- Must visit
KMSKA
Regional art museum in nearby Antwerp with strong old masters collections, worth the short trip from Essen.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Brussels to Essen
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
€24
Average price
€26
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 40 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
68 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus 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 €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Brussels for Essen on Tue, Aug 04, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 4 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 5 h 50 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.
5:15 AM5h50Brussels11:05 AMEssen€241One-way0 transfers- 9:15 AM3h45Brussels1:00 PMEssen€241One-way0 transfers
- 10:55 AM4h00Brussels2:55 PMEssen€241One-way0 transfers
- 11:20 AM4h50Brussels4:10 PMEssen€241One-way0 transfers
- 5:35 PM4h55Brussels10:30 PMEssen€281One-way1 transfer
- 9:15 AM3h45Brussels1:00 PMEssen€241One-way0 transfers
- 10:55 AM4h00Brussels2:55 PMEssen€241One-way0 transfers
- 11:20 AM4h50Brussels4:10 PMEssen€241One-way0 transfers
- 5:35 PM4h55Brussels10:30 PMEssen€281One-way1 transfer
- 5:15 AM5h50Brussels11:05 AMEssen€241One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Brussels to Essen
BelgiumBelgium
Buses from Brussels to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €24 but you can travel from only €9 by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:15, the last at 21:25. The fastest bus covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 3h 35m.
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
Train from €9
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 35m |
First bus 4:15 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train from €9
Brussels to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €6 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Live departures
Brussels to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:15 AM Brussels | 8h30 | 12:45 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 5:15 AM Brussels | 5h50 | 11:05 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:15 AM Brussels | 3h35 | 12:50 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:15 AM Brussels | 3h45 | 1:00 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:55 AM Brussels | 4h00 | 2:55 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:20 AM Brussels | 4h50 | 4:10 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:30 PM Brussels | 4h00 | 6:30 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:35 PM Brussels | 4h55 | 10:30 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:00 PM Brussels | 6h55 | 3:55 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:25 PM Brussels | 4h00 | 1:25 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Brussels to Essen buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Brussels to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brussels to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Brussels to Essen.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Brussels to EssenYou can travel by bus between Brussels to Essen with FlixBus for as low as €9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
€24
FlixBus frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Recommended
Treinmuseum Essen
Railway museum in Essen’s old station area with locomotives, rolling stock, and exhibits on cross-border rail history.
- Recommended
Bezoekerscentrum De Vroente
Nearby botanical and heritage museum site in Kalmthout, valued for nature collections and regional cultural context.
- Must visit
Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide
Major heathland and forest reserve on the Belgian-Dutch border, ideal for walking, cycling, birdwatching, and quiet landscapes.
- Recommended
Heuvelplein
Central square and civic area of Essen, practical for orientation and local events, with easy access to shops and services.
- Recommended
Domein de Hemelrijk
Green domain with ponds and walking paths, popular for a relaxed stroll and nature close to the town center.
- Gluten-free
Kempense Asperges
Kempense asperges are local white asparagus, often served in season with butter sauce, egg, and ham. The sandy Kempen soils around Essen are known for quality asparagus.
- Gluten-free
Asperges Op Vlaamse Wijze
Asperges op Vlaamse wijze pairs white asparagus with chopped egg, melted butter, parsley, and often shrimp. It is a classic Flemish spring dish popular in the region.
- Gluten-free
Paling In 'T Groen
Paling in 't groen is eel in a sauce of fresh green herbs. It is a traditional Flemish dish, especially associated with river and polder areas of northern Belgium.
De Heusche Bollaert
Reputed dining venue near Essen with polished seasonal cuisine, suitable for a more upscale meal with attentive service.
De Kiekenhoeve
Established restaurant in Essen known for refined Belgian-French cooking and seasonal produce in an elegant, calm setting.
Brasserie Essen
Well-known local brasserie serving classic Belgian dishes and beers in a relaxed atmosphere suited to casual lunches and dinners.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Tourist costs are lower than Brussels or Bruges but higher than smaller towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
De Lijn
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.50
- Day pass
- €7.50
To the city center
Essen Station -> Essen Markt, Essen
- Distance
- 450 m
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on De Lijn buses and trams for the standard fare. Buying in the app can offer additional ticket options.
- At Essen station, regional train services are run by NMBS while local buses are run by De Lijn. Check the operator before buying a ticket.
FAQs: Bus from Brussels to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels to Essen by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Brussels to Essen can start from as little as €24 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Brussels to Essen is €26 ; 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 bus from Brussels to Essen is 3h 35m to travel the 42 miles (68 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Brussels to Essen leaves at 4:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Brussels to Essen leaves at 9:25 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Brussels to Essen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Brussels to Essen, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Essen. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Brussels and Essen and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Brussels and Essen including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Brussels to Essen for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Brussels to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Brussels to Essen depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Brussels to Essen.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Brussels to Essen:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Brussels to Essen:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Brussels to Essen. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Brussels to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Brussels to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Brussels to Essen with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Essen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular shopping streets. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overcharging in taxis can also occur. Staying alert in busy places and using licensed transportation helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus 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 buses to and from Essen and Brussels
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