- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Osnabrück to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 71 miles (115 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 10m Average total duration 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Osnabrück to Essen:
A bus is $17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Osnabrück to Essen costing on average $32.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 40m.
You'll arrive about 13m sooner (1h 40m by bus vs 1h 53m by car) and save roughly $10 compared to fuel and tolls ($16 vs $26). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
The table below shows live departures for Osnabrück to Essen buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 AM Osnabrück | 1h55 | 10:50 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:55 AM Osnabrück | 1h55 | 11:50 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Osnabrück to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 71 miles (115 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 71 miles (115 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Osnabrück 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 Osnabrück to Essen buses use the Osnabrück, Hauptbahnhof to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Osnabrück 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