The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid to Essen
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 20 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 47 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1478 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Essen will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 5 buses that leave Madrid for Essen on Sat, Mar 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 21 the direct buses cover the 1478 km distance in an average of 1 d 5 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 3 h 20 m .
On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest buses will take 1 d 11 h 7 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.










Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $81. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.5 - 3.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $81, and a train costs an average of $545.
Distance: 918 miles (1478 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$146 Average price Cheapest | $164 Average price | $547 Average price |
27h 18m Average total duration 26h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration Fastest 3h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 2m Average total duration 24h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.5 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.4 - 8.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Madrid to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 28h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 28h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 27h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 28h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 28h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 34h27 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 34h07 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 04:48PM | Duration 40h58 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $143 |
Live departures
Madrid to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Essen buses for today, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4004 · 50428 | 2:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 28h15 | 6:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
undefined · undefined | 2:30 PM Madrid | 28h15 | 6:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:40 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 27h20 | 7:00 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:25 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 28h45 | 12:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 28h20 | 12:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 34h27 | 8:02 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:35 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 31h50 | 5:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:55 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 31h30 | 5:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 9:55 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 34h07 | 8:02 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ FlixTrain | 10:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 40h58 | 3:48 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid 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.
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Why should you book Madrid to Essen buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 Madrid to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Essen
Buses from Madrid to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 26h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $81 (€65) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 918 miles (1478 km) distance in 27h 20m.
Distance 918 miles (1478 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $81 (€65) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 27h 20m |
First bus 00:01 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest month Dec |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Wed |
Least busy day Wed |
Best day to book ahead 28 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Madrid to EssenYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Essen with FlixBus for as low as $49 (€40). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Madrid to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid to Essen
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
- La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
- 06:00-23:00
- Rodilla, Mahoudrid
- Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets
- Located inside the terminal, well-signposted, accessible, and generally clean
- No public showers in the bus station area; showers available in airport lounges (approx. €15-€30 for lounge access)
- Metro Line 8, Aeropuerto T4, 12 km
More options for your journey from Madrid to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


