- 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 Munich to Essen
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
9 h 45 m
Average duration
10 h 13 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
493 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Munich to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Munich to Essen will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Fast buses
Of the 16 buses that leave Munich for Essen on Sun, Jun 21, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 493 km distance in an average of 10 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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.
FlixBus7:30 PM10h55Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)6:25 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$561One-way0 transfers- FlixBus2:00 AM9h50Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)11:50 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$561One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus9:40 PM9h45Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)7:25 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$561One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+
FlixTrain9:40 PM11h22Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)9:02 AMEssen Hbf$611One-way1 transfer - FlixBus+FlixTrain10:05 PM10h57München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz9:02 AMEssen Hbf$611One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus9:40 PM9h45Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)7:25 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$561One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus2:00 AM9h50Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)11:50 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$561One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:00 AM9h50Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)5:50 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$711One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus7:00 AM10h45Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)5:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$651One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus7:30 PM10h55Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB)6:25 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$561One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Munich to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Munich to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $138 Average price | $224 Average price | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 14m Average total duration 12h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg 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 Munich to Essen is a bus with an average price of $51 (€42).
This is compared to other travel options from Munich to Essen:
A bus is $87 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Munich to Essen costing on average $138 (€113).
A bus is $172 (€141) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Munich to Essen costing on average $224 (€183).
The fastest way to travel from Munich to Essen is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 9m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 43m.
Bus takes on average 12h 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Munich 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 $51 (€42) compared to roughly $65 (€53) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $14 (€11). The journey takes 12h 44m versus 7h 2m 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, Trans Turist.
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.
Munich to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 05:02PM | Duration 12h17 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 11h22 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 10h57 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 12:48PM | Duration 14h03 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Live departures
Munich to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Munich to Essen buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 12:45 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 11h10 | 11:55 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:40 PM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 12h45 | 6:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 7:30 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 10h55 | 6:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 30493 · 50428 | 8:30 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 23h15 | 7:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 9:40 PM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 9h45 | 7:25 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:05 PM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 11h50 | 9:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:25 PM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 13h20 | 12:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:30 AM München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz | 12h15 | 12:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 2:00 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 9h50 | 11:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:00 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 10h45 | 5:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 8:00 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 9h50 | 5:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 30489 · 50448 | 8:45 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 23h55 | 8:40 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 10:00 AM Munich, Central Bus Station (ZOB) | 11h50 | 9:50 PM 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 Munich 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.
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Why should you book Munich to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus, Trans Turist and more offer buses services from Munich to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Munich 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 Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus or Trans Turist to find the best option for your trip from Munich 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 Munich 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 Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus or Trans Turist to find the best option for your trip from Munich 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 Munich to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Munich to Essen
GermanyGermany
Buses from Munich to Essen run on average 16 times per day, taking around 12h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by train.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 9h 45m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $35 (€28)
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 9h 45m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $35 (€28)
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus, Trans Turist from Munich to EssenYou can travel by bus between Munich to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus, Trans Turist for as low as $35 (€28). 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
9h 45m
Cheapest Price
$35 (€28)
FlixBus frequency
13 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
23h 15m
Cheapest Price
$81 (€66)
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.
Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o.
About
Globtour Međugorje d.o.o. is a bus company based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established in 1993. It operates numerous domestic and international bus routes, emphasizing reliability, punctuality, and passenger satisfaction. Their network, including sister companies Croatiabus and Jadran Express, covers over 100 routes and 1,000 destinations across nine countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, Montenegro, and Serbia. In addition to regular passenger transport, Globtour Međugorje also offers bus rentals and repair services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Additional luggage
An additional fee may be charged by the driver for storing luggage in the compartment, with prices varying by route.
Luggage storage
There may be extra fees for luggage storage on routes operated by Globtour Međugorje.
Cancellation Policy
A passenger can receive a partial refund if a written request is submitted at least 24 hours before the journey (25% fee) or between 24 and 12 hours before (50% fee); tickets cannot be canceled or refunded within 12 hours of departure.
Refund
A passenger who has purchased a ticket and wishes to cancel the journey has the right to a partial refund of the amount paid, provided that a written request is submitted to the carrier at least 24 hours before the start of the journey, along with the travel ticket.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Toilets
USB plugs
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
3 a day
Trans Turist
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 35m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€40)
Trans Turist frequency
1 a day
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 Munich to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Munich 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 Munich to Essen can start from as little as $35 (€28) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Munich to Essen is $51 (€42) ; 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 Munich to Essen is 9h 45m to travel the 306 miles (493 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 Munich to Essen leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Munich to Essen leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 7 direct buses a day from Munich to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Trans Turist. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Munich to Essen, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus, Trans Turist for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Munich and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Essen from Munich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Munich to Essen is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Munich and Essen including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Munich 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 Munich to Essen for bus company FlixBus, Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Munich 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.
- Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o.
- A passenger can receive a partial refund if a written request is submitted at least 24 hours before the journey (25% fee) or between 24 and 12 hours before (50% fee)
- tickets cannot be canceled or refunded within 12 hours of departure.
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 Munich to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Munich 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 Munich to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o.
- An additional fee may be charged by the driver for storing luggage in the compartment, with prices varying by route.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Munich 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 Munich to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Munich to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Munich to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus, Globtour Medjugorjie d.o.o., BlaBlaCar Bus.
Since both Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich to Essen
Most Munich to Essen buses use the München, ZOB to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Munich and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Munich
Arrival bus stations in Essen
Which Munich station do buses to Essen leave from?
Buses from Munich to Essen leave from München, ZOB. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Munich city centre at Arnulfstrasse 21, 80335 Munchen, Germany.
München, ZOBArnulfstrasse 21, 80335 Munchen, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to München, ZOB from Munich city centre
München, ZOB is 1 km from Munich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS1, S3, S8, S2, S6, S5, S4 · 9m · $1 · every ~61 min
Tram17, 16, N17 · 16m · $4 · every ~25 min
München, ZOB bus station facilities and services
München, ZOB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria München ZOB (in the station), Bavarian Bistro (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at München, ZOB.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at München, ZOB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at München, ZOB: Elevators, ramps.
München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz
City-centre transport
Getting to München, Fröttmaning P+R Parkplatz from Munich city centre
BusFlixBus N199, N280, N34, N899, 1307, N86, 1304A · 21m · $1
SubwayU6, U3 · 20m · $4 · every ~17 min
München, Am Messefreigelände (München Messe)
City-centre transport
Getting to München, Am Messefreigelände (München Messe) from Munich city centre
BusN74 · 26m · $4
N236, 036 · 27m · $1
190 · 45m · every ~7 min
SubwayU2 · 28m · $5 · every ~20 min
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 7m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Most popular bus connections from Munich
More options for your journey from Munich to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Munich
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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