✓ Top Deals ✓ Compare all buses ✓ The One Simple Search

How to get from Cologne to Essen

Compare Buses, Trains and Carpool with one click and find the best one for you
The Best Deals Save up to 70%
The Most Choices Millions of routes worldwide
Easy and Transparent Compare offers with 1 click

What is the best way to travel from Cologne to Essen?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses, Trains and Carpool for the journey to Essen from Cologne. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 2 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Train is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
1h 40m
£4
£5
14
Train
0h 45m
£15
£15
474
Car
1h 0m
£4
£6
2

What is the cheapest way to reach Essen from Cologne?

You can get to Essen with just £4 by taking a Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

today
from £4
tomorrow
from £4
Friday
from £4
Saturday
from £4
Sunday
from £4
Monday
from £4
Tuesday

    Cheapest Buses today

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4

    Cheapest Buses tomorrow

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • FlixBus
    1h 45m
    0
    05:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • FlixBus
    2h 0m
    0
    10:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    12:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    15:35
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    17:15
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • Cheapest Trains tomorrow

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    00:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    00:59
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 53m
    0
    04:25
    Cologne
    Central Station
    05:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 54m
    0
    05:27
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:21
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 47m
    0
    06:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    06:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    08:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    1h 45m
    0
    05:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • Cheapest Trains Friday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    22:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    23:05
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 49m
    0
    23:30
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    00:19
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    00:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    00:59
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 3m
    0
    00:14
    Cologne
    Central Station
    01:17
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    06:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    08:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • FlixBus
    1h 50m
    0
    21:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    22:55
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • Cheapest Trains Saturday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 9m
    0
    17:49
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    18:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    00:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    00:59
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 53m
    0
    04:25
    Cologne
    Central Station
    05:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 54m
    0
    05:27
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:21
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    06:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    08:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • FlixBus
    2h 0m
    0
    10:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    12:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • Cheapest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 0m
    0
    17:20
    Cologne
    18:20
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £4
  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 0m
    0
    21:30
    Cologne
    22:30
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £8
  • Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 45m
    0
    11:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    12:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 45m
    0
    12:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    13:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 50m
    0
    12:50
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    13:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 45m
    0
    13:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    14:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    06:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    08:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • Cheapest Trains Monday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 51m
    0
    08:11
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    10:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 9m
    0
    17:49
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    18:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 56m
    0
    23:27
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    00:23
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 24m
    0
    01:38
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    03:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18

What are the fastest trips from Cologne to Essen?

You can get to Essen from Cologne in just 0h 45m with a Train from Deutsche Bahn. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

today
from 1h 55m
tomorrow
from 0h 47m
Friday
from 0h 48m
Saturday
from 0h 48m
Sunday
from 0h 45m
Monday
from 0h 56m
Tuesday

    Fastest Buses today

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4

    Fastest Trains tomorrow

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 47m
    0
    06:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    00:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    00:59
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 50m
    0
    06:14
    Cologne
    Central Station
    07:04
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 53m
    0
    04:25
    Cologne
    Central Station
    05:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Fastest Buses tomorrow

  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    15:35
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    17:15
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • FlixBus
    1h 45m
    0
    05:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • FlixBus
    2h 0m
    0
    10:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    12:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5

    Fastest Trains Friday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    22:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    23:05
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    00:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    00:59
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 49m
    0
    23:30
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    00:19
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 57m
    0
    00:29
    Cologne
    Central Station
    01:26
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    08:25
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    10:05
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    1h 45m
    0
    05:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4

    Fastest Trains Saturday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 48m
    0
    00:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    00:59
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 49m
    0
    06:09
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 53m
    0
    04:25
    Cologne
    Central Station
    05:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 54m
    0
    05:27
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:21
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Fastest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    1h 45m
    0
    05:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    1h 50m
    0
    21:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    22:55
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £5
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4

    Fastest Trains Sunday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 45m
    0
    11:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    12:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 45m
    0
    12:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    13:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 45m
    0
    13:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    14:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 45m
    0
    14:17
    Cologne
    Messe/Deutz Train Station
    15:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Fastest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 0m
    0
    17:20
    Cologne
    18:20
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £4
  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 0m
    0
    21:30
    Cologne
    22:30
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £8
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    1h 45m
    0
    05:05
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:50
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    06:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    08:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 56m
    0
    23:27
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    00:23
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 9m
    0
    17:49
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    18:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £15
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 20m
    0
    03:38
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    04:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 24m
    0
    01:38
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station
    03:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18
  • Fastest Buses Monday

  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    06:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    08:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £4
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Cologne to Essen

What are the most popular stations in Cologne and Essen?

In Cologne, you will usually depart from Central Station, Central Bus Station or Messe/Deutz Train Station, while in Essen you will be arriving at Central Station, Freiheit Bus Stop or Hafenstr. Bus Stop, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Essen from Cologne? With 8 connections between 2 Bus, Train and Car operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Cologne and Essen, you can pay as low as £4 with a Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Train from Deutsche Bahn: you will get to Essen in just 0h 45m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Cologne and Essen are Deutsche Bahn, FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Cologne and Essen is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Huerth or to Gelsenkirchen, and look at flights from Dusseldorf Airport, and landing at Dusseldorf Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Cologne to Essen?

The most popular companies between Cologne and Essen, are Deutsche Bahn, FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn

All you need to know when you travel from Cologne to Essen

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Cologne to Essen. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Cologne to Essen

How can I reach Essen from Cologne?

Every day, there are on average 8 connections between Bus, Train and Car, with which you can get to Essen from Cologne.

How far is Essen from Cologne?

The distance between Cologne and Essen is 57.7 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Cologne and Essen?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 2 kgs of CO2, a train 2 kgs, a car 10 kgs, and a flight 14 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Cologne to Essen?

You can get to Essen with just £4 by taking a Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus.

What is the fastest way to get from Cologne to Essen?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Essen in just 0h 45m with a Train from Deutsche Bahn.

More routes to Cologne and to Essen

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Cologne and to Essen. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

App Store
CheckMyBus App
Close
GPDR CheckMyBus shield

We value your privacy!

To show you the best bus deals, we and our partners use technical, analytical, and marketing cookies for ads personalisation. We remember your anonymized details to provide a personalized experience.