Cologne to Essen: By Train, Bus, Rental Car?

I live near Cologne, and my friends often ask me about the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel to nearby cities. One common question is "What's the best way to get from Cologne to Essen?"

The good news is, there are many ways to go from Cologne to Essen. You can take a train, bus, rent a car, or even fly! Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, which I'll explain below.

So, keep reading to learn the best ways to go from Cologne to Essen!

Where is Essen?

Essen is a city located in the western part of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is part of the Ruhr metropolitan area, which is known for its industrial history and is one of the largest urban areas in Europe.

As a modern city, Essen is supported by an extensive transportation network. And I mean extensive. This includes highways, railways, and ferry rides.

Cologne to Essen Distance

Cologne and Essen are approximately 58 kilometers (36 miles)apart, and well-connected to each other.

The driving distance is around 79 kilometers (49 miles).

Cologne to Essen by Train

Time: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

 Convenience: 4/5

Ask anyone from here and they'll say getting from Cologne to Essen by train is the most convenient and efficient way to travel between these two cities. 

I don't wish to sound biased, but Germany has one of the most developed and reliable train transportation systems in the world. It's fast, punctual, and affordable.

1. Departure from Cologne: Your journey typically begins at Köln Hauptbahnhof or Cologne Central Station.

You can easily reach this train station in the middle of the city using public transportation, no matter where you're coming from in Cologne. The station offers trains that go to nearby areas, to other places in Germany, and to other countries.

2. Ticket Purchase: You'll need to buy tickets if you want to take the train.

Your options are purchasing a ticket through one of the authorized online platforms, or from the ticket machines at the station or the manual ticket counters.

I always advise booking your tickets in advance. Especially during peak travel times, you may waste time queueing up to buy tickets at the station!

Whenever I have purchase train tickets, I like to use Omio. It's my favorite platform to check for the best train tickets in Europe:

3. Train Options: Most will suggest taking a high-speed train like ICE (Inter-City Express), when traveling between Cologne and Essen. [1] This is the fastest train (around 47 min), and you can get a ticket for around €18 if you book early. 

Thereafter, you can connect to a regional train within Essen to get to your final destination.

4. Urban Journey: The journey between Cologne and Essen is not the most scenic. You'll see a mix of urban areas, suburban developments, and industrial zones.

There are portions of the journey where you'll pass through agricultural areas, so you may see farmland, fields, and countryside scenery.

I remember a family trip I took from Cologne to Essen, and my kids were absolutely delighted. They couldn't contain their excitement as the ICE train sped along, and they spent the entire journey with their faces pressed against the window.

So no matter what, I strongly suggest snagging a window seat if you have the chance!

5. Arrival in Essen: When your train reaches Essen Hauptbahnhof, which is the main train station in Essen, you'll see signs that show you where to go to catch a tram or a taxi, so you won't get lost.

There's also a store there where you can buy snacks if you're hungry for a quick bite before continuing your journey.

Cologne to Essen by Bus

Time: 3/5
Price: 5/5
Comfort: 3/5

 Convenience: 2/5

The bus is the cheapest option to travel from Cologne to Essen, with fares starting at just €7. The bus ride takes around 1 hr 40 min to 2 hours, depending on the departure time and bus route.

Although the bus journey is twice as long than the train, it is still a valid way to travel between these two cities.

1. Depart from Cologne: The bus ride is not as convenient as the train because the departure point is usually at Cologne Bonn Airport or Leverkusen, a city at the borders of Cologne.

This means you'll have to first make your way out of the city centre before catching the bus.

2. Purchase Your Ticket: You can easily buy your bus tickets from Cologne to Essen online here. It's advisable to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure your seat and potentially snag lower fares.

3. Bus Options: Several bus companies operate the Cologne-Essen route, offering varying levels of comfort and amenities. Some buses may provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating, so be sure to check the features of each bus service when making your reservation.

4. Urban Route: The bus ride between Cologne and Essen is similar to the train ride in that it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas within the Rhine-Ruhr region. It is not typically considered a scenic route, as the landscape is mostly characterized by cities, towns, and industrial infrastructure.

5. Arrive in Essen: Your bus will drop you off at one of the bus terminals or stops in Essen, depending on the bus company and route. Essen boasts a well-connected public transportation system, giving you various options to reach your final destination within the city.

Cologne to Essen by Private Transfer

Time: 4/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

Convenience: 5/5

While private transfers may cost more than the other options, I find them well worth it, especially when more flexibility and comfort is needed.

When we traveled with my elderly in-laws, with a fair amount of luggage, we always opted for private transfer. Our driver not only picked us up from home but also helped with our bags. We didn't have to worry about navigating our group to or from a train station or airport!

You can also choose a smaller or bigger vehicle depending on how many seats and luggage you have. There's a variety of choices, from SUVs and sedans to bigger minibuses and vans.

However, take note that a private transfer won't be as fast as a high-speed train (but faster than a bus). Depending on traffic, it can take from 1 to 2 hours.

Cologne to Essen by Taxi

Time: 4/5
Price: 2/5
 Comfort: 5/5

 Convenience: 3/5

The benefits of taking a taxi are similar to those of a private transfer. However, there are some potential downsides.

One major concern is price. Taxi meter fares can rack up depending on the route and traffic, and I don't like worrying about what I'll end up paying.

A couple of times, I've even found myself struggling to even get a cab, which is frustrating when we're traveling on a schedule.

