- 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 Ghent to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€27
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€31
Fastest journey on Sep 20
5 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
6 h 52 m
Buses on Sep 20
5
Distance
69 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ghent to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ghent to Essen will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €27.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 5 buses from Ghent to Essen, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 69 km distance in an average of 6 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 8 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.
9:40 AM5h15Ghent2:55 PMEssen€271One-way0 transfers- 9:35 AM6h35Ghent4:10 PMEssen€321One-way1 transfer
- 4:10 PM6h20Ghent10:30 PMEssen€321One-way1 transfer
- 3:45 AM7h20Ghent11:05 AMEssen€331One-way1 transfer
- 4:35 PM8h50Ghent1:25 AMEssen€331One-way1 transfer
- 9:40 AM5h15Ghent2:55 PMEssen€271One-way0 transfers
- 4:10 PM6h20Ghent10:30 PMEssen€321One-way1 transfer
- 9:35 AM6h35Ghent4:10 PMEssen€321One-way1 transfer
- 3:45 AM7h20Ghent11:05 AMEssen€331One-way1 transfer
- 4:35 PM8h50Ghent1:25 AMEssen€331One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Ghent to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ghent to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €15, while a train costs an average of €15.
Distance: 42 miles (69 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
€15 Average price Cheapest | €42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ghent to Essen is a train with an average price of €15.
The fastest way to travel from Ghent to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ghent and Essen including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ghent to Essen among Omio's users.
Ghent to Essen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €34 |
Live departures
Ghent to Essen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ghent to Essen buses for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:45 AM Ghent | 7h20 | 11:05 AM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:35 AM Ghent | 6h35 | 4:10 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 9:40 AM Ghent | 5h15 | 2:55 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:10 PM Ghent | 6h20 | 10:30 PM Essen | 1 transfer | |
| 4:35 PM Ghent | 8h50 | 1:25 AM Essen | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ghent 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.
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
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Sep 21
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Sep 26
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ghent to Essen
BelgiumBelgium
Take a bus from Ghent to Essen and enjoy the approximately 42 miles (69 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 19:25.
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 €12
Distance 42 miles (69 km) |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 7:25 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 €12
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 Ghent to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ghent 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 Ghent
More options for your journey from Ghent to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Essen and Ghent
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