- 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 London to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 18
Cheapest price
$117
Average price
$168
Fastest journey
14 h 55 m
Average duration
16 h 24 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
494 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Essen will cost around $168 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $117.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave London for Essen on Thu, Jun 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct buses cover the 494 km distance in an average of 16 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 55 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest buses will take 17 h 43 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus9:30 AM17h40London, Victoria Coach Station4:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1171One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus8:00 AM16h35London, Victoria Coach Station1:35 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1611One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus9:10 PM14h55London, Victoria Coach Station1:05 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1611One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:00 PM15h05London, Victoria Coach Station1:05 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1611One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+
FlixTrain9:10 PM17h43London, Victoria Coach Station3:53 PMEssen Hbf$2011One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus9:10 PM14h55London, Victoria Coach Station1:05 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1611One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:00 PM15h05London, Victoria Coach Station1:05 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1611One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:00 AM16h35London, Victoria Coach Station1:35 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1611One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:30 AM17h40London, Victoria Coach Station4:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$1171One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+FlixTrain9:10 PM17h43London, Victoria Coach Station3:53 PMEssen Hbf$2011One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for London to Essen
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from London to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $21, and a train costs an average of $145.
Distance: 306 miles (494 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$91 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $391 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 27m Average total duration 15h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - 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.
The cheapest way to travel from London to Essen is a flight with an average price of $64 (€52).
This is compared to other travel options from London to Essen:
A flight is $27 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London to Essen costing on average $91 (€73).
A flight is $327 (€264) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Essen costing on average $391 (€316).
The fastest way to travel from London to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 19m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 53m.
Bus takes on average 15h 57m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Essen 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.
London to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 24h01 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $109 |
Live departures
London to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Essen buses for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 16h35 | 1:35 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 17h40 | 4:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 12h15 | 9:45 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus+FlixTrain | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 15h33 | 1:03 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London 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.
Thu
Jun 18
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Why should you book London to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer buses services from London to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Essen.
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 London to Essen.
- 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 London to Essen.
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 London to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Essen
United Kingdom
Germany
Buses from London to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 306 miles (494 km) distance in 12h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $21 (€17)
Distance 306 miles (494 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€39) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 12h 15m |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 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 $21 (€17)
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus from London to EssenYou can travel by bus between London to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $21 (€17). 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
12h 15m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€39)
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 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
22h 45m
Cheapest Price
$64 (€52)
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 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 London to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Essen can start from as little as $49 (€39) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Essen is $91 (€73) ; 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 London to Essen is 12h 15m to travel the 306 miles (494 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 London to Essen leaves at 12:14 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London to Essen leaves at 11:30 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from London to Essen 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 London to Essen, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Essen from London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London to Essen is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London to Essen for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London to Essen 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 London to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London to Essen:
- 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 London to Essen:
- 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 London 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 London to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Essen is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from London to Essen among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
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 London to Essen
London
Essen
The major bus station for departures in London is London, Victoria Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London, Victoria Coach Station for your trip from London to Essen.
London, Victoria Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Buckingham Palace RoadWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Pret a Manger (in the station)
- Starbucks (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the station on Buckingham Palace Road
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for London, Victoria Coach Station
- Bus: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, C10 Metro: Victoria Train: Southern, Gatwick Express
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Car connection
Bath RoadWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Pret a Manger (in the station)
- Caffè Nero (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the arrivals area, with services provided by licensed black cabs and private hire vehicles
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3
- Bus: 105, 111, 140, 285, 423 Train: Heathrow Express Metro: Piccadilly
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Northern Perimeter RoadWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- The Crown Rivers (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station)
- Wagamama (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the arrivals area
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
- Bus: 423, 7, 285 Train: Heathrow Express Metro: Piccadilly
The major bus station for arrivals 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 to Essen from London.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
information
More options for your journey from London to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and London
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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