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Bern, Bern (Area) to Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia from $117: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Bern, Switzerland
to
Essen, Germany

How to Get from Bern to Essen: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$117 - Train, PlaneBest price
505 kmDistance
5h 18m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Bern to Essen with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
6h  50m
Estimated price
$210-386
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
6h  18m
Estimated price
$117-369
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 505 km
Duration: 5h 18m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  37m
Estimated price
$107-2100
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
11h  21m
Estimated price
$131-181
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
6h  54m
Estimated price
$197-358
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  18m
Estimated price
$2101-2102
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
7h  7m
Estimated price
$2103-2104
Company
various
Train
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  40m
Estimated price
$2105-2106
Company
various
Train
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  54m
Estimated price
$2107-2108

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $43 $38 $47 $56 $31 $48 $48
Train $136 $72 $41 $115 $173 $136 $136
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Bern to Essen

The journey from Bern, with its charming medieval architecture and serene lake views, to Essen, a vibrant hub of industrial history and modern culture, offers a fascinating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Essen

Essen features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Kettwig
• Picturesque old town with half-timbered houses.
• Beautiful parks along the Ruhr riverbanks.
Rüttenscheid
• Trendy cafes and restaurants for food lovers.
• Home to the Museum Folkwang's impressive art collection.
Altstadt
• Historic buildings showcasing Essen's industrial heritage.
• Lively atmosphere with shops and nightlife options.

Best Times To Visit Essen's Attractions

Timing your visits to Essen's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Museum Folkwang
Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter, more personal experience.
Grugapark
Visit early in the day to enjoy peaceful nature walks before crowds arrive.
Zeche Zollverein
Explore in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the site.

Essen Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Essen experiences a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making spring and early fall the ideal times to visit. The weather can influence your travel plans, as rain is common, so bringing an umbrella can enhance your overall experience.

Dining Recommendation in Essen

Try the traditional 'Currywurst' at a local eatery like 'Curry von die Altstadt,' which reflects Essen's vibrant street food culture and offers bold flavors that stand apart from Bern's more refined culinary scene. The lively atmosphere and use of local ingredients create a dining experience that’s distinctly urban and casual.

Bern - Essen operators

Explore transport companies operating between Bern and Essen, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88
Website
https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

Train from Bern to Basel Sbb

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
3696-1179

Train from Basel Sbb to Mannheim Hbf

Average Duration
2h 17m
Estimated price
1173-3865

Train from Mannheim Hbf to Essen Hbf

Average Duration
3h 19m
Estimated price
3697-3868

Train from Bern to Essen Hbf

Average Duration
6h 54m
Estimated price
197-358

Train from Bern to Zürich Flughafen

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
3698-1177

Train from Bern to Genève-Aéroport

Average Duration
2h 9m
Estimated price
3699-3862
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from Basel SBB to Mannheim Hbf

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
1971-1972

Train from Mannheim Hbf to Essen Hbf

Average Duration
2h 24m
Estimated price
1972-1973

Train from Basel SBB to Bonn Hbf

Average Duration
6h 11m
Estimated price
1173-3862

Train from Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf to Essen Hbf

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
3699-1175
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.swiss.com

Plane from Zürich (ZRH) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
1173-1174

Plane from Genève (GVA) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
1175-1176

Plane from Zürich (ZRH) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
1179-3690
Website
https://www.lufthansa.com

Plane from Zürich (ZRH) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
2h 58m
Estimated price
3862-3863

Plane from Geneva (GVA) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
3h 17m
Estimated price
3868-3869
Drive

Drive from Bern to Essen

Average Duration
5h 37m
Estimated price
107-2100

Bern to Essen: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Bern and Essen offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Bern to Essen spanning 401 miles, offering picturesque views of the Swiss and German countryside along the way. 💰 Budget-conscious travelers can rejoice as the cost of driving from Bern to Essen ranges from €111 to €175, providing an affordable transportation option for exploring these vibrant European cities by car. ⏱️ With a driving time of approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes, enjoy the freedom of the open road as you journey from the charming Swiss capital to the cultural hub of Essen in Germany.
Average price
€111 - €175
🚆 Traveling by train from Bern to Essen is a convenient option, with a direct train available that departs once daily. The journey takes around 6 hours and 54 minutes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the picturesque views along the way. 💰 The prices for a train ticket from Bern to Essen can range from €217 to €397, offering different fare options to suit various budgets. Whether you're traveling for leisure or business, taking the train is an efficient and comfortable way to reach Essen from Bern within approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes.
Departure Point
Bern station
Arrival Point
Essen Hbf station
🛫 Experience a seamless journey from Bern to Essen by catching a quick flight from Zurich Airport to Dusseldorf Airport. With direct flights that take just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you'll be in Germany in no time.
Departure Point
Zurich Airport
Arrival Point
Dusseldorf Airport

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Bern to Essen.

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The distance between Bern and Essen is approximately 314 miles. If you prefer to drive, it will take approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes. By train, it takes about 6 hours and 54 minutes to reach Essen from Bern. Alternatively, you can also take a combination of train and flight, with a total travel time of 5 hours and 4 minutes. Finally, if you choose to travel by bus, the journey from Bern to Essen will take approximately 12 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Bern to Essen is by taking a bus, which takes approximately 12 hours and costs between €59 and €86. However, if time-efficiency is a priority, the quickest option is to take a train to Zurich and then fly to Dusseldorf, which takes about 5 hours and costs between €118 and €362. It is important to consider both the cost and the time spent traveling when choosing the best transportation option for this journey.
The prices for a train ticket between Bern and Essen range from €199 to €362. For those looking for a more affordable option, taking a bus between Essen and Bern is a cost-effective choice with prices ranging from €60 to €83. It is important to note that prices may vary depending on the time of year and availability, so it is recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
To travel from Bern to Essen without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 401 miles, and it takes around 5 hours and 37 minutes to drive. The prices for renting a car to make this journey range from €109 to €172, depending on the type of car and rental company. Driving allows for flexibility and convenience, as you can stop at various places along the way and travel at your own pace.
The best way to travel from Bern to Essen without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours and 54 minutes. The cost can range from €199 to €362, depending on the type of ticket and class of service chosen. There are no direct flights or buses available for this route, making the train the most convenient and efficient mode of transportation.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Bern and Essen. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours and 54 minutes. There is also an option to travel by bus, but it involves transferring in Luxembourg and takes about 12 hours. However, there are no direct flights between Bern and Essen.
The flight between Bern and Essen typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The quickest option is a direct flight from Zurich Airport to Dusseldorf Airport. As for the cost, it would depend on the airline and time of booking, but prices can range from around $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket. It is recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to get the best deal.
There are a variety of accommodation options available near Essen. With over 1546 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to suit their preferences and budget. Prices typically start at €37 per night for a basic room, although rates may vary depending on the location and amenities offered. It is recommended to research and book accommodations in advance to secure the best options.