Essen to Madrid bus with FlixBus

Sun, May 31
+ Add return
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Alsa
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Alsa
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Essen to Madrid

Showing times and prices for May 31

Cheapest price

$144

Average price

$226

Fastest journey

1 d 5 h 15 m

Average duration

1 d 6 h 45 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

1478 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Essen to Madrid will cost around $226 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $144.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Essen for Madrid on Sun, May 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 1478 km distance in an average of 1 d 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 5 h 15 m .

On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 1 d 9 h 45 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.

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    8:55 AM29h15
    Essen
    2:10 PMMadrid
    $1441One-way
    0 transfers
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    7:55 AM29h15
    Essen
    1:10 PMMadrid
    $2621One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    7:40 PM33h45
    Essen
    5:25 AMMadrid
    $2711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Madrid

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Essen to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.5 - 3.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a train costs an average of $521.

Distance: 918 miles (1478 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train
Driving

$147

Average price

Cheapest

$233

Average price

$521

Average price

$507

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

27h 7m

Average total duration

26h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

30h 40m

Average total duration

30h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

18h 8m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

1.5 - 3.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

4.4 - 8.9kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

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 Madrid is a bus with an average price of $147 (€118).

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

A bus is $87 (€70) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Madrid costing on average $233 (€188).

A bus is $374 (€301) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Madrid costing on average $521 (€419).

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 15m.

Other travel options to Madrid take longer:

Bus takes on average 26h 37m.

Train takes on average 30h 10m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Essen to Madrid Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:00AM
Arrival Time
07:25AM
Duration
28h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$168
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:40AM
Arrival Time
09:15AM
Duration
29h35
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$100
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:45AM
Arrival Time
06:55AM
Duration
27h10
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$252
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:40AM
Arrival Time
10:15AM
Duration
29h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$205
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
07:55AM
Duration
27h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:50AM
Arrival Time
12:55PM
Duration
32h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$214
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
11:15AM
Duration
29h45
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$99
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:45AM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
27h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$190
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:50AM
Arrival Time
10:30AM
Duration
28h40
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:50AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
32h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$188
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:05AM
Arrival Time
01:20PM
Duration
30h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$256
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
29h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$149
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
07:55AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
29h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$108
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
08:55AM
Arrival Time
02:10PM
Duration
29h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
09:55AM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
29h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:05PM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
43h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$160
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:04PM
Arrival Time
07:55AM
Duration
38h51
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$184
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
06:40AM
Duration
35h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$155
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:40PM
Arrival Time
05:25AM
Duration
33h45
Departure days
Tue, Sun
Cheapest price
$106
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:10PM
Arrival Time
06:40AM
Duration
34h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$221
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:40PM
Arrival Time
07:55AM
Duration
35h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:50PM
Arrival Time
07:25AM
Duration
34h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$164
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:35PM
Arrival Time
07:25AM
Duration
33h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$192
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:10PM
Arrival Time
08:40AM
Duration
34h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$164

Live departures

Essen to Madrid bus times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Madrid buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
BlaBlaCar Bus50429 · 31639:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
29h15
3:10 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain5:04 PM Essen Hbf
38h51
7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain8:50 PM Essen Hbf
34h35
7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+FlixTrainFlixTrain8:50 PM Essen Hbf
35h50
8:40 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus9:35 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
33h50
7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)2 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus10:10 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
34h30
8:40 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Madrid 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.

Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06

Why should you book Essen to Madrid buses with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Madrid.
  • 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 Madrid.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Madrid.
  • 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 Madrid.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Essen to Madrid

GermanyGermany
SpainSpain
Icon of bus

Buses from Essen to Madrid run on average 10 times per day, taking around 26h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $76 (€61) but you can travel from only $64 (€51) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 918 miles (1478 km) distance in 27h 10m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $64 (€51)
Distance
918 miles (1478 km)
Average bus duration
26h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
$76 (€61)
Buses per day
10
Fastest bus
27h 10m
First bus
12:40 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
56 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $64 (€51)

Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus from Essen to MadridYou can travel by bus between Essen to Madrid with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $64 (€51). 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
27h 10m
Cheapest Price
$76 (€61)
FlixBus frequency
9 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 Duration
29h 15m
Cheapest Price
$94 (€76)
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 Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

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

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional del Prado

Madrid’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A cornerstone of the city’s Golden Triangle of Art.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Spain’s national museum of 20th-century and contemporary art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections by Dalí and Miró.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

A major art museum spanning Old Masters to modern works, complementing the Prado and Reina Sofía with an exceptionally broad private collection.

Euro

Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 10-15 for tapas, menu del día, or fast food.
Mid-range
EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
EUR 1.80-3.50 for espresso or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés; 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Taxis are often rounded up, but tipping is not obligatory.

FAQs: Bus from Essen to Madrid

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Essen to Madrid can start from as little as $76 (€61) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Essen to Madrid is $147 (€118) ; 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 Madrid is 27h 10m to travel the 918 miles (1478 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 Madrid leaves at 12:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Essen to Madrid leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 10 buses a day from Essen to Madrid which require at least one change with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Essen to Madrid, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Madrid. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Essen and Madrid and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Madrid from Essen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 27h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Essen to Madrid is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Essen to Madrid for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Essen to Madrid:
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Accessible seating options.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Madrid are:
  • Prado Museum, a renowned art museum housing European masterpieces from the 12th to the early 20th century
  • Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family with opulent architecture and historical artifacts
  • Retiro Park, a large and popular park in the city center featuring sculptures, a lake, and the Crystal Palace
  • Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings and a hub for cultural events and markets
  • Gran Vía, a bustling street known for its shopping, theaters, and vibrant nightlife.
The best things to do in Madrid include:
  • Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere
  • Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market offering a variety of gourmet foods and traditional Spanish delicacies
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, known for its eclectic bars and live music venues
  • Attend a flamenco show to experience traditional Spanish dance and music
  • Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, for a tour or to catch a football match.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Essen to Madrid 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 FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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 Madrid.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Essen to Madrid:
  • 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 Madrid:
  • 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 Madrid. 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 Madrid with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Essen to Madrid with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Essen to Madrid with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Since both Essen and Madrid 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Madrid among Omio's users.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
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 Madrid

Essen
Madrid
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 Madrid.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
information

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