- 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 Lyon to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
11 h 40 m
Average duration
15 h 59 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
654 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lyon to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Essen will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast buses
Of the 8 buses that leave Lyon for Essen on Fri, Jun 19, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 654 km distance in an average of 15 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 40 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 17 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.
11:00 AM20h40Lyon7:40 AMEssen$501One-way0 transfers- 12:40 AM17h05Lyon5:45 PMEssen$601One-way0 transfers
4:05 PM19h40Lyon11:45 AMEssen$631One-way0 transfers- 8:15 PM11h40Lyon7:55 AMEssen$661One-way0 transfers
- 2:50 PM16h50Lyon7:40 AMEssen$791One-way0 transfers
- 8:15 PM11h40Lyon7:55 AMEssen$661One-way0 transfers
- 2:50 PM16h50Lyon7:40 AMEssen$791One-way0 transfers
- 1:40 AM17h05Lyon6:45 PMEssen$931One-way0 transfers
- 12:40 AM17h05Lyon5:45 PMEssen$601One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 AM17h15Lyon6:45 PMEssen$791One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Lyon to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $68.
Distance: 406 miles (654 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $191 Average price | $255 Average price | $197 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 12m Average total duration 14h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 18m Average total duration 7h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | 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 Lyon to Essen is a bus with an average price of $76 (€62).
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Essen:
A bus is $115 (€94) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Essen costing on average $191 (€156).
A bus is $179 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Essen costing on average $255 (€208).
The fastest way to travel from Lyon to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 51m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 48m.
Bus takes on average 14h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lyon and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon 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 $76 (€62) compared to roughly $197 (€161) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $121 (€99). The journey takes 14h 42m versus 8h 24m 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.
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.
Lyon to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 12:03PM | Duration 18h08 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:59PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 19h46 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $110 |
Live departures
Lyon to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Essen buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 PM Lyon | 11h40 | 7:55 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:00 PM Lyon | 19h45 | 4:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
| 12:30 AM Lyon | 17h15 | 5:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:40 AM Lyon | 17h05 | 5:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:30 AM Lyon | 17h15 | 6:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:40 AM Lyon | 17h05 | 6:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:00 AM Lyon | 20h40 | 7:40 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:50 PM Lyon | 16h50 | 7:40 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:05 PM Lyon | 19h40 | 11:45 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lyon 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.
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
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Why should you book Lyon to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer buses services from Lyon to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Lyon to Essen
France
Germany
Buses from Lyon to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 14h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 406 miles (654 km) distance in 11h 40m.
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 406 miles (654 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 40m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Bus from Lyon to EssenYou can travel by bus between Lyon to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $50 (€41). 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
11h 40m
Cheapest Price
$59 (€48)
FlixBus frequency
5 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
16h 50m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
2 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 Lyon to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon 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 Lyon to Essen can start from as little as $50 (€41) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Lyon to Essen is $76 (€62) ; 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 Lyon to Essen is 11h 40m to travel the 406 miles (654 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 Lyon to Essen leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Lyon to Essen leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Lyon to Essen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Lyon 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 Lyon and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Essen from Lyon is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Lyon to Essen is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lyon and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Lyon 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 Lyon to Essen for bus company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Lyon 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 Lyon to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Lyon to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Lyon to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Since both Lyon 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon 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 Lyon to Essen
Lyon
Essen
The major bus station for departures in Lyon is Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache for your trip from Lyon to Essen.
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Cours de VerdunWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café de la Gare (in the station)
- Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km)
- Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache
- Bus: C19, C20, 31, 46, 49, 55, 60, S1 Metro: A Tram: T1, T2
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gherlan)
information
Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport
information
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 Lyon.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
information
Most popular bus connections from Lyon
More options for your journey from Lyon to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Lyon
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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