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Munich, Bavaria to Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia from $31: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Munich, Germany
to
Essen, Germany

How to Get from Munich 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.

$31 RideshareBest price
636 kmDistance
3h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Munich 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
Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express
Train
Average Duration
5h  15m
Estimated price
$76-107
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
7h  28m
Estimated price
$31-31
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 636 km
Duration: 3h 15m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
9h  50m
Estimated price
$49-67
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  31m
Estimated price
$80-780
Company
Urlaubs-Express
Train
Average Duration
5h  42m
Estimated price
$95-116
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  27m
Estimated price
$95-134
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  58m
Estimated price
$800-811
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  15m
Estimated price
$800-811
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  47m
Estimated price
$800-811
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  24m
Estimated price
$800-811
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  54m
Estimated price
$800-1070

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 10/03Tu 11/03We 12/03Th 13/03Fr 14/03Sa 15/03Su 16/03
Bus $26 $23 $27 $28 $32 $33 $31
Train $31 $61 $33 $53 $78 $81 $45
Fly $88 $93 $82 $99 $96 $97 $93

Traveling From Munich to Essen

The journey from Munich to Essen offers a fascinating contrast between Munich’s vibrant Bavarian charm and Essen’s industrial heritage and contemporary art scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Essen

Essen boasts diverse neighborhoods that offer rich experiences and distinct vibes.

Kettwig
• Picturesque old town with charming half-timbered houses.
• Scenic riverside walks along the Ruhr River.
Rüttenscheid
• Trendy cafes and restaurants line the vibrant streets.
• Home to the renowned Museum Folkwang and art galleries.
Viehofer Platz
• Lively market square perfect for socializing and shopping.
• Close to cultural venues and public transportation options.

Best Times To Visit Essen's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Essen's highlights.

Essen Cathedral
Morning visits on weekdays offer tranquility and fewer tourists.
Museum Folkwang
Visit during late afternoons on weekdays for a quieter viewing experience.
Grugapark
Early mornings in spring provide serene strolls among blooming flowers.

Essen Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Essen experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, making spring and early autumn ideal for visits. Weather can impact outdoor activities, so packing layers and checking forecasts helps travelers enjoy the city’s attractions comfortably.

Essen Dining Recommendation

In Essen, try the local specialty, Grugapark’s Reibekuchen, which are deliciously crispy potato pancakes best enjoyed with applesauce, offering a different culinary experience than Munich's hearty sausages and pretzels. The vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant, along with the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, highlights the region’s unique flavors and culinary traditions.

Munich - Essen operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33
Website
https://www.bahn.com/en

Train from München Hbf to Essen Hbf

Average Duration
5h 15m
Estimated price
71-107
Website
https://urlaubs-express.de/?lang=en

Train from Munich East Station to Essen Hbf

Average Duration
5h 42m
Estimated price
89-116
Bus
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Munich central bus station to Essen central train station

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
45-67
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Munich to Essen

Average Duration
7h 28m
Estimated price
29-29
Plane
Website
https://www.lufthansa.com

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
107-1071

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Cologne Bonn (CGN)

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
1073-1074

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Dortmund (DTM)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
1073-714
Website
https://www.eurowings.com

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Dusseldorf (DUS)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
1076-1077
Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88
Website
https://www.swiss.com

Plane from Munich (MUC) to Dusseldorf (DUS) via Zurich

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
717-1072

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

Traveling between Munich 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.

🚗 Experience a picturesque road trip covering 395 miles from Munich to Essen in approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes. Enjoy the scenic views along the way as you transition from the vibrant city of Munich to the industrial charm of Essen. 💰 Explore cost-effective travel options with prices ranging from €92 to €138 for a car journey between Munich and Essen. Consider utilizing Blablacar's carpooling service for convenient rideshare opportunities, especially if you prefer not to drive or want to steer clear of public transportation.
Average price
€92 - €138
🚆 The train journey from Munich to Essen takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes with a direct service departing from München Hbf and arriving at Essen Hbf. Services run hourly, providing a convenient and efficient means of travel between the two cities. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route through Germany's picturesque landscapes. 💰 Ticket prices for the Munich to Essen train vary between €74 and €111, offering flexibility for different budgets. With the option of booking in advance or purchasing tickets on the day of travel, you can plan your journey to suit your schedule and preferences. Embrace the convenience of train travel and enjoy a stress-free trip from Munich to Essen.
Departure Point
München Hbf station
Arrival Point
Essen Hbf station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Munich to Essen, look forward to onboard catering options by Deutsche Bahn, which typically offers a range of snacks, meals, and beverages available at your seat or in the restaurant car. Make sure to check out the seasonal menu and enjoy local specialties! Remember to have your payment method ready as cash is often not accepted.
• When booking your ticket for this route, you will find three main seating options: First Class, Business Class, and Economy. First Class offers wider seats and quieter carriages, while Business Class provides a good balance of comfort and value. Economy Class is cost-effective but can be busy. All classes have access to free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and table trays.
• There are multiple operators you can choose for your journey from Munich to Essen, primarily Deutsche Bahn (DB) and EuroCity. For schedules, fares, and additional services, visit their respective websites: Deutsche Bahn – ">">bahn.com and EuroCity – ">">eurocity.com Also, consider checking the arrival details on Essen’s central station, which often provides real-time updates on platforms.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Munich to Essen is by taking a direct flight from Munich Airport to Dusseldorf Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airlines such as Swiss, Eurowings, and Lufthansa offer convenient flights on this route. 🛄 Upon arriving at Dusseldorf Airport, travelers can easily find transportation options to reach Essen, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. Options include trains, buses, and taxis, making it a seamless journey to reach your final destination.
Departure Point
Munich Airport
Arrival Point
Dusseldorf Airport
🚌 This journey takes approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. 🚌 FlixBus offers affordable ticket options, with prices ranging from €46 to €69 for the bus ride between Munich and Essen, making it an economical choice for travel within Germany.
Departure Point
Munich central bus station
Arrival Point
Essen central train station