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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Essen
Showing times and prices for Nov 13
Cheapest price
€65
Average price
€79
Fastest journey
2 h 43 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
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 €79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €65.
Fast trains
Of the 17 trains that leave Brussels for Essen on Thu, Nov 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 43 m .
On Thu, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 3 h 12 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 17 · IC 201202:25PM3h15
Brussels-Midi05:40PMEssen Hbf
€651One-way
1 transfer
ICE 17 · RE 28524 · RE 1022702:25PM3h12
Brussels-Midi05:37PMEssen Hbf
€731One-way
2 transfers
ICE 315 · RE 28520 · RE 1022312:25PM3h11
Brussels-Midi03:36PMEssen Hbf
€731One-way
2 transfers
ICE 315 · RE 2682312:25PM3h25
Brussels-Midi03:50PMEssen Hbf
€731One-way
1 transfer
ICE 15 · RE 28516 · RE 1021910:25AM3h12
Brussels-Midi01:37PMEssen Hbf
€771One-way
2 transfers
945905:25PM2h43
Brussels-Midi08:08PMEssen Hbf
€1061One-way
0 transfers
947107:25PM2h50
Brussels-Midi10:15PMEssen Hbf
€771One-way
0 transfers
ICE 315 · RE 28520 · RE 1022312:25PM3h11
Brussels-Midi03:36PMEssen Hbf
€731One-way
2 transfers
ICE 17 · RE 28524 · RE 1022702:25PM3h12
Brussels-Midi05:37PMEssen Hbf
€731One-way
2 transfers
ICE 15 · RE 28516 · RE 1021910:25AM3h12
Brussels-Midi01:37PMEssen Hbf
€771One-way
2 transfers
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 10m. 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 €161.
Distance: 198 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€90 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €430 Average price |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 54m Average total duration 8h 54m 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, Wednesday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 2:20 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICE 13 · RE 28512 · RE 10215 | On time 7:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h12 | 10:37 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 13 · RE 26815 | On time 7:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 15 · RE 28516 · RE 10219 | On time 9:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h12 | 12:37 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 15 · RE 26819 | On time 9:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 12:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| 9459 | 4:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 2h43 | 7:08 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9471 | 6:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 2h50 | 9:15 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels to Essen
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Brussels to Essen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €49 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 2h 33m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €14
Distance 198 km |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €49 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 22:56 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €14
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Österreichische Bundesbahnen from Brussels to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Österreichische Bundesbahnen 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
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
€49
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 43m
Cheapest Price
€39
Eurostar frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 34m
Österreichische Bundesbahnen frequency
1 a day
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.
Cheap train tickets from Brussels to Essen can start from as little as €37 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Brussels to Essen is €74; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Brussels to Essen is 2 h 33 min to travel the 197 km long route, with around there are 9 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Brussels to Essen leaves at 02: 09. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Brussels to Essen leaves at 22: 57.
Yes, there is 1 direct train a day from Brussels to Essen with Eurostar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Essen. Take the fast train with Eurostar from Brussels to Essen.
The high-speed Eurostar train from Brussels to Essen takes around 2 h 42 min.
For the trip from Brussels to Essen you can take a train with Deutsche Bahn or Eurostar. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services to Essen from Brussels on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 22: 57.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Brussels-Midi, which is located around 2 miles (3.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Essen Hbf, located 1 mile (1.6 km) away from the city centre.
A trip to Essen from Brussels is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 33 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Brussels to Essen is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Brussels to Essen including taking a train or coach.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Brussels to Essen
Brussels
Essen
The major train station for departures in Brussels is Brussels-Nord. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Brussels-Nord for your trip from Brussels to Essen.
Brussels-Nord
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
12Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue du Progrès.
Dining
- Chabrol Brasserie
- Winok Café
- Félix Wine Bar
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Hotel Progress
- Hilton Brussels City
- Hotel Siru
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
Public transit options for Brussels-Nord
- Metro: Line 3, Line 4
- Tram: Line 25, Line 55
- Bus: Several lines available
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Dining
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Accessibility
- 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.
Hotel
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Information Desk
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Public transit options for Bruxelles-Central
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 21:30
Wifi
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
Lockers
- Baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Dining
- Pullman Hotel Bar
- Quick Gare du Midi
- Subway
- EXKi Zuid
- Starbucks
- Häagen-Dazs
- Sbarro
- The Coffee Club
- The Belgian Chocolate House
- PAUL
- & many more
Accessibility
- 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.
Hotel
- Les Lofts De Styliste
- Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
- Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
Information Desk
- Located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Brussels-Luxembourg
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 kmNumber of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Rue de Trèves.
Dining
- The Twelve
- Le Grand Central
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Thon Hotel EU
- Aloft Brussels Schuman
- Sofitel Brussels Europe
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to Luxembourg, France, and Germany
- Hall 2: access to European Parliament
Public transit options for Brussels-Luxembourg
- Metro: Line 1, Line 5
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 81
Brussels-Schuman
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
2 kmNumber of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking options in the European Quarter.
Dining
- The Twelve
- Kafenio
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Brussels - Schuman
- Aloft Brussels Schuman
- Sofitel Brussels Europe
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to local, regional, and international destinations
- Hall 2: metro and bus connections
Public transit options for Brussels-Schuman
- Metro: Line 1, Line 5
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 81
Etterbeek
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmThe major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Brussels.
Essen Hbf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Essen-Steele
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmDining
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
Hotel
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
Essen West
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Essen-Altenessen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Essen-Eiberg
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
6 kmDining
- Zur Krone
- Hannappel
- Pizzeria Roma
- Horster Döner
Most popular train connections from Brussels
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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