- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Essen to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Brussels will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 3 buses from Essen to Brussels, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 5 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 5 h 55 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.
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Buses from Essen to Brussels run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:15, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Essen to Brussels.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Brussels buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50429 | 9:55 AM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h45 | 3:40 PM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
50449 | 9:00 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h25 | 2:25 AM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:40 PM Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h55 | 3:35 AM Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Essen to Brussels with BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with BlaBlaCar Bus and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
Dedicated to surrealist René Magritte, this popular museum presents major works and context for one of Belgium’s most celebrated artists.
Leading comic art museum in a Horta-designed building, highlighting Tintin, the Smurfs, and Belgium’s influential comics culture.
Grand square at Brussels’ heart, lined with ornate guildhalls and lively events, perfect for first-time visitors and evening atmosphere.
Large urban park with the triumphal arch, museums, and wide lawns, excellent for walking, picnics, and classic city photographs.
Popular hilltop viewpoint and garden terrace with one of the best panoramas over central Brussels, especially at sunset.
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery and onion, often served with fries. A Brussels brasserie classic, especially popular in mussel season.
Double-fried potato fries, traditionally served in paper cones with sauces. They are a point of national pride and central to everyday Belgian street food.
A rich beef and onion stew braised with Belgian dark beer. It is a beloved comfort dish found in traditional Brussels restaurants.
Two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Karen Torosyan, celebrated for pâté en croûte and inventive fine dining in an intimate setting.
Elegant Belle Époque brasserie serving refined Belgian classics, seafood and game in a grand old-world dining room.
Famous casual stop for Brussels waffles with many toppings. Popular, fast-moving and central for a classic sweet local treat.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and transit are manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Brussels South (Gare du Midi) -> Brussels Central Station, Brussels
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 Brussels.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Brussels 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 Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Brussels buses use the Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) to Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) station pair, with some services arriving at Brussels, Gare Du Midi. Use this guide to compare Essen and Brussels bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) is 2 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Midi (in the station), Belgian Bites (in the station), Fritland Express (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi).
Available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi): Elevators, ramps.
Brussels, Gare Du Midi is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels, Gare Du Midi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various dining options are nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi. ATMs are available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi.
Available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn) is 5 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn). ATMs are available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn).
Ticket office support is available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn).
Available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn): Accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Check bus stations information for Essen and Brussels, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.