Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Utrecht to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Utrecht to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, while a train costs an average of $67.
Distance: 91 miles (148 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
Compare ways to travel from Utrecht to Essen
Compare the available ways to get from Utrecht to Essen, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Utrecht to Essen:
A bus is $38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Utrecht to Essen costing on average $67.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 21m.
Tickets start at around $67 compared to roughly $39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about -$28. The journey takes 2h 23m versus 2h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Travel optionsfrom Utrecht to Essen
How to get from Utrecht to Essen by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Utrecht to Essen is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

11:40 AM 8h20 Utrecht 8:00 PM Essen $21 1 One-way 0 transfers
Cheapest

11:40 AM 8h20 Utrecht 8:00 PM Essen $21 1 One-way 0 transfers
Fastest

2:30 PM 5h30 Utrecht 8:00 PM Essen $36 1 One-way 0 transfers
Other options

5:35 AM 9h05 Utrecht 2:40 PM Essen $22 1 One-way 0 transfers
6:45 AM 7h55 Utrecht 2:40 PM Essen $26 1 One-way 0 transfers
6:00 AM 9h48 Utrecht 3:48 PM Essen $28 1 One-way 0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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FAQs: Travel from Utrecht to Essen
Travel to Essen easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Utrecht to Essen.

This is compared to other travel options from Utrecht to Essen:
A bus is $38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Utrecht to Essen costing on average $67.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 21m.
- Around 6 trains per day.
- Around 2 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Utrecht and Essen as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Utrecht Centraal and arrive in Essen Hbf.
- Buses mostly depart from Utrecht, Station Leidsche Rijn A and arrive in Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
- Travel with Deutsche Bahn, VIAS Rail GmbH to go to Essen by train.
- Travel with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus to go to Essen by bus.
- 1 direct buses per day with FlixBus.
Travelling from Utrecht to Essen: related information
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