- 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 London to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
- Cheapest price on Nov 02
- €48
- Average ticket price on Nov 02
- €80
- Fastest journey on Nov 02
- 15 h 25 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 02
- 19 h 58 m
- Buses on Nov 02
- 5
- 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 €80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €48.
Fast buses
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 5 buses from London to Essen, including 5 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 494 km distance in an average of 19 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 25 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 22 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.
9:30 AM 17h25 London 2:55 AM Essen €48 1 One-way 0 transfers10:30 PM 15h25 London 1:55 PM Essen €71 1 One-way 0 transfers
8:00 PM 22h45 London 6:45 PM Essen €76 1 One-way 0 transfers7:00 PM 22h45 London 5:45 PM Essen €81 1 One-way 0 transfers10:59 PM 21h31 London 8:30 PM Essen €124 1 One-way 0 transfers
10:30 PM 15h25 London 1:55 PM Essen €71 1 One-way 0 transfers9:30 AM 17h25 London 2:55 AM Essen €48 1 One-way 0 transfers10:59 PM 21h31 London 8:30 PM Essen €124 1 One-way 0 transfers8:00 PM 22h45 London 6:45 PM Essen €76 1 One-way 0 transfers7:00 PM 22h45 London 5:45 PM Essen €81 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Essen
United Kingdom
Germany
Buses from London to Essen run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €37 but you can travel from only €21 by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 306 miles (494 km) distance in 12h 10m.
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
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance306 miles (494 km)
- Average bus duration13h 57m
- Cheapest ticket price€37
- Buses per day3
- Direct buses1
- Fastest bus12h 10m
- First bus12:14 AM
- Last bus11:30 PM
- Cheapest MonthSep
- Cheapest DayTue
- High SeasonJul - Sep
- Low SeasonOct - Dec
- Busiest DayThu
- Least Busy DayTue
- Best time to book1 day
Understand & plan this route
- Operators on this routeFlixBus • BlaBlaCar Bus
- Departure & arrivalLondon, Victoria Coach Station → Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
- Cross-border busesUnited Kingdom–Germany services
- Overnight busesAvailable on this route
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
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
Frequently asked questions about your London to Essen trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from London to Essen.
Cheap bus tickets from London to Essen can start from as little as €37 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Essen is €96 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
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.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from London to Essen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
London to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €187 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €83 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:59PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 21h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €124 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 01:03PM | Duration 13h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 24h01 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €89 |
Live departures
London to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Essen buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 17h25 | 3:55 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
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.
Bus companies
Bus companies from London to Essen
Buses from London to Essen with FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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 FlixBus Duration
12h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€37
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 BlaBlaCar Bus Duration
18h 25m
Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price
€57
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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between London and Essen
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London to Essen for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
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, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
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, 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.
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.
Plan your visit to Essen
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Essen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from London to Essen
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.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which London station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from London to Essen leave from London, Victoria Coach Station. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from London city centre at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom.
London, Victoria Coach Station164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to London, Victoria Coach Station from London city centre
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN11, N44 · 9m · €11 · every ~4 min
148 · 17m · €2 · every ~30 min
24 · 25m · €2 · every ~25 min
38, N38 · 30m · €2 · every ~46 min
A8 · 30m · €1 · every ~10 min
390 · 35m · €2 · every ~26 min
London, Victoria Coach Station bus station facilities and services
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Which Essen station do buses from London arrive at?
Buses from London to Essen arrive at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) is 0 miles (1 km) from Essen city centre.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, Germany
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
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) bus station facilities and services
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Bus stations for London to Essen
Check bus stations information for London and Essen, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), located 1 away from the city centre.
Most popular buses to and from Essen and London
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