- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 34 m
Buses per day
6
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 $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 6 buses that leave Mannheim for Essen on Sat, Jun 20, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 241 km distance in an average of 5 h 34 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 5 h 50 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mannheim to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $110.
Distance: 149 miles (241 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price | $138 Average price | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Mannheim to Essen:
A bus is $59 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mannheim to Essen costing on average $89 (€73).
A bus is $109 (€89) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Mannheim to Essen costing on average $138 (€113).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 43m.
Bus takes on average 4h 57m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€24) compared to roughly $55 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€22). The journey takes 4h 57m versus 3h 29m 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, BlaBlaCar.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 7h48 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Mannheim to Essen buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:25 PM Mannheim, ZOB (Heinrich-Von-Stephan-Straße) | 7h00 | 6:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
![]() | 10:15 AM Mannheim | 5h30 | 3:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:15 AM Mannheim | 5h30 | 4:45 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:05 PM Mannheim | 5h50 | 10:55 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Mannheim to Essen run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€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 $21 (€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 |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Essen Freiheit Hauptbahnhof, Essen -> Essen Hauptbahnhof, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need