The cheapest and fastest buses from Essen to Heidelberg
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
5 h 40 m
Average duration
6 h 8 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
257 km
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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 2 buses that leave Essen for Heidelberg on Sun, Mar 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 22 the direct buses cover the 257 km distance in an average of 6 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 40 m .
On Sun, Mar 22 the slowest buses will take 6 h 35 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, 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 prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 50m. 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 $22, and a flight costs an average of $111.
Distance: 159 miles (257 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $126 Average price |
5h 14m Average total duration 4h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Essen to Heidelberg Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Live departures
Essen to Heidelberg bus times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Heidelberg buses for tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:15 AM Essen | 6h35 | 11:50 AM Heidelberg | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:25 PM Essen | 5h40 | 6:05 PM Heidelberg | 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 Heidelberg by train, bus, or flight
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.
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Why should you book Essen to Heidelberg buses with Omio?
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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Heidelberg.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Heidelberg.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Essen to Heidelberg
Buses from Essen to Heidelberg run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by train.
There are 6 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 30m.
Distance 159 miles (257 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Cheapest month Jul |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Apr - Jun |
Low season Oct - Dec |
Busiest day Tue |
Least busy day Tue |
Best day to book ahead 3 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Essen to HeidelbergYou can travel by bus between Essen to Heidelberg with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $19 (€16). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar
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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Essen to Heidelberg
Most popular bus connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Heidelberg
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