Essen to Brussels train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC)

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
National Express
Regionale
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
National Express
Regionale
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Brussels

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

€78

Average price

€87

Fastest journey

2 h 55 m

Average duration

3 h 6 m

Trains per day

17

Distance

198 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Brussels will cost around €87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €78.

Fast trains

Of the 17 trains that leave Essen for Brussels on Thu, Nov 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 3 h 17 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.

Deutsche BahnEC 7 · ICE 316
08:00AM3h26
Essen Hbf
11:26AMBrussels-North
781One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRE 26808 · ICE 316
08:09AM3h26
Essen Hbf
11:35AMBrussels-Midi
791One-way
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnRE 10206 · ICE 121 · ICE 316
08:21AM3h14
Essen Hbf
11:35AMBrussels-Midi
791One-way
2 transfers
Eurostar9414
05:40AM2h55
Essen Hbf
08:35AMBrussels-Midi
791One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche BahnIC 2013 · ICE 16
10:14AM3h21
Essen Hbf
01:35PMBrussels-Midi
831One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Brussels

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Brussels 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 15m. 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 €162.

Distance: 198 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€79

Average price

€23

Average price

Cheapest

€330

Average price

3h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 32m

Average total duration

4h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 58m

Average total duration

6h 58m

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

Essen to Brussels train times

Showing trains for today, Wednesday, November 5
Last updated at 12:40 AM
Last updated at 12:40 AM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
eurostar-direct94144:40 AM Essen Hbf
2h55
7:35 AM Brussels-Midi0 transfersDirect
eurostar-direct94266:35 AM Essen Hbf
3h00
9:35 AM Brussels-Midi0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahnEC 7 · ICE 316
Delayed
7:18 AM 7:00 AMEssen Hbf
3h26
10:26 AM Brussels-North
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnEC 7 · ICE 316
Delayed
7:18 AM 7:00 AMEssen Hbf
3h35
10:35 AM Brussels-Midi
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnEC 7 · ICE 16
Delayed
7:18 AM 7:00 AMEssen Hbf
5h26
12:26 PM Brussels-North
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnRE 26808 · ICE 316
On time
7:09 AM Essen Hbf
3h17
10:26 AM Brussels-North
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnRE 26808 · ICE 316
On time
7:09 AM Essen Hbf
3h26
10:35 AM Brussels-Midi
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnRE 10206 · ICE 121 · ICE 16
On time
7:21 AM Essen Hbf
5h05
12:26 PM Brussels-North
2 transfers
deutsche_bahnRE 10206 · ICE 121 · ICE 316
On time
7:21 AM Essen Hbf
3h14
10:35 AM Brussels-Midi
2 transfers
deutsche_bahnRE 10206 · ICE 121 · ICE 314
On time
7:21 AM Essen Hbf
7h05
2:26 PM Brussels-North
2 transfers
deutsche_bahnRE 10206 · ICE 121 · ICE 316
On time
7:21 AM Essen Hbf
3h05
10:26 AM Brussels-North
2 transfers
deutsche_bahnRE 10114 · RE 26410 · RE 18926 · IC 534
On time
7:45 AM Essen Hbf
4h18
12:03 PM Brussels-Midi
3 transfers
deutsche_bahnICE 1031 · ICE 314
On time
7:56 AM Essen Hbf
6h30
2:26 PM Brussels-North
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 1031 · ICE 16
On time
7:56 AM Essen Hbf
4h30
12:26 PM Brussels-North
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 27 · ICE 16
On time
8:00 AM Essen Hbf
4h26
12:26 PM Brussels-North
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnICE 27 · ICE 314
On time
8:00 AM Essen Hbf
6h26
2:26 PM Brussels-North
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnIC 2013 · ICE 16
On time
9:14 AM Essen Hbf
3h21
12:35 PM Brussels-Midi
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnRB 10323 · ICE 225 · RE 28513 · ICE 16
On time
9:16 AM Essen Hbf
3h19
12:35 PM Brussels-Midi
3 transfers
deutsche_bahnRE 26816 · ICE 314
On time
11:09 AM Essen Hbf
3h26
2:35 PM Brussels-Midi
1 transfer
deutsche_bahnRE 10214 · ICE 123 · ICE 314
On time
11:21 AM Essen Hbf
3h14
2:35 PM Brussels-Midi
2 transfers
deutsche_bahnRE 10130 · RE 26418 · RE 18942 · IC 538
On time
11:45 AM Essen Hbf
4h18
4:03 PM Brussels-Midi
3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Brussels by train, bus, or flight

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Brussels

GermanyGermany
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train
Trains from Essen to Brussels run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €42 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
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 15m
Cheapest ticket price
€42
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 55m
First train
00:20
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, National Express from Essen to Brussels trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, National Express trains will get you between Essen and Brussels 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
3h 12m
Cheapest Price
€58
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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.
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.
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.
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
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
€62
Eurostar frequency
2 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

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
€57
National Express frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Brussels

FAQs: Travel by train from Essen to Brussels easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Essen to Brussels.
FAQs
The train time from Essen to Brussels is on average 2 h 59 min   for the 197 km long journey, but the time it takes to go between Essen and Brussels by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Essen to Brussels leaves at 04: 40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Essen to Brussels leaves at 19: 18.
There are 3 trains a day from Essen to Brussels which require at least one change with Deutsche Bahn or Eurostar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
The high-speed Eurostar train from Essen to Brussels takes around 2 h 56 min.
Take the Essen to Brussels train with Deutsche Bahn or Eurostar. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the journey from Essen to Brussels as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 19: 18.

When departing from Essen, you have various train station options to start your route from including Essen Hbf, Essen-Altenessen station and Essen-Werden station. When arriving in Brussels, you can end your journey in train stations like Brussels-Midi, Brussels-Central and Brussels-North.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Essen Hbf, which is located around 1 mile (1.6 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Brussels-Midi, located 2 miles (3.2 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Essen to Brussels by train is February.
You have options as you can travel from Essen to Brussels 2 different ways: coach or train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Brussels

Essen
Brussels
The major train station for departures in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
Essen HbfWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
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
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Kiepenkerl
  • Cafe Extrablatt
  • Tacos
Hotel
Hotel
  • Ambassador
  • Gästearpartment Dahl
  • WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
  • Motel One
Essen-SteeleWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Dining
Dining
  • Bootshaus Ruhreck
  • Da Vinici
  • Asia-Nudeln
  • Bacchos
Hotel
Hotel
  • Zur Guten Quelle
  • Hotel Töff-Töff
  • Budike
Essen SüdWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
  • Haus Wilmes
  • Mana Mana
  • Karawane
Hotel
Hotel
  • Webers
Essen WestWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Pizzeria Don Camillo
  • Lindos
  • Zur Platte
  • Arman Döner
Hotel
Hotel
  • McDreams
Essen-AltenessenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Werner
  • Bückmannsmühle
  • Muckel-Eis
Essen-WerdenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Dining
Dining
  • Kettner's Kamota
  • Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
  • La Piazzetta
  • Pia
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Hohenstein
  • Domstuben

Most popular train connections from Essen

More options for your journey from Essen to Brussels

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to BrusselsEssen to Brussels train

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