Brussels to Essen bus with FlixBus

Fri, Jun 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Brussels to Essen

Showing times and prices for Jun 19

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

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 $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.

Fast buses

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.

  • FlixBus
    5:15 AM5h50
    Brussels
    11:05 AMEssen
    $291One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    9:15 AM3h45
    Brussels
    1:00 PMEssen
    $291One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    11:20 AM4h50
    Brussels
    4:10 PMEssen
    $291One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    2:30 PM4h00
    Brussels
    6:30 PMEssen
    $291One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    5:10 PM3h55
    Brussels
    9:05 PMEssen
    $291One-way
    0 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

The cheapest way to travel from Brussels to Essen is a train with an average price of $15 (€12).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Brussels to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 38m.

Other travel options to Essen take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 37m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Brussels and Essen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Brussels to Essen among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBus4:15 AM Brussels
8h30
12:45 PM Essen1 transfer
FlixBus5:15 AM Brussels
5h50
11:05 AM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixBus9:15 AM Brussels
3h35
12:50 PM Essen1 transfer
FlixBus9:15 AM Brussels
3h45
1:00 PM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixBus11:20 AM Brussels
4h50
4:10 PM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixBus12:10 PM Brussels
4h35
4:45 PM Essen1 transfer
FlixBus2:30 PM Brussels
4h00
6:30 PM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixBus3:45 PM Brussels
6h45
10:30 PM Essen1 transfer
FlixBus5:10 PM Brussels
3h55
9:05 PM Essen0 transfersDirect
FlixBus9:00 PM Brussels
6h55
3:55 AM Essen1 transfer
FlixBus9:25 PM Brussels
4h00
1:25 AM Essen0 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.

Fri
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25

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.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Brussels to Essen

BelgiumBelgium
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of bus

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.

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 $11 (€9)
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
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 $11 (€9)

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

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
$29 (€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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Brussels to Essen can start from as little as $29 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Brussels to Essen is $32 (€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.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Brussel-Zuid/Midi, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Roosendaal, located 1 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 3h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
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.
Since both Brussels and Essen are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Brussels to Essen among Omio's users.
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.

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.

Departure bus stations in Brussels
Arrival bus stations in Essen

Which Brussels station do buses to Essen leave from?

Buses from Brussels to Essen leave from Brussel-Zuid/Midi. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Brussels city centre at 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium.
Brussel-Zuid/Midi1060 Saint-Gilles, BelgiumAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Brussel-Zuid/Midi from Brussels city centre

Brussel-Zuid/Midi is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainEuroCity · 4m · $1 · every ~2 min
Ice · 14m · $1
Bus48 · 16m · $4 · every ~9 min
Bus · 20m
FlixBus N1153 · 29m · $1
Subway2, 6 · 18m · $4 · every ~38 min

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.

More options for your journey from Brussels to Essen

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

HomeBusesBuses in BelgiumBrussels to Essen bus

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