- 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.
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 42 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
198 km
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 $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 3 buses that leave Essen for Brussels on Mon, Aug 03, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 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, Aug 03 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.
50449
FlixBus
50429
50449
50429
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 9m. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $136.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $94 Average price | $373 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Brussels:
A bus is $68 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Brussels costing on average $94.
A bus is $346 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Brussels costing on average $373.
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 5m.
Flight takes on average 5h 46m.
Tickets start at around $26 compared to roughly $47 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $20. The journey takes 4h 5m versus 2h 53m 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, BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Brussels buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. 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
Compare bus, train, 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.
Buses from Essen to Brussels run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 if you book in advance.
There are 5 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.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 1:15 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 days |
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
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.
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-Noord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Noord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Noord (in the station), Quick Brussels Noord (in the station), Le Pain Quotidien (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Noord.
Available at Brussels-Noord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Noord: Elevators, ramps.
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