4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Essen
Cheapest price
€67
Average price
€97
Fastest journey
2 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
12
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 €97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €67.
Of the 12 trains that leave Brussels for Essen on Mon, Dec 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 29 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 50 m .
On Mon, Dec 29 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.
9459
IC 513 · 18953 · 26429 · 10159ICE 15 · ICE 1032ICE 17 · 28524 · 10227ICE 17 · 2682794599471ICE 15 · ICE 1032ICE 17 · 28524 · 10227ICE 13 · 28512 · 10215
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, Sunday, December 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9459 | 4:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 2h50 | 7:15 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9471 | 6:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 2h50 | 9:15 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, December 29 | |||||
| ICE 13 · 26815 | On time 7:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 10:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 13 · 28512 · 10215 | On time 7:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h12 | 10:37 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 15 · ICE 1032 | 9:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h08 | 12:33 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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.
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 01
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Jan 03
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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.
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 |
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
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
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
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.
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Brussels to Essen
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 21:30
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
- Baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
- Pullman Hotel Bar
- Quick Gare du Midi
- Subway
- EXKi Zuid
- Starbucks
- Häagen-Dazs
- Sbarro
- The Coffee Club
- The Belgian Chocolate House
- PAUL
- & many more
- 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.
- Les Lofts De Styliste
- Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
- Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
- Located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
- 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.
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue du Progrès.
- Chabrol Brasserie
- Winok Café
- Félix Wine Bar
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- €0.50
- Hotel Progress
- Hilton Brussels City
- Hotel Siru
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
- Metro: Line 3, Line 4
- Tram: Line 25, Line 55
- Bus: Several lines available
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
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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