Lyon to Essen bus with FlixBus

Mon, Aug 03
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FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Alsa
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Alsa
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Lyon to Essen

Showing times and prices for Aug 03

Cheapest price

€86

Average price

€114

Fastest journey

11 h 40 m

Average duration

15 h 38 m

Buses per day

4

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 €114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €86.

Fast buses

Of the 4 buses that leave Lyon for Essen on Mon, Aug 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Aug 03 the direct buses cover the 654 km distance in an average of 15 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 40 m .

On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest buses will take 17 h 10 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    10:15 PM11h40
    Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
    9:55 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    861One-way
    0 transfers
  • BlaBlaCar Bus4782 · 50428
    2:40 AM17h05
    Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
    7:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    901One-way
    1 transfer
  • BlaBlaCar Bus50470 · 50448
    3:30 PM17h10
    Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
    8:40 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    1201One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    8:35 AM16h35
    Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
    1:10 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
    1621One-way
    1 transfer

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 €41. 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 €41, and a flight costs an average of €56.

Distance: 406 miles (654 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

€62

Average price

Cheapest

€156

Average price

€208

Average price

€161

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

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

TGV

Most popular train company

Eurowings

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 €62.

This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Essen:

A bus is €94 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Essen costing on average €156.

A bus is €146 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Essen costing on average €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 €62 compared to roughly €161 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
12:30AM
Arrival Time
05:45PM
Duration
17h15
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
46
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
12:40AM
Arrival Time
05:45PM
Duration
17h05
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
80
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
01:30AM
Arrival Time
06:45PM
Duration
17h15
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
53
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
02:40AM
Arrival Time
07:45PM
Duration
17h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
48
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:10AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
15h20
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
88
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
09:50PM
Duration
16h30
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
85
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
8h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
49
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:35AM
Arrival Time
01:10AM
Duration
16h35
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
80
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
01:50PM
Arrival Time
06:40AM
Duration
16h50
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
98
Operator
BlaBlaCar Bus
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
08:40AM
Duration
17h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
70
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
12:00AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
101
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:55PM
Arrival Time
12:03PM
Duration
18h08
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
81
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:15PM
Arrival Time
07:55AM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
69
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
04:45PM
Duration
19h45
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
80
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:15PM
Arrival Time
09:55AM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
70

Live departures

Lyon to Essen bus times

The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Essen buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
BlaBlaCar Bus4782 · 504282:40 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
17h05
7:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus8:35 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
16h35
1:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)1 transfer
BlaBlaCar Bus50470 · 504483:30 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
17h10
8:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus10:15 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland)
11h40
9:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)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.

Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09

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

FranceFrance
GermanyGermany
Icon of bus

Buses from Lyon to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 14h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €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
€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 €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
€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
€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.

  • Must visit

Museum Folkwang

World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.

  • 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.

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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Lyon to Essen can start from as little as €41 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Lyon to Essen is €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

Most Lyon to Essen buses use the Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gherlan) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Lyon
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gherlan)
City-centre transport

Getting to Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gherlan) from Lyon city centre

BusN734 · 15m · €1
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache13 Cours de Verdun, 69002 Lyon, FranceWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache from Lyon city centre

Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainTer · 5m · €1 · every ~5 min

Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache bus station facilities and services

Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km), Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Elevators, ramps.

Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport
City-centre transport

Getting to Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport from Lyon city centre

TrainRx · 29m · €16 · every ~8 min
BusS766, 776, 787, N760, N1759, 1776, 1624, N746, 1779, S1736, 1606, 1787, 1676 · 38m · €2 · every ~1 min

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