Essen to Heidelberg bus with FlixBus

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Essen to Heidelberg

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$26

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$34

Fastest journey on Sep 19

5 h 50 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

6 h 39 m

Buses on Sep 19

5

Distance

257 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Heidelberg is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Heidelberg will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.

Fast buses

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 buses from Essen to Heidelberg, including 4 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 257 km distance in an average of 6 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 7 h 50 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    8:30 PM7h50
    Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    4:20 AMHeidelberg, Hauptbahnhof
    $261One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    1:25 PM5h50
    Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    7:15 PMHeidelberg, Hauptbahnhof
    $281One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    6:15 AM6h45
    Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    1:00 PMHeidelberg, Hauptbahnhof
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    8:45 AM6h25
    Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    3:10 PMHeidelberg, Hauptbahnhof
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    4:15 AM6h25
    Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    10:40 AMHeidelberg, Hauptbahnhof
    $561One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Essen to Heidelberg

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Heidelberg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $41 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, while a flight costs an average of $163.

Distance: 159 miles (257 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$41

Average price

Cheapest

$98

Average price

$163

Average price

$58

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 18m

Average total duration

6h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

3h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Lufthansa

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

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 Heidelberg is a bus with an average price of $41.

This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Heidelberg:

A bus is $57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Heidelberg costing on average $98.

A bus is $122 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Heidelberg costing on average $163.

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Heidelberg is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 2m.

Other travel options to Heidelberg take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 40m.

Bus takes on average 6h 48m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Heidelberg including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Heidelberg 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 $41 compared to roughly $58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17. The journey takes 6h 48m versus 3h 33m 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.

Essen to Heidelberg Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:15AM
Arrival Time
08:40AM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
10:40AM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
04:50AM
Arrival Time
07:50AM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:15AM
Arrival Time
12:00PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Tue, Sun
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
09:00AM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
11:00AM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
02:10PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
02:50AM
Duration
19h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
12:30PM
Duration
3h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
12:00PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:25AM
Arrival Time
05:15PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:25PM
Arrival Time
06:15PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$23
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:25PM
Arrival Time
07:15PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
05:20PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
03:00PM
Arrival Time
06:00PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
06:00PM
Arrival Time
09:10PM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:30PM
Arrival Time
04:20AM
Duration
7h50
Departure days
Wed, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$21

Live departures

Essen to Heidelberg bus times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Heidelberg buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:30 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
7h50
4:20 AM Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof1 transfer
Saturday, September 19
FlixBusFlixBus4:15 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
6h25
10:40 AM Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus6:15 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
6h45
1:00 PM Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:45 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
6h25
3:10 PM Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus1:25 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
5h50
7:15 PM Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Heidelberg by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Essen to Heidelberg buses with Omio?

BlaBlaCar Bus as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Essen to Heidelberg.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Heidelberg.

Why book with Omio vs BlaBlaCar Bus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for BlaBlaCar Bus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Heidelberg.
  • 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 BlaBlaCar Bus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Heidelberg.

Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Heidelberg.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Heidelberg.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Essen to Heidelberg

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Essen to Heidelberg run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 if you book in advance.

There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 5h 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
159 miles (257 km)
Average bus duration
6h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
$22
Buses per day
5
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
5h 15m
First bus
12:15 AM
Last bus
11:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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 Bus from Essen to HeidelbergYou can travel by bus between Essen to Heidelberg with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $22. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$22
FlixBus frequency
5 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 Bus

About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BlaBlaCar Bus Duration
16h 45m
Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price
$122
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.

Complete guide to Heidelberg

Things to do in Heidelberg

Discover the best of Heidelberg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heidelberg trip today.

  • Recommended

University Museum Heidelberg

Compact university museum presenting Heidelberg’s academic heritage, notable scholars, and historic collections in an important institutional setting.

  • Recommended

German Pharmacy Museum

Museum inside the castle displaying decorative arts, furnishings, and princely culture. It adds context to the ruins and enriches a castle visit.

  • Recommended

Kurpfälzisches Museum

Art museum known for modern and contemporary exhibitions, with a respected collection and strong temporary shows near the old town.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and local transit are manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or simple lunch.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest: round up or add 5-10% in restaurants. Round up for taxis and leave small change in cafes.

FAQs: Bus from Essen to Heidelberg

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Essen to Heidelberg can start from as little as $22 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Essen to Heidelberg is $41 ; 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 Heidelberg is 5h 15m to travel the 159 miles (257 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 Heidelberg leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Essen to Heidelberg leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Essen to Heidelberg with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Essen to Heidelberg, you can count on BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Heidelberg. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Essen and Heidelberg and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Heidelberg from Essen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Essen to Heidelberg is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Heidelberg including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Essen to Heidelberg:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Accessible seating options.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Essen to Heidelberg for bus company BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Heidelberg are:
  • Heidelberg Castle, a historic ruin offering panoramic views of the Neckar River and the city
  • Old Bridge, an iconic 18th-century stone bridge with picturesque views and statues
  • Philosopher's Walk, a scenic path providing stunning vistas of Heidelberg and its castle
  • Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest university with a rich academic heritage and beautiful architecture
  • Church of the Holy Spirit, a prominent Gothic church located in the heart of the Old Town.
The best things to do in Heidelberg include:
  • Heidelberg Zoo, a family-friendly attraction featuring a variety of animal exhibits and conservation programs
  • Explore the vibrant Hauptstrasse, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, filled with shops, cafes, and local culture
  • Take a boat tour on the Neckar River for unique views of the city and surrounding landscapes
  • Visit the German Pharmacy Museum located within Heidelberg Castle, showcasing the history of pharmacy and medicine
  • Enjoy a wine tasting tour in the nearby vineyards of the Baden region.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Essen to Heidelberg depends on the bus companies:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
  • 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 BlaBlaCar Bus, 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 Heidelberg.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Essen to Heidelberg:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
  • 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 Heidelberg:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Essen to Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Essen to Heidelberg with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Essen to Heidelberg with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Since both Essen and Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and near the train station. Common scams include distraction techniques in busy spots and overpriced taxi rides. Staying vigilant in popular tourist zones and using official transport services can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Heidelberg

Most Essen to Heidelberg buses use the Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) to Heidelberg, Hauptbahnhof station pair, with some services arriving at Heidelberg, Alte Eppelheimer Straße (Hbf). Use this guide to compare Essen and Heidelberg bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Essen
Arrival bus stations in Heidelberg

Which Essen station do buses to Heidelberg leave from?

Buses from Essen to Heidelberg leave from Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, Germany.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, GermanyWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

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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.

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