- Recommended
Angermuseum
Erfurt’s main fine arts museum, housed in a Baroque palace, with German painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and notable Expressionist works.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Essen to Erfurt
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
9 h 39 m
Average duration
9 h 39 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
285 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Erfurt is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Erfurt will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Essen for Erfurt on Sun, Jun 21, 1 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 285 km distance in an average of 9 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 39 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 9 h 39 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.
4:56 PM9h39Essen2:35 AMErfurt$321One-way0 transfers
- 4:56 PM9h39Essen2:35 AMErfurt$321One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Essen to Erfurt
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Erfurt among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $34.
Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration Fastest 4h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Essen to Erfurt is a bus with an average price of $45 (€37).
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Erfurt:
A bus is $20 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Erfurt costing on average $65 (€53).
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Erfurt is by train with an average journey time of 4h 44m.
Other travel options to Erfurt take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Erfurt including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Erfurt 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 $45 (€37) compared to roughly $62 (€51) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€14). The journey takes 5h 35m versus 4h 38m 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 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.
Essen to Erfurt Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:04PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 10h31 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:56PM | Arrival Time 02:35AM | Duration 9h39 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:04PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 10h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $29 |
Live departures
Essen to Erfurt bus times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Erfurt 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 PM Essen | 8h15 | 3:45 AM Erfurt | 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 Erfurt 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
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Jun 22
Jun 22
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Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
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Jun 25
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Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Why should you book Essen to Erfurt buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Essen to Erfurt.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Erfurt.
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 Essen to Erfurt.
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 Essen to Erfurt.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Essen to Erfurt
GermanyGermany
Buses from Essen to Erfurt run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 8h 15m.
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 177 miles (285 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 15m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Essen to ErfurtYou can travel by bus between Essen to Erfurt with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as $32 (€26). 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
8h 15m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
FlixBus frequency
4 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
3 a day
Complete guide to Erfurt
Things to do in Erfurt
Discover the best of Erfurt — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erfurt trip today.
- Recommended
Erinnerungsort Topf & Söhne
Memorial and museum at the former Topf & Söhne factory, documenting its role in the Holocaust with a serious, historically important exhibition.
Kunsthalle Erfurt
Contemporary art gallery on Fischmarkt Square presenting rotating exhibitions in a historic Renaissance building.
- Must visit
Domplatz
Erfurt’s grand central square in front of the cathedral and Severikirche, lively during markets and one of the city’s signature public spaces.
- Must visit
Petersberg
Hilltop fortress area with panoramic views, walking paths, and open spaces that have become especially popular for city photos and sunsets.
- Must visit
Krämerbrücke Area
The lanes around the bridge are among Erfurt’s most charming walking areas, with medieval streetscapes and artisan-focused old-town character.
Thüringer Rostbratwurst
Erfurt’s signature grilled sausage, traditionally seasoned with marjoram and often served in a bread roll with mustard. It is one of the best-known foods of Thuringia.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Thüringer Klöße
Large Thuringian potato dumplings, typically served with roasts and rich gravy. They are a classic Sunday and festive side dish across the region.
Rinderroulade Mit Rotkohl Und Klößen
Beef roulade filled with mustard, onions, and bacon, usually served with red cabbage and Thuringian dumplings. A traditional hearty regional meal.
Wirtshaus Christoffel
Well-known rustic tavern near the historic center serving hearty German and Thuringian dishes, with a cozy atmosphere and broad local appeal.
Clara - Restaurant Im Kaisersaal
Upscale restaurant in a refined setting, recognized for modern German cuisine and polished service. A strong choice for a more elegant meal in Erfurt.
Zum Goldenen Schwan
Established traditional restaurant in Erfurt’s old town known for Thuringian classics such as dumplings, roasts, and regional specialties in a historic setting.
Euro
Generally moderate by German standards. Budget eats are affordable, while hotels and central dining cost more in peak periods.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 15-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-90 per person for a multi-course meal.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4.50 for a cappuccino or similar.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but a tip is customary. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafés; not expected for counter service.
EVA
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 3.00 EUR
- Day pass
- 7.20 EUR
To the city center
Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2, Erfurt -> Erfurt Hauptbahnhof, Erfurt
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can buy tickets in the EVAG app or from ticket machines at major stops. Validate your ticket if required before starting your journey.
- Card payment is generally available in the EVAG app and at many ticket machines, but not always on board every vehicle. Keep some cash or buy in advance.
FAQs: Bus from Essen to Erfurt
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Essen to Erfurt can start from as little as $32 (€26) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Essen to Erfurt is $45 (€37) ; 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 Essen to Erfurt is 8h 15m to travel the 177 miles (285 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 Essen to Erfurt leaves at 1:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Essen to Erfurt leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Essen to Erfurt with BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Essen to Erfurt, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Erfurt. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Essen and Erfurt and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Erfurt from Essen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Essen to Erfurt is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Erfurt including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Essen to Erfurt for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Essen to Erfurt:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Essen to Erfurt 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 Essen to Erfurt.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Essen to Erfurt:
- 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 Essen to Erfurt:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Essen to Erfurt. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Essen to Erfurt with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Essen to Erfurt with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Essen to Erfurt with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Essen and Erfurt 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 Essen to Erfurt 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 Erfurt, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Scams involving overpriced taxis or unofficial guides may occur, so it’s advisable to use authorized services. Always keep an eye on personal belongings and avoid isolated streets at night for a safer experience.
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 Essen to Erfurt
Essen
Erfurt
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 Erfurt.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Erfurt is Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2 for your trip to Erfurt from Essen.
Erfurt, Busbahnhof 2
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Most popular bus connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Erfurt
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Erfurt and Essen
Most popular bus connections to Erfurt
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