20 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Dortmund | 0h30 | 5:00 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:50 PM Dortmund | 0h40 | 8:30 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:20 PM Dortmund | 0h30 | 10:50 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Dortmund to EssenYou can travel by bus between Dortmund to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as $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
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.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
- Recommended
Deutsches Plakat Museum
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
- Recommended
Kettwiger Straße
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten Essen
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
- Vegetarian
Reibekuchen
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pumpernickel
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
Sauerbraten
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Restaurant Hannappel
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Hausbrauerei Im Fcxschen Essen
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Meisenburg
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.60
- Day pass
- €8.10
To the city center
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Kennedyplatz, Essen
- Distance
- 600 m
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Tap-to-pay is not standard onboard across all Ruhrbahn services; buy tickets in the VRR App, at machines, or sales points before travel.
- Validate paper tickets if required before boarding. The VRR App shows the valid fare and is the official option for route planning and mobile tickets.
FAQs: Bus from 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 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Dortmund to Essen is $9 ; 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.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Dortmund, ZOB am Hbf, which is located around 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 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.
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.
Which Essen station do buses from Dortmund arrive at?
Buses from Dortmund to Essen arrive at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) is 0 miles (1 km) from Essen city centre.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, Germany
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
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) bus station facilities and services
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
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
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
