- 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 Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$29
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$32
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 51 m
Buses on Sep 18
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
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 11 buses from Brussels to Essen, including 6 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 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, Sep 18 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 an average ticket price of $17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $17, while a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m 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 $17 (€14).
The fastest way to travel from Brussels to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 21m.
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.
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, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | 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 | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Live departures
Brussels to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM Brussels | 4h00 | 6:30 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:45 PM Brussels | 6h45 | 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 | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
| 4:15 AM Brussels | 8h30 | 12:45 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 5:15 AM Brussels | 5h50 | 11:05 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.
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
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
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)
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
First bus 4:15 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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)
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.
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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