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

The cheapest way to get from Essen to Lens is to bus which costs €27 - €70 and takes 7h 45m.

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

The fastest way to get from Essen to Lens is to drive which takes 3h 41m and costs €50 - €80.

Is there a direct bus between Essen and Lens?

No, there is no direct bus from Essen station to Lens. However, there are services departing from Essen central train station and arriving at Lens via Düsseldorf central bus station and Lille. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8h 6m.

Is there a direct train between Essen and Lens?

No, there is no direct train from Essen to Lens. However, there are services departing from Essen Hbf and arriving at Lens via Köln Hbf, Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi, Lille Europe and Lille Flandres. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6h 24m.

How far is it from Essen to Lens?

The distance between Essen and Lens is 447 km. The road distance is 352 km.

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

The best way to get from Essen to Lens without a car is to train via Cologne which takes 6h 24m and costs €70 - €260.

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

It takes approximately 6h 24m to get from Essen to Lens, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Essen to Lens bus from?

Essen to Lens bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Düsseldorf central bus station.

Where do I catch the Essen to Lens train from?

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

Train or bus from Essen to Lens?

The best way to get from Essen to Lens is to train via Cologne which takes 6h 24m and costs €70 - €260. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €27 - €70 and takes 7h 45m.

Where does the Essen to Lens bus arrive?

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

Where does the Essen to Lens train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Essen to Lens?

Yes, the driving distance between Essen to Lens is 352 km. It takes approximately 3h 41m to drive from Essen to Lens.

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

Book your Essen to Lens train tickets online with Omio.

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

Book your Essen to Lens bus tickets online with Omio and FlixBus.

Where can I stay near Lens?

There are 1056+ hotels available in Lens.

Essen to Lens - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, and car

There are 5 ways to get from Essen to Lens by train (Eurostar, TGV), bus, car, or train (Eurostar)

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 Hbf43 / ...
2. Take the train from Köln Hbf to Bruxelles Midi79
3. Take the train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Lille EuropeTgv
6h 24m
€71–254
Bus via Düsseldorf
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Düsseldorf central bus station to LilleN280 / ...
8h 6m
€25–77
Bus
1. Take the bus from Essen central train station to LilleN1387 / ...
7h 45m
€27–67
Drive 352 km
1. Drive from Essen to Lens352 km
3h 41m
€55–79
Train
1. Take the train from Essen Hbf to Bruxelles MidiTha
2. Take the train from Bruxelles-Midi to TournaiIc / ...
6h 30m
€78–210

Essen to Lens by train and tram

72Weekly Services

6h 24mAverage Duration

€71Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Launch map view

Distance: 446.7 km
Duration: 6h 24m

What companies run services between Essen, Germany and Lens, Hauts-de-France, France?

You can take a train from Essen Hbf to Lens via Köln Hbf, Bruxelles Midi, Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi, Lille Europe, Lille Europe, Lille Flandres, and Lille Flandres in around 6h 24m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Essen central train station to Lille twice daily. Tickets cost €23–55 and the journey takes 6h 40m. BlaBlaCar Bus also services this route twice daily.

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.