- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Major fine arts museum in a former abbey, with strong collections from antiquity to modern art. A core cultural stop in Lyon.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$57
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$70
Fastest journey on Sep 19
11 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
15 h 49 m
Buses on Sep 19
5
Distance
654 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Lyon will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 buses from Essen to Lyon, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 654 km distance in an average of 15 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 35 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 18 h 30 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.










Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $32 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $32, while a flight costs an average of $546.
Distance: 406 miles (654 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $546 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $198 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 30m Average total duration 15h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Lyon:
A train is $64 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Essen to Lyon costing on average $96.
A train is $514 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Lyon costing on average $546.
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 0m.
Bus takes on average 15h 0m.
Tickets start at around $96 compared to roughly $198 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $102. The journey takes 15h 0m versus 8h 44m 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.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:03AM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 16h42 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 18h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 23h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Lyon buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 AM Essen | 18h10 | 3:05 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:03 AM Essen | 16h42 | 2:45 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:25 PM Essen | 18h50 | 7:15 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:50 PM Essen | 12h55 | 7:45 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:10 PM Essen | 11h35 | 7:45 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:20 AM Essen | 18h30 | 10:50 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:55 AM Essen | 17h35 | 1:30 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Essen to Lyon run on average 5 times per day, taking around 15h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 but you can travel from only $22 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 406 miles (654 km) distance in 11h 35m.
Distance 406 miles (654 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 35m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Lyon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lyon trip today.
Major fine arts museum in a former abbey, with strong collections from antiquity to modern art. A core cultural stop in Lyon.
Museum of cinema miniatures and film props in Vieux Lyon. Popular for detailed sets, special-effects history, and family-friendly exhibits.
Excellent free natural history and ethnography museum with fossils, animals, and global cultures. A strong local favorite, especially for families.
Renaissance quarter with cobbled lanes, traboules, courtyards, and major monuments. Essential for atmosphere, history, and walking exploration.
Central peninsula between the Rhône and Saône, packed with elegant streets, squares, shopping, and many of Lyon’s classic city views.
Historic silk-workers’ hill district with stairways, murals, markets, and hidden passageways. Great for local character and city panoramas.
Pike dumplings in a rich crayfish sauce. A Lyon classic from traditional bouchons, prized for its delicate fish texture and luxurious sauce.
Crisp salad of frisée, bacon lardons, croutons, and a poached egg. A staple Lyonnaise bistro dish that reflects the city's hearty cooking style.
Slow-cooked onions with vinegar, often served warm or chilled. This old Lyonnais side dish is traditional in bouchons and pairs well with charcuterie.
Refined dining by Paul Bocuse, known for polished French cuisine and iconic Lyon dishes in an elegant, historic dining room.
Well-known traditional bouchon in Vieux Lyon, praised for generous Lyonnais specialties and a lively old-city atmosphere.
Historic bouchon near Place Bellecour serving quenelles, salade lyonnaise, and classic regional fare in a warm traditional setting.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while public transport is good value for visitors.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Lyon 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 Lyon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Lyon buses use the Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) to Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) station pair, with some services arriving at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache. Use this guide to compare Essen and Lyon 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.
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) is 2 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland). ATMs are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).
Available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km), Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache.
Available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Elevators, ramps.
Lyon is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several small eateries available.
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon.
Available at Lyon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need