- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Hamburg to Essen
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
€25
Average price
€25
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 45 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
311 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Hamburg to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hamburg to Essen will cost around €25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Hamburg for Essen on Tue, Aug 04, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 311 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 6 h 15 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.
FlixBus7:30 AM5h20Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof12:50 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers- FlixBus1:40 PM5h55Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof7:35 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus12:10 AM5h30Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof5:40 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:30 AM6h15Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof2:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus7:30 AM5h20Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof12:50 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus12:10 AM5h30Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof5:40 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus1:40 PM5h55Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof7:35 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:30 AM6h15Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof2:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€251One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Hamburg to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Hamburg to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €14 but you can travel from only €9 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 193 miles (311 km) distance in 5h 20m.
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
Train from €9
Distance 193 miles (311 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price €14 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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
Train from €9
Hamburg to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €23 |
Live departures
Hamburg to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Hamburg to Essen buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 1:40 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 7h08 | 8:48 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 1:40 PM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 5h55 | 7:35 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
| FlixBus | 12:10 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 5h30 | 5:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:30 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 5h20 | 12:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:30 AM Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof | 6h15 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Hamburg to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Hamburg to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen.
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, FlixBus from Hamburg to EssenYou can travel by bus between Hamburg to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for as low as €9. 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 20m
Cheapest Price
€14
FlixBus frequency
3 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
4 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.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
- Recommended
Deutsches Plakat Museum
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
- Recommended
Kettwiger Straße
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten Essen
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
- Vegetarian
Reibekuchen
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pumpernickel
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
Sauerbraten
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Restaurant Hannappel
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Hausbrauerei Im Fcxschen Essen
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Meisenburg
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.
VRR App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €3.60
- Day pass
- €8.10
To the city center
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Kennedyplatz, Essen
- Distance
- 600 m
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Tap-to-pay is not standard onboard across all Ruhrbahn services; buy tickets in the VRR App, at machines, or sales points before travel.
- Validate paper tickets if required before boarding. The VRR App shows the valid fare and is the official option for route planning and mobile tickets.
FAQs: Bus from Hamburg to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen can start from as little as €14 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Hamburg to Essen is €24 ; 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 Hamburg to Essen is 5h 20m to travel the 193 miles (311 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 Hamburg to Essen leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Hamburg to Essen leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Hamburg to Essen with BlaBlaCar, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Hamburg to Essen, you can count on BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Hamburg and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Hamburg and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Hamburg to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Hamburg to Essen for bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Hamburg 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 Hamburg to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Hamburg to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Hamburg to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
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 Hamburg to Essen
Most Hamburg to Essen buses use the Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Hamburg and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Hamburg
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Hamburg station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Hamburg to Essen leave from Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Hamburg city centre at Adenauerallee 78, 20097 Hamburg, Germany.
Hamburg, Zentraler OmnibusbahnhofAdenauerallee 78, 20097 Hamburg, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof from Hamburg city centre
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof is 2 km from Hamburg city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX80, 610, 609, 3, 641, 608, 606, 603, 19, 5 · 6m · €3 · every ~45 min
SubwayU3 · 3m · €2 · every ~27 min
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof bus station facilities and services
Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria im ZOB (in the station), Burger Lounge (0.3 km), Café Paris (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamburg, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport
City-centre transport
Getting to Hamburg, S Hamburg Airport from Hamburg city centre
TrainS1 · 28m · €3 · every ~13 min
BusN73, 353, 198, 172 · 30m · €1
606 · 42m · €4
105 · 54m · €7 · every ~5 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 Hamburg
More options for your journey from Hamburg to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Hamburg
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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