So if I had to choose, I'd still choose private transfer. Every thing is pre-arranged. There's usually better rates, and you don't have to worry about flagging down a taxi or deal with climbing fares.

Rent A Car: Driving from Cologne to Essen

Time: 3.5/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

 Convenience: 5/5

If your goal is simply to get from Cologne to Essen, you might want to skip the car rental. However, the most enjoyable part of renting a car is the freedom to make spontaneous stops!

Pop by traditional German towns like Schwelm and Ennepetal, or make a detour to visit Monschau, Aachen, or visit the beautiful Burg Eltz.... there are countless worthy spots to stop by before landing in Essen.

When choosing a car rental company, I suggest finding a trusted website that helps you compare rental options from various companies.

I remember a road trip that quickly turned into a nightmare due to a really bad car rental experience. Basically, the agent informed me that they had overbooked their cars and didn't have the one I had reserved. I was offered a much smaller car, which wasn't big enough for my luggage...

So these days, I only use Discover Cars. They source from highly-rated car rental companies (so you avoid those with a bad reputation) and give you a breakdown of their rental rates and vehicle types. 

And applying for German car insurance through Discover Cars during your booking can save you half of what typical rental companies charge.

How much are Cologne car rentals?

The cost of renting a car in Cologne varies depending on the rental company, type of car, and time of year.

Plan to set aside around €28/day for an economy car with full coverage insurance.

If you've been searching for a rental car in Germany online, you might have seen prices as low as €4. However, these low prices are a bit misleading because they only cover the cost of the car itself.

They don't include things like insurance, taxes, and fees, which can add up. So, to be cautious, expect the total daily cost of the car to be at least €28 or more.

Do I need a Germany car insurance?

Yes, third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement for car rentals. This insurance protects you from any liability resulting from property damage, death, or injury caused to anyone or anything outside your car rental in Germany.

Fire insurance is also included in the car rental rate when you book with some rental car companies.

This is also why I always choose Discover Cars for my car rentals because they provide full coverage for around €6.50 per day. For me, it's an easy decision because it gives me peace of mind.

Is it safe to drive from Cologne to Essen?

Driving from Cologne to Essen is a safe and convenient option for travel.

The drive from Cologne to  offers travelers a pleasant journey through the picturesque landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia, with rolling hills, fields, and charming villages dotting the landscape.

There are a few local cafes and restaurants along the way where you can stop for lunch or enjoy a cup of coffee.

By the way, both cities have low emission zones, so it's important to have an environmental badge if you plan on driving in the inner parts of Essen or Cologne. [2]

Lastly, make sure to obey traffic rules and drive responsibly!

Tips for Traveling from Cologne to Essen

Plan ahead and book tickets in advance

Whether you're buying a train ticket or reserving a rental car in Germany, take advantage of the "early bird" deals and discounts that are frequently available. If you want to cut costs, don't delay; make your travel arrangements in advance!

Booking ahead not only puts money back in your pocket but also saves you from the frustration of navigating through busy ticket vending machines at the station.

The idea of standing in line behind fellow travelers, some struggling with the machines, sends shivers down my spine.

Purchase a transportation pass for convenience

With a zone ticket or tourist pass, you can jump on and off trains whenever you want, no need to deal with separate tickets each time. The best part is it lets you be spontaneous and explore different places along the way.

If you're planning to travel from Cologne to Essen, as well as other countries in Europe, consider getting a transportation pass like the Eurail Pass. This can save you both time and money by providing unlimited access to trains rides.

Allow extra time for unexpected delays

While German punctuality is impressive... it's always a smart move to build some wiggle room into your schedule, just in case life decides to throw you a curveball.

In the past, I used to plan my trips very carefully and didn't account for unexpected things like train track repairs or flight delays. These surprises messed up my plans.

Now that I have more experience traveling, I make sure to have extra time in my schedule to deal with unexpected situations.

Conclusion: Cologne to Essen

In conclusion, getting from Cologne to Essen is quick and convenient with multiple ways to do it!

If you want the fastest route - book tickets to take an InterCity Express train.

For the cheapest option, take a bus. Book your tickets here.

If you want a more comfortable ride and are carrying lots of luggage - maybe a private transfer suits you more.

If you're planning to make a day trips or a few pitstops along the way - renting a car is your best bet.

No matter what you pick – train, taxi, or renting a car – the trip won't eat up more than an hour. So, there's really no excuse not to go for it. I'd say go ahead and start prepping now!

Related:

• Cologne to Duisburg: By Train, Boat or Bus?
• Cologne to Bochum: By Train, Bus, Taxi?
• Cologne to Gelsenkirchen: By Train, Bus, Taxi?

FAQs

1. What are the transportation options for getting from Cologne to Essen?

You can travel by train, bus or car to get from Cologne to Essen.

2. How long does it take to travel from Cologne to Essen by train?

The travel time from Cologne to Essen is approximately 45 min to 1 hour.

3. Are there direct trains available between Cologne and Essen?

Yes, there are direct trains available that connect Cologne and Essen.

4. How much does it cost to travel from Cologne to Essen by train?

The ticket prices for a one-way journey from Cologne to Essen vary depending on the type of train and class you choose. It typically ranges between $10-30.

5. Can I use public transportation like buses within Essen after arriving?

Yes, there is an extensive network of buses and trams in Essen that you can use for local transportation once you arrive in the city.