- 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
€17
Average price
€21
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 56 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
241 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Mannheim to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mannheim to Essen will cost around €21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €17.
Of the 5 buses that leave Mannheim for Essen on Sun, Aug 09, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 09 the direct buses cover the 241 km distance in an average of 5 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Sun, Aug 09 the slowest buses will take 7 h 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.










Buses from Mannheim to Essen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 149 miles (241 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 149 miles (241 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price €17 |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
The table below shows live departures for Mannheim to Essen buses for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:55 PM Mannheim | 5h30 | 4:25 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:55 PM Mannheim | 5h30 | 5:25 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
![]() | 11:15 AM Mannheim | 5h30 | 4:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:05 PM Mannheim | 5h50 | 9:55 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:05 PM Mannheim | 5h50 | 10:55 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Mannheim 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 Mannheim to Essen buses use the Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Mannheim and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need