Dusseldorf to Essen: By Train, Taxi or Bus?

As I live near Cologne, friends visiting here often ask me about the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel to neighboring cities. One of the most common questions is "What's the best way to get from Düsseldorf to Essen?"

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available from Düsseldorf, whether it is by train, bus, car rental and even flight! Each one has its pros and cons, which I'll outline below.

So keep reading to find out the best ways to get from Düsseldorf 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.

How far is Essen from Düsseldorf?

The two cities are approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) apart, and well-connected to each other.

The time taken varies depending on which mode of transport and which route you take.

Hopping on a train will whisk you from Düsseldorf to Essen in about 25 min to 35 min! Taking a bus takes 40 min.

Düsseldorf to Essen by Train

 Time: 5/5
Price: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5

 Convenience: 4/5

Ask anyone from here and they'll say getting from Düsseldorf 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 best train systems globally. It's quick, on time, and reasonably priced—sometimes almost as budget-friendly as taking the bus.

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

In the city center, this station is easily accessible from other parts of Düsseldorf, wherever you're coming from. It has domestic, international, as well as regional train services.

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, when traveling between Düsseldorf and Essen. [1] This is the fastest train, and you can get a ticket under a few euros 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 Düsseldorf 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.

5. Arrival in Dusseldorf: Your train will arrive at Essen Hauptbahnhof, the central train station in Essen.

Clear signs will guide you to the tram station or taxi stand, so don't worry about losing your way. The station also has a convenience store, which comes in handy for grabbing a snack for the road.

Düsseldorf to Essen by Bus

Time: 3/5
Price: 5/5
 Comfort: 3/5

Convenience: 3/5

The bus offers you the most budget-friendly option, with fares starting at just €10. The journey takes around 40 min.

1. Departure from Düsseldorf: Your journey typically begins at Düsseldorf Central Bus Station.

In the city center, this station is easily accessible from other parts of Düsseldorf by public transport, wherever you're coming from.

2. Purchase Your Ticket: You can easily buy your bus tickets from Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf-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 Düsseldorf 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.

Düsseldorf to Essen by Private Transfer

Time: 4/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

Convenience: 5/5

While private transfers may cost a bit more than 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. Depending on traffic, it can take around 30 mins or more.

Düsseldorf to Essen by Taxi

Time: 3.5/5
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 Düsseldorf to Essen

Time: 3/5
Price: 3/5
 Comfort: 5/5

 Convenience: 5/5

If your goal is simply to get from Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf car rentals?

Renting a car in Düsseldorf comes with varying costs, depending on factors like the rental company, car type, and the time of year.

For an economy car with full coverage insurance, budget around €28 per day.

While online prices may seem as low as €4, it's essential to note that these rates only account for the car rental itself.

Additional expenses such as insurance, taxes, and fees are not included, and they can accumulate. To be on the safe side, anticipate the total daily cost to be at least €28 or potentially higher.

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.

Additionally, certain rental car companies include fire insurance in the rental rate when you make a booking.

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 Düsseldorf to Essen?

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

The drive from Düsseldorf to Essen 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 Düsseldorf or Essen. [2]

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

Tips for Traveling from Düsseldorf 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 Düsseldorf 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.

I used to plan my trips down to the minute, but unexpected train track maintenance or flight delays still managed to throw a wrench into my plans.

As an "experienced" traveler, these days I've learned to allow for some extra time in my itinerary.

Conclusion: Düsseldorf to Essen

In conclusion, getting from Essen to Düsseldorf 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 (but longest), book tickets for a bus ride.

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:

• Dusseldorf to Munster: Is Taking the Train the Best Way?
• Dusseldorf to Duisburg: By Train, Tram or Bus?
• Dusseldorf to Bochum: By Train, Tram or Bus?

FAQs

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

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

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

The travel time from Düsseldorf to Essen is approximately 25-35 minutes.

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

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

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

The ticket prices for a one-way journey from Düsseldorf to Essen vary depending on the type of train and class you choose. It typically ranges between $10-20.

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.