The cheapest and fastest buses from Berlin to Essen
Cheapest price
€37
Average price
€41
Fastest journey
6 h 55 m
Average duration
7 h 25 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
454 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Berlin to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berlin to Essen will cost around €41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €37.
Of the 9 buses that leave Berlin for Essen on Thu, Aug 13, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct buses cover the 454 km distance in an average of 7 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest buses will take 8 h 25 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.
FlixBus9:20 AM8h35Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)5:55 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€371One-way0 transfers
FlixBus3:40 AM7h05Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)10:45 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€391One-way0 transfers
FlixBus3:20 AM7h25Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz10:45 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€391One-way0 transfers
FlixBus5:45 AM9h00Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz2:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€411One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:35 PM7h15Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz6:50 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€411One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:55 PM6h55Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)6:50 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€411One-way0 transfers
FlixBus3:40 AM7h05Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)10:45 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€391One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:35 PM7h15Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz6:50 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€411One-way0 transfers
FlixBus3:20 AM7h25Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz10:45 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€391One-way0 transfers
FlixBus6:20 AM8h25Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB)2:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)€411One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Berlin to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 €22, and a flight costs an average of €62.
Distance: 454 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€36 Average price Cheapest | €48 Average price | €197 Average price |
7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Berlin to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Essen buses for today, Wednesday, August 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 11:35 PM Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 7h15 | 6:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:55 PM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 6h55 | 6:50 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, August 13 | |||||
FlixBus | 3:20 AM Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 7h25 | 10:45 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:35 AM Berlin, Alexanderplatz | 9h15 | 12:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:40 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 7h05 | 10:45 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:00 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 8h50 | 12:50 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:45 AM Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz | 9h00 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:20 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 8h25 | 2:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) | 8h35 | 5:55 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 Berlin 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.
Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
Aug 20
Aug 21
Aug 22
Aug 23
Aug 24
Aug 25
Aug 26
Why should you book Berlin to Essen buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 Berlin to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Berlin to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Berlin to Essen
Buses from Berlin to Essen run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €22 but you can travel from only €21 by train.
There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 454 km distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 454 km |
Average bus duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €22 |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 84 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar from Berlin to EssenYou can travel by bus between Berlin to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar for as low as €21. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar
FAQs: Bus from Berlin to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin 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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Berlin to Essen
Most Berlin to Essen buses use the Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) station pair. Use this guide to compare Berlin and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Berlin station do buses to Essen leave from?
Getting to Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) from Berlin city centre
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) is 9 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) bus station facilities and services
Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (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 Berlin (in the station), Schnitzel Express (0.5 km), Currywurst Haus (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB): Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz from Berlin city centre
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz bus station facilities and services
Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Bahnhof Südkreuz: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Berlin, Alexanderplatz from Berlin city centre
Berlin, Alexanderplatz bus station facilities and services
Berlin, Alexanderplatz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple restaurants around the area.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available in nearby cafes. ATMs are several ATMs in close proximity.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Berlin, Alexanderplatz.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berlin, Alexanderplatz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin, Alexanderplatz: Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Which Essen station do buses from Berlin arrive at?
Getting to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) from Essen city centre
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) bus station facilities and services
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Most popular bus connections from Berlin
More options for your journey from Berlin to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


