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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Essen
Cheapest price
€70
Average price
€109
Fastest journey
3 h 12 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels to Essen will cost around €109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €70.
It's difficult to get from Brussels to Essen without transferring at least once.
IC 509 · R 16937 · IC 2748 · 3224610:56 AM4h18Brussels-Midi3:14 PMEssen Hbf€701One-way5 transfers- EC 9231 · IC 13941 · IC 3541 · 2008310:44 AM4h30Brussels-Midi3:14 PMEssen Hbf€721One-way4 transfers
- ICE 17 · 268272:25 PM3h25Brussels-Midi5:50 PMEssen Hbf€971One-way1 transfer
- ICE 315 · 28520 · 3299412:25 PM3h12Brussels-Midi3:37 PMEssen Hbf€1061One-way2 transfers
- ICE 315 · 2682312:25 PM3h25Brussels-Midi3:50 PMEssen Hbf€1061One-way1 transfer
- ICE 13 · 28512 · 329788:25 AM3h12Brussels-Midi11:37 AMEssen Hbf€1131One-way2 transfers
- ICE 315 · 28520 · 3299412:25 PM3h12Brussels-Midi3:37 PMEssen Hbf€1061One-way2 transfers
- ICE 17 · 28524 · 214452:25 PM3h12Brussels-Midi5:37 PMEssen Hbf€1141One-way2 transfers
- ICE 15 · 28516 · 3298610:25 AM3h13Brussels-Midi1:38 PMEssen Hbf€1501One-way2 transfers
- ICE 13 · 268158:25 AM3h25Brussels-Midi11:50 AMEssen Hbf€1131One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Brussels to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a flight costs an average of €118.
Distance: 198 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€79 Average price | €23 Average price Cheapest | €365 Average price |
3h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 43m Average total duration 6h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Brussels to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 19 · IC 2349 | On time 6:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h34 | 9:59 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 19 · 28532 · 21495 | On time 6:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h12 | 9:37 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| EC 9263 · IC 3973 · IC 3573 · 20099 | 6:44 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h30 | 11:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| ECD 9571 · IC 2077 · IC 60403 · 89741 | 6:49 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h38 | 11:27 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 517 · R 5020 · 10342 · 26839 | 6:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h54 | 11:50 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| IC 517 · R 16969 · IC 2980 · 32278 | 6:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h18 | 11:14 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
| ICE 319 · S6 · S1 | On time 8:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h00 | 12:25 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 319 · ICE 100 | On time 8:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h13 | 12:38 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| IC 519 · R 16977 · Bus 16278 · 18981 | 8:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 7h54 | 4:50 AM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
| IC 520 · R 16981 · IC 2992 · 32290 | 9:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 8h18 | 6:14 AM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
| IC 521 · R 5005 · 10312 | 10:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 9h47 | 8:43 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, August 14 | |||||
| ICE 13 · 26815 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 11:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 13 · 28512 · 32978 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h12 | 11:37 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 15 · 26819 | On time 10:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 1:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 15 · 28516 · 32986 | On time 10:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h13 | 1:38 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| EC 9231 · IC 13941 · IC 3541 · 20083 | 10:44 AM Brussels-Midi | 4h30 | 3:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| IC 509 · R 16937 · IC 2748 · 32246 | 10:56 AM Brussels-Midi | 4h18 | 3:14 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
| ICE 315 · 28520 · 32994 | On time 12:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h12 | 3:37 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 315 · 26823 | On time 12:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 3:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 17 · 28524 · 21445 | On time 2:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h12 | 5:37 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 17 · 26827 | On time 2:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 5:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels to Essen by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
Aug 20
Why should you book Brussels to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Brussels to Essen.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Brussels to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Brussels to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels to Essen
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Brussels to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €44 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 198 km distance in 1h 37m.
Distance 198 km |
Average train duration 3h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price €44 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 10:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB from Brussels to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), SNCB trains will get you between Brussels and Essen from €14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
SNCB
FAQs: Trains from Brussels to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels to Essen by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Brussels to Essen
Most Brussels to Essen trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Brussels and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Brussels station do trains to Essen leave from?
Getting to Bruxelles-Midi from Brussels city centre
Bruxelles-Midi train station facilities and services
Bruxelles-Midi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pullman Hotel Bar, Quick Gare du Midi, Subway, EXKi Zuid, Starbucks, Häagen-Dazs, Sbarro, The Coffee Club, The Belgian Chocolate House, PAUL, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Midi: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
Getting to Bruxelles-Central from Brussels city centre
Bruxelles-Central train station facilities and services
Bruxelles-Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00. Information desks are travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Central: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with limited mobility: elevators and escalators to platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, barrier-free toilets and accessible parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.
Getting to Brussels-Nord from Brussels city centre
Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Nord train station facilities and services
Brussels-Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.
Which Essen station do trains from Brussels arrive at?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden train station facilities and services
Essen-Werden has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
More options for your journey from Brussels to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Brussels
Most popular train connections to Essen
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