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The cheapest and fastest buses from Brussels to Essen
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 42 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
198 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 $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Brussels for Essen on Thu, Nov 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 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.
5042802:10PM5h35
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)07:45PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$221One-way
0 transfers
01:00PM2h40
Brussels03:40PMEssen
$251One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus01:20AM5h50
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)07:10AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$351One-way
0 transfers
01:00PM2h40
Brussels03:40PMEssen
$251One-way
0 transfers
5042802:10PM5h35
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)07:45PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$221One-way
0 transfers
FlixBus01:20AM5h50
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)07:10AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
$351One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Brussels to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a flight costs an average of €161.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€26 Average price Cheapest | €90 Average price | €430 Average price |
4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 54m Average total duration 8h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Brussels to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Live departures
Brussels to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 6:00 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50428 | 1:10 PM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 5h35 | 6:45 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:55 PM Brussels, Gare Du Midi | 5h30 | 8:25 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 6 | |||||
| FlixBus | 12:20 AM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 5h50 | 6:10 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 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, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Brussels to Essen
Belgium
Germany
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
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€14) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 01:15 |
Last bus 22:15 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Brussels to Essen start from as low as $18 (€14) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $31 (€26) depending on the train type and class.
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
Bus providers: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar from Brussels to EssenYou can travel by bus between Brussels to Essen with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar for as low as $18 (€14). 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
4h 0m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
FlixBus frequency
5 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.
BlaBlaCar Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest Price
$16 (€13)
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
3 a day
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 $17 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Brussels to Essen is $29 (€24); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Brussels to Essen bus travel time is 3 h 30 min for the 122 mile (197 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Brussels to Essen leaves at 2: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Brussels to Essen leaves at 8: 25PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct buses a day from Brussels to Essen with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Take the Brussels to Essen bus with BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus or BlaBlaCar. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus providers for the journey from Brussels to Essen as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bruxelles, Gare du Nord, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.7 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), located 0.7 miles (1.2 km) 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 3 h 30 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Brussels to Essen is November.
You have options as you can travel between Brussels and Essen 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Brussels to Essen:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Brussels to Essen for bus companies BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Brussels to Essen depends on the bus companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Brussels to Essen, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- 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:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- 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 providers: BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Brussels to Essen with the following bus companies: BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Brussels to Essen with the following bus providers: BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Brussels to Essen
Brussels
Essen
The major bus station for departures in Brussels is Brussels-Noord. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Brussels-Noord for your trip from Brussels to Essen.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:59
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Rue du ProgrèsWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Noord (in the station)
- Quick Brussels Noord (in the station)
- Le Pain Quotidien (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Brussels-Noord
- Bus: 14, 57, 58 Metro: 2, 6 Train: IC, S1, S2
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Avenue FonsnyWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Midi (in the station)
- Belgian Bites (in the station)
- Fritland Express (0.5 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)
- Bus: 27, 49, 50, 78 Metro: 2, 6 Train: IC, S, Thalys, Eurostar
Brussels, Gare Du Midi
information
Brussels, Gare Centrale
information
Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn)
information
Bruxelles
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Essen is Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) for your trip to Essen from Brussels.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)
information
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
Most popular bus connections to Essen
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