- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Ghent to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
5 h 15 m
Average duration
5 h 38 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
234 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ghent to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ghent to Essen will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Ghent for Essen on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 234 km distance in an average of 5 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 6 h 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.
FlixBus9:40 AM5h15Gent, Ghent2:55 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$441One-way0 transfers- FlixBus · FlixBus3:45 AM6h00Gent, Ghent9:45 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$981One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus9:40 AM5h15Gent, Ghent2:55 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$441One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus3:45 AM6h00Gent, Ghent9:45 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$981One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Ghent to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ghent to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 28m. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $145.
Distance: 145 miles (234 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $104 Average price | $379 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 6m Average total duration 7h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Ghent to Essen is a bus with an average price of $31 (€25).
This is compared to other travel options from Ghent to Essen:
A bus is $73 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ghent to Essen costing on average $104 (€85).
A bus is $348 (€285) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ghent to Essen costing on average $379 (€310).
The fastest way to travel from Ghent to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 3h 28m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 3m.
Flight takes on average 7h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ghent and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Ghent to Essen 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 $31 (€25) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $20 (€16). The journey takes 4h 3m versus 3h 12m 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.
Ghent to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Live departures
Ghent to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ghent to Essen buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 9:40 AM Gent, Ghent | 5h15 | 2:55 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:45 AM Gent, Ghent | 6h00 | 9:45 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ghent to Essen 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
Jun 21
Jun 21
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Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
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Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Why should you book Ghent to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Ghent to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ghent to Essen.
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 Ghent to Essen.
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 Ghent to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ghent to Essen
Belgium
Germany
Buses from Ghent to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 22:15. The fastest bus covers the 145 miles (234 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 145 miles (234 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 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
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Ghent to EssenYou can travel by bus between Ghent to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $19 (€15). 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
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
FlixBus frequency
2 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
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Recommended
Ruhr Museum
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
- Must visit
Zollverein Park
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
- Recommended
Kettwig Old Town
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Currywurst
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
- Gluten-free
Pfefferpotthast
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Hugenpoet Restaurant 1831
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Schote
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Meisenburg
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Euro
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
eezy.nrw
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 3.60
- Day pass
- EUR 8.90
To the city center
Essen Freiheit Hauptbahnhof, Essen -> Essen Hauptbahnhof, Essen
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- On Ruhrbahn and VRR services, tickets can be bought digitally in the eezy.nrw app before travel. Validate that your ticket matches the correct fare product or check-in system.
- Card payment is commonly available in ticket machines, but not always directly on board every bus or tram. Buying in the app is usually the simplest option.
FAQs: Bus from Ghent to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ghent to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Ghent to Essen can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Ghent to Essen is $31 (€25) ; 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 Ghent to Essen is 5h 15m to travel the 145 miles (234 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 Ghent to Essen leaves at 3:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Ghent to Essen leaves at 10:15 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Ghent to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Ghent to Essen, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Ghent and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Essen from Ghent 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 Ghent to Essen is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ghent and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Ghent to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Ghent to Essen for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Ghent to Essen depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
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 Ghent to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Ghent to Essen:
- 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 Ghent to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Ghent to Essen. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Ghent to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Ghent to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Ghent to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since both Ghent and Essen 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Ghent to Essen 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 Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. It's advisable to use official transport services and stay alert in busy locations to ensure safety.
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 Ghent to Essen
Most Ghent to Essen buses use the Gent, Ghent to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Ghent and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Ghent
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Gent, Ghent
City-centre transport
Getting to Gent, Ghent from Ghent city centre
Bus5a, G71 · 9m · $4 · every ~12 min
5a · 15m · $4 · every ~13 min
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
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
Most popular bus connections from Ghent
More options for your journey from Ghent to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Ghent
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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