- 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.
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
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.
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.






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)
| 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.
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).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 37m.
Train takes on average 30h 10m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50429 · 3163 | 9:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 29h15 | 3:10 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 5:04 PM Essen Hbf | 38h51 | 7:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:50 PM Essen Hbf | 34h35 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 8:50 PM Essen Hbf | 35h50 | 8:40 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 33h50 | 7:25 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:10 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 34h30 | 8:40 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
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 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.
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 |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
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.
Spain’s national museum of 20th-century and contemporary art, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections by Dalí and Miró.
A major art museum spanning Old Masters to modern works, complementing the Prado and Reina Sofía with an exceptionally broad private collection.
Madrid’s grand historic square, lined with arcades and elegant façades, and a classic starting point for exploring the old center.
The symbolic heart of Madrid, known for Kilometer Zero, the clock tower, and constant energy day and night.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walks, boating, monuments, gardens, and popular photo spots such as the Crystal Palace area.
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, served in courses with broth, vegetables, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most traditional comfort dishes.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is simple, iconic, and widely loved.
A rich stew of tripe, chorizo, and morcilla cooked with paprika. It is a historic Madrid tavern dish with bold, hearty flavors.
Historic restaurant founded in the eighteenth century, famous for roast meats and classic Castilian cooking in an atmospheric old setting.
Legendary traditional restaurant best known for huevos rotos, with a polished yet classic tavern feel and strong local reputation.
Iconic spot for churros con chocolate, open long hours and known for a lively, historic atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol, 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.

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