- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$125
Average price
$180
Fastest journey
12 h 15 m
Average duration
15 h 25 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
494 km
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 $180 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
Of the 4 buses that leave London for Essen on Sun, Aug 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 the direct buses cover the 494 km distance in an average of 15 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 15 m .
On Sun, Aug 02 the slowest buses will take 17 h 40 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 · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixTrain
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $144.
Distance: 306 miles (494 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$90 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $389 Average price | $44 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.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Essen:
A flight is $26 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London to Essen costing on average $90 (€73).
A flight is $325 (€264) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Essen costing on average $389 (€316).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 53m.
Bus takes on average 15h 57m.
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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
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 $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 24h01 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $109 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Essen buses for today, Saturday, August 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 14h23 | 11:53 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
1254 · 50428 | 11:25 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 19h20 | 7:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 2 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 16h10 | 1:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
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 London to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€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.
Distance 306 miles (494 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€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 |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
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.
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.
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) -> Kennedyplatz, 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.

Most London to Essen buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: The Crown Rivers (in the station), Giraffe (in the station), Wagamama (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the arrivals and departures areas.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5: Elevators, ramps.
London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Caffè Nero (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3.
Available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need