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The cheapest and fastest buses from Essen to Cologne
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$8
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 47 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
58 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Cologne will cost around $8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Essen for Cologne on Thu, Nov 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 58 km distance in an average of 1 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 2 h 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.
08:15PM1h40
Essen09:55PMCologne
$71One-way
0 transfers
03:20AM2h00
Essen05:20AMCologne
$71One-way
0 transfers
06:30PM1h40
Essen08:10PMCologne
$81One-way
0 transfers
06:30PM1h40
Essen08:10PMCologne
$81One-way
0 transfers
08:15PM1h40
Essen09:55PMCologne
$71One-way
0 transfers
03:20AM2h00
Essen05:20AMCologne
$71One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Essen to Cologne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. 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 €4, and a train costs an average of €6.
Distance: 36 miles (58 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€6 Average price Cheapest | €9 Average price |
1h 50m Average total duration 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Essen to Cologne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $6 |
Live departures
Essen to Cologne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Cologne buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 2:01 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 5:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1h55 | 7:05 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:15 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1h45 | 7:00 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:20 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2h05 | 7:25 AM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1h45 | 4:35 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:30 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1h40 | 9:10 PM Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 50449 | 8:00 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1h45 | 9:45 PM Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Cologne by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Essen to Cologne
GermanyGermany
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 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 1h 40m |
First bus 03:15 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Essen to Cologne start from as low as $5 (€4) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $7 (€6) depending on the train type and class.
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, Ecolines from Essen to CologneYou can travel by bus between Essen to Cologne with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Ecolines 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 40m
Cheapest Price
$6 (€5)
FlixBus frequency
8 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.
Ecolines
About
Ecolines is a Latvian long-distance bus company, founded in 1993, and is one of the largest and most experienced coach operators in Europe and the Baltic States. It offers comfortable travel to approximately 20 countries and 205 cities daily, with a fleet of over 200 buses, primarily Neoplan, MAN, and Setra coaches. Ecolines operates an extensive route network across the Baltic States, Western, and Eastern Europe, with major hubs including Riga, Berlin, Hamburg, and Warsaw. Many buses offer amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, and Wi-Fi, and on longer trips, personal entertainment devices and stewards are available.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€32)
Ecolines frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg and one checked bag up to 30kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Designated seating; Assistance with luggage.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; prior arrangement required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; additional fee 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
FAQs: Bus from Essen to Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Cologne 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 Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Essen to Cologne can start from as little as $5 (€4) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Essen to Cologne is $9 (€8); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Essen to Cologne bus travel time is 1 h 40 min for the 36 mile (58 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Essen to Cologne leaves at 3: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Essen to Cologne leaves at 9: 15PM.
Yes, there are 12 direct buses a day from Essen to Cologne with FlixBus or Ecolines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
For the trip from Essen to Cologne you can take a bus with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus or Ecolines. Be sure to check out all possible bus providers that offer services between Essen and Cologne on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
A day trip to Cologne from Essen is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 40 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Essen to Cologne by bus is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Cologne from Essen including taking a bus or train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Essen to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- Ecolines
- Assistance
- Designated seating
- Assistance with luggage.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Essen to Cologne for bus providers FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus and Ecolines.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cologne are:
- Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Gothic masterpiece with twin spires
- Museum Ludwig, renowned for its extensive collection of modern art including works by Picasso and Warhol
- Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its thousands of love locks and panoramic views of the Rhine River
- Old Town (Altstadt), a charming area with narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional beer halls
- Cologne Zoo, one of the oldest and most diverse zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animal species.
The best things to do in Cologne include:
- Cologne Chocolate Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate
- Rhine River Cruise, a scenic boat tour offering views of Cologne's skyline and iconic landmarks
- Visit the Botanical Gardens Flora, a beautiful park with diverse plant species and stunning floral displays
- Explore the Belgian Quarter, known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and vibrant street art
- Attend a concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and diverse musical performances.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus and Ecolines.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Essen to Cologne 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.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- Ecolines
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Essen to Cologne, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Essen to Cologne.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Essen to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- Ecolines
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg and one checked bag up to 30kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Essen to Cologne:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Ecolines
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Essen to Cologne. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
- Ecolines
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Additional fee may apply.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Essen to Cologne with the following bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus and Ecolines
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Essen to Cologne with the following bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus and Ecolines.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Essen to Cologne with the following bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus and Ecolines.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Essen to Cologne
Essen
Cologne
The major bus station for departures in Essen is Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) for your trip from Essen to Cologne.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Cologne is Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln, Kennedystraße (Bonn Flughafen) for your trip to Cologne from Essen.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Accessibility
WCinformation
Distance to city center
13 km
Car connection
KennedystraßeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
13 kmCar connection
KennedystrasseWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside Terminal 2 arrivals area.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Köln, Köln Bonn Flughafen (Terminal 2)
- Bus: SB60 Train: S13, S19
Most popular bus connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Cologne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cologne and Essen
Most popular bus connections to Cologne
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