- 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, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
- Cheapest price on Nov 02
- $7
- Average ticket price on Nov 02
- $8
- Fastest journey on Nov 02
- 40 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 02
- 1 h 10 m
- Buses on Nov 02
- 3
- 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 $8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Fast buses
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 3 buses from Brussels to Essen, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 40 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 1 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.
7:20 PM 1h00 Brussels 8:20 PM Essen $7 1 One-way 0 transfers7:40 AM 0h40 Brussels 8:20 AM Essen $7 1 One-way 0 transfers5:30 AM 1h50 Brussels 7:20 AM Essen $10 1 One-way 0 transfers
7:40 AM 0h40 Brussels 8:20 AM Essen $7 1 One-way 0 transfers7:20 PM 1h00 Brussels 8:20 PM Essen $7 1 One-way 0 transfers5:30 AM 1h50 Brussels 7:20 AM Essen $10 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Brussels to Essen
BelgiumBelgium
Take a bus from Brussels to Essen and enjoy the approximately 42 miles (68 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 04:15, the last at 21:25.
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)
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance42 miles (68 km)
- First bus4:15 AM
- Last bus9:25 PM
- High SeasonApr - Jun
- Low SeasonOct - Dec
- Busiest DayMon
- Least Busy DayTue
Explore this journey
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)
Frequently asked questions about your Brussels to Essen trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Brussels to Essen.
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.
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 Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days 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 Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
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 Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days 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 today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:40 PM Brussels | 0h20 | 4:00 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:00 PM Brussels | 0h40 | 6:40 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:30 PM Brussels | 1h20 | 7:50 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:50 PM Brussels | 1h00 | 8:50 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, November 2 | |||||
| 5:30 AM Brussels | 1h50 | 7:20 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:40 AM Brussels | 0h40 | 8:20 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Plan your visit to Essen
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Essen.
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.
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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Brussels and Essen including taking a train and bus.
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.
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Brussels
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