What is the best way to travel from Cologne to Essen?
Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Trains and Buses 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 1 available companies to find your perfect trip!
What is the cheapest way to reach Essen from Cologne?
You can get to Essen with just $5 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.
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BlaBlaCar Bus2h 0m06:40 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station8:40 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 6:40:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 8:40:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
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BlaBlaCar Bus1h 55m05:50 PMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station7:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 5:50:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 7:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 55m
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FlixBus2h 0m05:10 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station7:10 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 5:10:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 7:10:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $6 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
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FlixBus1h 55m010:50 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station12:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 10:50:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 12:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $6 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 55m
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FlixBus2h 0m03:45 PMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station5:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 3:45:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 5:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $6 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
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Deutsche Bahn0h 52m02:13 AMCologneCentral Station3:05 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 2:13:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 3:05:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 0h 52m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 4m03:54 AMCologneCentral Station4:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 3:54:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 4:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 4m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 2m04:16 AMCologneCentral Station5:18 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 4:16:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 5:18:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 2m
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Deutsche Bahn0h 47m05:11 AMCologneCentral Station5:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 5:11:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 5:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 0h 47m
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Deutsche Bahn0h 58m012:14 AMCologneCentral Station1:12 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 12:14:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 1:12:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 0h 58m
Cheapest Buses Saturday
Cheapest Trains Saturday
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BlaBlaCar Bus2h 0m06:40 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station8:40 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 6:40:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 8:40:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
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BlaBlaCar Bus1h 55m05:50 PMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station7:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 5:50:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 7:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 55m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 27m01:38 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station3:05 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 1:38:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 3:05:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 27m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 40m03:38 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station5:18 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 3:38:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 5:18:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 40m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 10m04:48 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station5:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 4:48:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 5:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 10m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 10m05:48 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station6:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 5:48:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 6:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 10m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 45m012:05 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station1:50 AMEssenCentral Station0First ClassA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 12:05:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 1:50:00 AM. 50 First Class ticket for $15 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 45m
Cheapest Buses Friday
Cheapest Trains Friday
What are the fastest trips from Cologne to Essen?
You can get to Essen from Cologne in just 0h 47m 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.
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Deutsche Bahn0h 47m05:11 AMCologneCentral Station5:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 5:11:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 5:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 0h 47m
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Deutsche Bahn0h 52m02:13 AMCologneCentral Station3:05 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 2:13:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 3:05:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 0h 52m
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Deutsche Bahn0h 58m012:14 AMCologneCentral Station1:12 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 12:14:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 1:12:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 0h 58m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 2m04:16 AMCologneCentral Station5:18 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 4:16:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 5:18:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 2m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 4m03:54 AMCologneCentral Station4:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Central Station, Cologne (Germany) at 3/7/2026 3:54:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 4:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $8 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 4m
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BlaBlaCar Bus1h 55m05:50 PMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station7:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 5:50:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 7:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 55m
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FlixBus1h 55m010:50 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station12:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 10:50:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 12:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $6 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 55m
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BlaBlaCar Bus2h 0m06:40 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station8:40 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 6:40:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 8:40:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
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FlixBus2h 0m05:10 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station7:10 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 5:10:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 7:10:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $6 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
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FlixBus2h 0m03:45 PMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station5:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/7/2026 3:45:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/7/2026 5:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $6 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
Fastest Trains Saturday
Fastest Buses Saturday
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Deutsche Bahn1h 10m04:48 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station5:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 4:48:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 5:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 10m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 10m05:48 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station6:58 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 5:48:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 6:58:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 10m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 27m01:38 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station3:05 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 1:38:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 3:05:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 27m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 40m03:38 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station5:18 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 3:38:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 5:18:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $12 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 40m
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Deutsche Bahn1h 45m012:05 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport Train Station1:50 AMEssenCentral Station0First ClassA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport Train Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 12:05:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 1:50:00 AM. 50 First Class ticket for $15 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 45m
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BlaBlaCar Bus1h 55m05:50 PMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station7:45 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 5:50:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 7:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 1h 55m
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BlaBlaCar Bus2h 0m06:40 AMCologne/Bonn AirportCologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station8:40 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from BlaBlaCar Bus goes from Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station, Cologne/Bonn Airport (Germany) at 3/13/2026 6:40:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 3/13/2026 8:40:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $5 per person are available. Travel duration is 2h 0m
Fastest Trains Friday
Fastest Buses Friday
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 Bus Station, Messe/Deutz Train Station or Central Station, while in Essen you will be arriving at Hafenstr. Bus Stop, Freiheit Bus Stop or Central Station, 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 1 Train and Bus 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 $5 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 47m.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, BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus, 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, BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.
Bus companies: BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus
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 Train and Bus, with which you can get to Essen from Cologne.
How far is Essen from Cologne?
The distance between Cologne and Essen is 35.9 miles.
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 $5 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 47m 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!
