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

The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Essen is to rideshare which costs €3 - €7 and takes 1h 6m.

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

The fastest way to get from Cologne to Essen is to drive which takes 44 min and costs €9 - €15.

Is there a direct bus between Cologne and Essen?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Köln-Ehrenfeld Gleis and arriving at Südviertel, Essen. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 45 min.

Is there a direct train between Cologne and Essen?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Köln Hbf and arriving at Essen Hbf. Services depart every 15 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 47 min.

How far is it from Cologne to Essen?

The distance between Cologne and Essen is 85 km. The road distance is 69 km.

How do I travel from Cologne to Essen without a car?

The best way to get from Cologne to Essen without a car is to bus which takes 45 min and costs .

How long does it take to get from Cologne to Essen?

The bus from Köln-Ehrenfeld Gleis to Südviertel, Essen takes 45 min including transfers and departs once daily.

Where do I catch the Cologne to Essen bus from?

Cologne to Essen bus services, operated by OrionBus, depart from Köln-Ehrenfeld Gleis station.

Where do I catch the Cologne to Essen train from?

Cologne to Essen train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), depart from Köln Hbf station.

Train or bus from Cologne to Essen?

The best way to get from Cologne to Essen is to bus which takes 45 min and costs . Alternatively, you can train, which costs €15 - €70 and takes 47 min.

Where does the Cologne to Essen bus arrive?

Cologne to Essen bus services, operated by OrionBus, arrive at Südviertel, Essen station.

Where does the Cologne to Essen train arrive?

Cologne to Essen train services, operated by Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), arrive at Essen Hbf station.

Can I drive from Cologne to Essen?

Yes, the driving distance between Cologne to Essen is 69 km. It takes approximately 44 min to drive from Cologne to Essen.

How do I get a train ticket from Cologne to Essen?

Book your Cologne to Essen train tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Essen?

There are 2348+ hotels available in Essen.

Can I share a ride from Cologne to Essen?

Check out Blablacar's carpooling service for rideshare options between Cologne and Essen. A great option if you don't have a driver's licence or want to avoid public transport.

Cologne to Essen - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, rideshare, car, and taxi

There are 5 ways to get from Cologne to Essen by bus, train (Eurostar), rideshare, car, or taxi

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Cologne to Essen by train

940Weekly Trains

47 minAverage Duration

€15Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cologne to Essen.

Launch map view

Distance: 84.8 km
Duration: 45 min

What companies run services between Cologne, Germany and Essen, Germany?

OrionBus operates a bus from Köln-Ehrenfeld Gleis to Südviertel, Essen once daily, and the journey takes 45 min. Alternatively, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) operates a train from Köln Hbf to Essen Hbf every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €18–55 and the journey takes 47 min. Four other operators also service this route.

Train operators

Bus operators

Other operators

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