How to get from Cologne to Essen

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

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Buses, Trains and Carpool to Essen from Cologne. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 1 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Carpool is the cheapest and fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
1h 40m
£3
£6
13
Train
0h 21m
£6
£10
332
Car
0h 20m
£2
£3
20

What is the cheapest way to reach Essen from Cologne?

You can reach Essen with just £2 by taking a Carpool from BlaBlaCar, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Friday
from £2
Saturday
from £4
Sunday
from £3
Monday
Tuesday
from £2
Wednesday
from £6
Thursday

    Cheapest Carpool Friday

  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 20m
    0
    05:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    05:20
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £2
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 50m
    0
    20:40
    Dusseldorf Airport
    21:30
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £2
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    13:20
    Dusseldorf Airport
    13:50
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    14:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    14:30
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • Cheapest Trains Friday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 22m
    0
    23:57
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    00:19
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 21m
    0
    18:57
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    19:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 21m
    0
    19:59
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    20:20
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 22m
    0
    23:47
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    00:09
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • 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
    £5

    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
    £3
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £3
  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    08:25
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    10:05
    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
    £7
  • Cheapest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    10:30
    Dusseldorf Airport
    11:00
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    06:30
    Dusseldorf Airport
    07:00
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £4
  • Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 58m
    0
    04:00
    Cologne
    Central Station
    04:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 47m
    0
    05:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    05:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 54m
    0
    05:26
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:20
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 0m
    0
    05:43
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:43
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6

    Cheapest Carpool Tuesday

  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 20m
    0
    10:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    10:20
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £2
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 40m
    0
    08:20
    Dusseldorf Airport
    09:00
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 50m
    0
    20:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    20:50
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • Cheapest Trains Tuesday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 42m
    0
    01:20
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    03:02
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    05:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    06:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 12m
    0
    06:06
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    07:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    06:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    07:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • 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 55m
    0
    20:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    22:35
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    2h 0m
    0
    05:10
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    07:10
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • Cheapest Trains Wednesday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 14m
    0
    05:29
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    06:43
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    06:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    07:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 11m
    0
    07:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    09:05
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    19:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    20:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9

What are the fastest trips from Cologne to Essen?

You can get to Essen from Cologne in just 0h 20m with a Carpool from BlaBlaCar. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Friday
from 0h 20m
Saturday
from 1h 55m
Sunday
from 0h 30m
Monday
Tuesday
from 0h 20m
Wednesday
from 1h 4m
Thursday

    Fastest Carpool Friday

  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 20m
    0
    05:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    05:20
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £2
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 20m
    0
    16:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    16:20
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    13:20
    Dusseldorf Airport
    13:50
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    14:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    14:30
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • Fastest Trains Friday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 21m
    0
    18:57
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    19:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 21m
    0
    19:59
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    20:20
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £18
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 21m
    0
    12:57
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    13:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £21
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 22m
    0
    23:57
    Dusseldorf Airport
    Dusseldorf Airport
    00:19
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • 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
    £5

    Fastest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    10:30
    Dusseldorf Airport
    11:00
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 30m
    0
    06:30
    Dusseldorf Airport
    07:00
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £4
  • Fastest Trains Sunday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 47m
    0
    05:11
    Cologne
    Central Station
    05:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 53m
    0
    06:25
    Cologne
    Central Station
    07:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 54m
    0
    05:26
    Cologne
    Central Station
    06:20
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6
  • Deutsche Bahn
    0h 58m
    0
    04:00
    Cologne
    Central Station
    04:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £6
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    1h 40m
    0
    08:25
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    10:05
    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
    £7
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    1h 55m
    0
    17:50
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    19:45
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £3
  • BlaBlaCar Bus
    2h 0m
    0
    06:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    08:40
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    BlaBlaCar Bus
    Economy
    £3

    Fastest Carpool Tuesday

  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 20m
    0
    10:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    10:20
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £2
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 40m
    0
    08:20
    Dusseldorf Airport
    09:00
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • BlaBlaCar
    0h 50m
    0
    20:00
    Dusseldorf Airport
    20:50
    Essen
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £3
  • Fastest Trains Tuesday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    05:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    06:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    06:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    07:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 11m
    0
    07:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    09:05
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 12m
    0
    06:06
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    07:18
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9

    Fastest Trains Wednesday

  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    06:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    07:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 4m
    0
    19:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    20:58
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 11m
    0
    07:54
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    09:05
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Deutsche Bahn
    1h 14m
    0
    05:29
    Cologne
    Ehrenfeld Train Station
    06:43
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    Deutsche Bahn
    Economy
    from £9
  • Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • 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 40m
    0
    04:45
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    06:25
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    1h 55m
    0
    20:40
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    22:35
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 0m
    0
    05:10
    Cologne/Bonn Airport
    Cologne/Bonn Airport - Bus Station
    07:10
    Essen
    Central Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
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, Messe/Deutz Train Station or Central Bus 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 1 Bus, Train and Carpool 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 £2 with a Carpool from BlaBlaCar.

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 Carpool from BlaBlaCar: you will get to Essen in just 0h 20m.

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 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 and FlixBus. 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 Carpool, 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 £2 by taking a Carpool from BlaBlaCar.

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 20m with a Carpool from BlaBlaCar.

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!

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