Default HTG hotel image

$23 Cheap Flights to Essen

View $23 flight on Sat, Sep 26, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

How much is the cheapest flight to Essen?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $23 for one-way flights and $43 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Ryanair
Lufthansa
KLM
Swiss International Air Lines
Austrian Airlines

What you need to know for your flight to Essen

Flights to Essen at a glance

Traveling to Essen is a breeze—simply select from a range of full-service or budget airlines, compare travel times, and choose the best flight that aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Major airports near Essen: Hannover Airport (HAJ), Bremen Airport (BRE)
  • Closest airport to Essen: Bremen Airport, BRE (around 22 miles)
  • Flights per week: 190+ flights arriving across Essen airports
  • Number of airlines that fly to Essen: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Essen

Essen is a charming village that attracts travelers seeking outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, romance, adventure, and family experiences. It is conveniently served by two major airports.

  • Hannover Airport (HAJ): Situated in the Hannover District of Lower Saxony, this airport is approximately 36 miles from Essen. It offers a range of domestic and international flights, linking travelers to about 2 domestic cities and 15 international destinations. Passengers can opt for an upgrade to business class for enhanced comfort, subject to specific routes and airlines. Major carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and United operate here.
  • Bremen Airport (BRE): Found in Bremen, roughly 22 miles from Essen, this airport caters to both domestic and international travelers, connecting to around 1 domestic city and 9 international locations. Travelers have the option to upgrade to business class for more luxurious service, depending on their chosen airline and route. Notable airlines at this airport include United, Lufthansa, and Ryanair.

Top routes to Essen

  • London (LHR/STN) to Essen (HAJ/BRE), with one-way fares starting at around $30
  • Boston (BOS) to Essen (HAJ/BRE), with one-way fares starting at around $260
  • Washington (IAD) to Essen (HAJ/BRE), with one-way fares starting at around $300
  • New York (JFK) to Essen (HAJ/BRE), with one-way airfare from around $270
  • Chicago (ORD) to Essen (HAJ/BRE), with one-way tickets available from around $300

Cheapest routes to Essen

  • London (LHR/STN) to Essen (HAJ/BRE), with affordable one-way prices from around $30
  • Barcelona (BCN) to Essen (HAJ), with affordable one-way prices from around $55
  • Frankfurt (FRA) to Essen (HAJ/BRE), with cheap one-way fares from around $100
  • Munich (MUC) to Essen (HAJ), with affordable one-way prices from around $120
  • Paris (CDG) to Essen (HAJ), with budget one-way fares from around $190

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Essen

  • Lufthansa: Offers flights to Hannover Airport (HAJ) and Bremen Airport (BRE), making up nearly 32% of arrivals to Essen. The typical one-way fare is around $420, with options for premium cabins that may include business class depending on the route.
  • British Airways: Provides service to Hannover Airport (HAJ), contributing approximately 18% of arrivals to Essen. Average one-way fares are about $380, with potential premium cabins that may feature business class, subject to the specific route.
  • United: Connects to Hannover Airport (HAJ) and Bremen Airport (BRE), representing around 16% of arrivals to Essen. The average one-way fare stands at roughly $630.
  • Delta: Operates flights to both Hannover Airport (HAJ) and Bremen Airport (BRE), accounting for about 7% of arrivals to Essen. One-way fares are typically around $530.
  • Ryanair: Serves Bremen Airport (BRE) and makes up roughly 5% of arrivals to Essen. The average one-way fare is a budget-friendly approximately $60.

How to save money on a flight to Essen

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Essen is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
  3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
  4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
  5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Essen flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Essen

Essen welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Essen efficiently:

  • Public transportation: From Hannover Airport, the Hannover Airport S-Bahn, a metro station, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while the Mecklenheidestraße Bus Stop, a bus station, is situated approximately 5.9 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, the Mittelland Canal Seaport, a seaport, is about 5.4 miles away by car.
  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Essen, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car in Essen is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Essen on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Essen

