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

The cheapest way to get from Essen to Calais is to bus which costs €30 - €55 and takes 6h 55m.

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

The fastest way to get from Essen to Calais is to drive which takes 4h and costs €60 - €90.

Is there a direct bus between Essen and Calais?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Essen central train station station and arriving at Calais. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 6h 55m.

Is there a direct train between Essen and Calais?

No, there is no direct train from Essen to Calais. However, there are services departing from Essen Hbf and arriving at Calais Ville via Köln Hbf, Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi and Lille Europe. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6h 46m.

How far is it from Essen to Calais?

The distance between Essen and Calais is 516 km. The road distance is 399.2 km.

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

The best way to get from Essen to Calais without a car is to train via Cologne which takes 6h 46m and costs €95 - €250.

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

It takes approximately 6h 46m to get from Essen to Calais, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Essen to Calais bus from?

Essen to Calais bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Essen central train station.

Where do I catch the Essen to Calais train from?

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

Train or bus from Essen to Calais?

The best way to get from Essen to Calais is to train via Cologne which takes 6h 46m and costs €95 - €250. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €30 - €55 and takes 6h 55m.

Where does the Essen to Calais bus arrive?

Essen to Calais bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Calais station.

Where does the Essen to Calais train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Essen to Calais?

Yes, the driving distance between Essen to Calais is 399 km. It takes approximately 4h to drive from Essen to Calais.

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

Book your Essen to Calais train tickets online with Omio.

How do I get a bus ticket from Essen to Calais?

Book your Essen to Calais bus tickets online with FlixBus.

Where can I stay near Calais?

There are 1256+ hotels available in Calais.

Essen to Calais - 4 ways to travel via train, bus, and car

There are 4 ways to get from Essen to Calais by train (Eurostar, TGV), bus, or car

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

Train via Cologne
best
1. Take the train from Essen Hbf to Köln Hbftrain 43 / ...
2. Take the train from Köln Hbf to Bruxelles Miditrain 79
3. Take the train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Lille Europetrain Tgv
4. Take the train from Lille Europe to Calais Villetrain Tgv
6h 46m
€97–244
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Essen central train station to Calaisbus N380 / ...
6h 55m
€30–55
Drive 399.2 km
1. Drive from Essen to Calaiscar 399.2 km
4h
€62–89
Train
1. Take the train from Essen Hbf to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Miditrain
2. Take the train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Lille Europetrain Tgv
3. Take the train from Lille Flandres to Calais Villetrain Ter
6h 58m
€134–235

Essen to Calais by train

5Weekly Trains

6h 46mAverage Duration

€97Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Launch map view

Distance: 516.2 km
Duration: 6h 46m

What companies run services between Essen, Germany and Calais, France?

You can take a train from Essen Hbf to Calais Ville via Köln Hbf, Bruxelles Midi, Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi, and Lille Europe in around 6h 46m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Essen central train station to Calais once daily. Tickets cost €30–55 and the journey takes 6h 55m.

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around France

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.