- Must visit
Kunsthalle Bremen
Major fine arts museum with European paintings, prints, and modern art, known for its strong permanent collection and major exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
218 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Bremen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Bremen will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 1 buses that leave Essen for Bremen on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 218 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 3 h 45 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Bremen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $212.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price | $465 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 52m Average total duration 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 41m Average total duration 3h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Bremen:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Bremen costing on average $40 (€33).
A bus is $439 (€360) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Bremen costing on average $465 (€381).
Other travel options to Bremen take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 22m.
Flight takes on average 3h 41m.
Tickets start at around $26 (€21) compared to roughly $46 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 3h 22m versus 3h 5m 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.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Bremen buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:15 PM Essen | 3h45 | 7:00 PM Bremen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Essen | 11h15 | 4:15 AM Bremen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:15 PM Essen | 3h50 | 3:05 AM Bremen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Buses from Essen to Bremen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Bremen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bremen trip today.
Major fine arts museum with European paintings, prints, and modern art, known for its strong permanent collection and major exhibitions.
Large museum of ethnology, natural history, and trade connections, especially engaging for its immersive displays on global cultures and nature.
Bremen’s state museum of art and cultural history, covering the city’s development with historical objects, design, and period buildings.
Bremen’s historic main square, surrounded by major monuments and the essential starting point for exploring the old town.
Charming medieval quarter with narrow lanes, old fishermen’s houses, crafts, and one of Bremen’s most atmospheric walking areas.
Popular riverside promenade along the Weser with historic maritime character, perfect for strolling and city views.
Bremen and North German winter classic of kale cooked slowly and served with Pinkel sausage, often with potatoes and other smoked meats.
Traditional Bremen pan-fried sausage made from oats, pork and bacon, usually served with fried potatoes, pickles and apple sauce.
A hearty seafarers’ dish of corned beef, potato and beetroot mash, commonly topped with egg and served with pickles and herring.
Long-established upscale restaurant respected for refined German and seasonal cuisine, polished service and an elegant atmosphere near the center.
Historic brewery restaurant in the old town known for hearty Bremen and North German dishes with house-brewed beer in a traditional setting.
Famous vaulted restaurant beneath the town hall serving classic regional cuisine and German wines in one of Bremen’s most iconic dining rooms.
Prices are moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable, while hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxi fares and small cafe bills.
Official public transport app
Bremen ZOB Breitenweg, Bremen -> Bremen Hauptbahnhof, Bremen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Bremen 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 Bremen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Bremen buses use the Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) to Bremen, Rosa-Parks-Ring (ZOB Breitenweg) station pair, with some services arriving at Bremen, ZOB Breitenweg. Use this guide to compare Essen and Bremen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need