  • Bruchhausen-Vilsen: Located 4 miles away from Essen, Bruchhausen-Vilsen is a charming city perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic scenery. The area is dotted with beautiful natural landmarks such as a serene lake and lush forests. Travelers can explore the quaint Schnoor Quarter, ideal for a city getaway, and immerse themselves in the history at St. Cyriakus Church and Verden Cathedral, both significant cultural sites that enhance the city’s allure.
  • Warpe: Warpe is located 4 miles away from Essen and offers a delightful escape for adventure enthusiasts. This city is surrounded by lush forests, making it ideal for exploring nature. One of the highlights is Lake Steinhuder, a romantic spot perfect for a beach day or scenic stroll. Additionally, visitors can check out the Museumsdruckerei Hoya, where technology and history come together, along with the beautiful St. Cyriakus Church in nearby Bruchhausen-Vilsen, enriching your cultural experience.
  • Asendorf: Essen is situated in Asendorf, a picturesque city that attracts visitors looking for outdoor experiences and beautiful scenery. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Steinhuder Meer Nature Park, a stunning preserve perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Families can enjoy a fun day at Ritter Rost Magic Park, a theme park filled with entertainment options. Don't miss the historic Verden Cathedral, which offers a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage.

Tips for short-haul flights to Essen

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

  • Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Save space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This strategy also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
  • Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights do not provide in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking traffic and security lines into account.
  • Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Essen

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

  • Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in becomes available, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier than this.
  • Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
  • Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
  • Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to align your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to reflect your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight in accordance with the local time at your arrival location to help minimize jet lag.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the cheapest to fly to Essen?
The cheapest month to fly to Essen is September when there's less demand. Off-peak months are often when you'll find cheap flights. To keep costs down, avoid flying during public holidays and school breaks.
Which US cities fly direct to Essen?
Direct flights make travel a little easier. When browsing on Expedia, choose "Direct flights only" and we'll show you the nonstop options to fly to Essen.
How to find a cheap flight to Essen?
If you're searching for cheap flights to Essen, consider low-season travel. Booking as early as possible is also likely to help you score savings. Or, fly on a different day — flights on a Thursday are on average 16% cheaper than Sunday options.* Sign up to receive price alerts on the Expedia app and get notifications as soon as fares fall.*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Essen?
Although booking in advance is typically the easiest way to save cash, don't worry if your Essen trip is last minute. It's still possible to find cheap flights to Essen, especially if your plans have a little wiggle room. Try switching up your trip dates, looking at different ticket options or jetting out of an alternative airport.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Essen?
Book your flight to Essen two to four months ahead if you're flying in from an international destination. For domestic travel, the usual timeframe is 28 days in advance. Cheaper fares and a wider variety of departure dates, schedules and seating options are just some of the awesome benefits of booking early.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Essen?
Generally, you can get cheap flights to Essen on a Sunday. Travelers can save around 8% on average compared to those who book on a Friday, which is typically the most expensive day to purchase tickets.**Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Where do you fly into Essen?
Essen's main airport is Bremen Airport (BRE). If you want some nearby alternatives when flying to Essen, check out Hannover Airport (HAJ), Bremerhaven (BRV-Bremerhaven Regional) or Hildesheim Airport (ZNO). You can also opt to fly to Essen through Bielefeld (BFE).
Can I save money by booking an Essen trip package?
It's possible to save hundreds of dollars if you choose an Essen flight and hotel package deal on Expedia. And you'll make life easier by having all your travel arrangements in one place. Try bundling hotels and flights with extras like activities and car rentals for your own personalized Essen break.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Essen?
It's usually possible to cancel or change your flight to Essen. Many airlines let you cancel your flight for free within 24 hours of making your booking. However, some flights are non-refundable, and airlines may offer you a credit toward future flights rather than a direct refund. To find cheap flights to Essen with flexible change policies, check the "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" filters when you search. Need more information? Check out our Customer Service Portal.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

Book with confidence

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Essen

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Essen on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

September is the cheapest month to fly to Essen. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Essen. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Essen, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Essen

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Essen in 2026 starts from from $43, while one-way tickets start from from $23. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Essen. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Essen

Ryanair, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Air France, Austrian Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Essen. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Essen and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Essen, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Essen. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Essen plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Essen

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Essen.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Essen are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Essen. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Essen for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Essen. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Essen flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Essen. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Essen

Travel information

Destination airport
Bremen
Destination airport IATA code
BRE
Destination city name
Bremen
Roundtrip price
$42

Trending flights to Essen

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $23 for one-way flights and $43 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Swiss International Air Lines

Explore a world of travel with Expedia