- Must visit
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Internationally respected art museum with major works from medieval altarpieces to modern masters. Essential for art lovers in Hamburg.
Cheapest price on Oct 21
$26
Average ticket price on Oct 21
$33
Fastest journey on Oct 21
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Oct 21
7 h 25 m
Buses on Oct 21
5
Distance
311 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Hamburg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Hamburg will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
On Wed, Oct 21, we found 5 buses from Essen to Hamburg, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 21 the direct buses cover the 311 km distance in an average of 7 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Wed, Oct 21 the slowest buses will take 14 h 20 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusBuses from Essen to Hamburg run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 but you can travel from only $9 by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 193 miles (311 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 193 miles (311 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Hamburg buses for today, Tuesday, October 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:20 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 14h20 | 8:40 PM Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:45 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h45 | 3:30 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 6h10 | 7:20 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:15 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h25 | 9:40 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, October 21 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:15 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h25 | 6:40 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Hamburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hamburg trip today.
Internationally respected art museum with major works from medieval altarpieces to modern masters. Essential for art lovers in Hamburg.
Large railway model world with intricate miniature cities, airports, and landscapes. Technically not a museum, but one of Hamburg’s top attractions.
Contemporary art museum in a former market hall, showing ambitious international exhibitions. A strong choice for modern art and photography.
Historic lakeside promenade and central square, ideal for people-watching, shopping, and views over the Inner Alster and city skyline.
Harborfront district with piers, ferries, and fish market atmosphere. A lively base for boat trips and classic views of the port.
Lakeside quarter around the Outer Alster, popular for strolling, sailing views, and elegant residential scenery close to the city center.
A rich fish soup from the old port, made with several fish species, vegetables and broth. It reflects Hamburg’s long maritime and fishing tradition.
Pan-fried fillet of North Sea plaice, often served with bacon, potatoes and salad. A classic Northern German fish dish common in Hamburg.
A sweet yeast pastry shaped like a knot, traditionally baked in Hamburg and often enjoyed with coffee. It is a long-standing local bakery specialty.
Two-Michelin-star dining with modern, highly refined tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting near the Inner Alster.
Historic fish hall on the Elbe known for fresh seafood platters, harbour views and classic Hamburg maritime atmosphere.
Beloved traditional inn serving robust Northern German classics such as Labskaus in a cozy, old-Hamburg setting.
Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and transit are reasonable versus major Western European capitals.
Service is often included, but rounding up or tipping 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafes.
Official public transport app
Hamburg Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof -> Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Hamburg 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 Hamburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Hamburg buses use the Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) to Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport. Use this guide to compare Essen and Hamburg bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), Burger Lounge (0.3 km), Café Paris (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof.
Available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport is 6 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options available in the airport.
Free Wi-Fi available in designated areas. ATMs are aTMs available in the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport.
Available at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport: Elevators and ramps available for accessibility.
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