The cheapest and fastest buses from Brussels to Essen
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 51 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
68 km
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 $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 11 buses that leave Brussels for Essen on Fri, Jun 19, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 3 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 35 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 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$291One-way0 transfers
9:15 AM3h45Brussels1:00 PMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
11:20 AM4h50Brussels4:10 PMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM4h00Brussels6:30 PMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
5:10 PM3h55Brussels9:05 PMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
9:15 AM3h35Brussels12:50 PMEssen$341One-way1 transfer
9:15 AM3h45Brussels1:00 PMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
5:10 PM3h55Brussels9:05 PMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM4h00Brussels6:30 PMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
9:25 PM4h00Brussels1:25 AMEssen$291One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Brussels to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, and a bus costs an average of $29.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price | $15 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 7m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels to Essen:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Brussels to Essen costing on average $32 (€26).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 37m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $46 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $15 (€12). The journey takes 5h 37m versus 1h 30m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
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, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Live departures
Brussels to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| 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 | |
![]() | 11:20 AM Brussels | 4h50 | 4:10 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:10 PM Brussels | 4h35 | 4:45 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:30 PM Brussels | 4h00 | 6:30 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:45 PM Brussels | 6h45 | 10:30 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:10 PM Brussels | 3h55 | 9:05 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 PM Brussels | 6h55 | 3:55 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:25 PM Brussels | 4h00 | 1:25 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels to Essen by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Why should you book Brussels to Essen buses with Omio?
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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Brussels to Essen
Buses from Brussels to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $11 (€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.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€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 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Brussels to EssenYou can travel by bus between Brussels to Essen with FlixBus for as low as $11 (€9). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Brussels to Essen
Most Brussels to Essen buses use the Brussel-Zuid/Midi to Roosendaal station pair. Use this guide to compare Brussels and Essen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Brussels station do buses to Essen leave from?
Getting to Brussel-Zuid/Midi from Brussels city centre
Brussel-Zuid/Midi is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussel-Zuid/Midi bus station facilities and services
Brussel-Zuid/Midi has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussel-Zuid/Midi: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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
