The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Brussels
Cheapest price on 28 Sept
67Rp
Average ticket price on 28 Sept
88Rp
Fastest journey on 28 Sept
2 h 54 m
Average journey duration on 28 Sept
3 h 14 m
Trains on 28 Sept
20
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Brussels will cost around 88Rp if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 67Rp.
On Mon, 28 Sept, we found 20 trains from Essen to Brussels, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 27 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.
S6 · 26832 · S41 · IC 28277:48 PM9h59Essen Hbf5:47 AMBrussels-Midi67 Rp1One-way3 changes
94267:41 AM2h54Essen Hbf10:35 AMBrussels-Midi69 Rp1One-way0 changes
S6 · 28529 · ICE 106:08 PM3h27Essen Hbf9:35 PMBrussels-Midi70 Rp1One-way2 changes
Bus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 35807:12 PM5h05Essen12:17 AMBrussels-Midi72 Rp1One-way5 changes
Bus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 35807:12 PM4h59Essen12:11 AMBrussels-Midi72 Rp1One-way6 changes
94145:41 AM2h54Essen Hbf8:35 AMBrussels-Midi79 Rp1One-way0 changes
94267:41 AM2h54Essen Hbf10:35 AMBrussels-Midi69 Rp1One-way0 changes
S6 · 28517 · ICE 31412:08 PM3h27Essen Hbf3:35 PMBrussels-Midi93 Rp1One-way2 changes
S6 · 28513 · ICE 1610:08 AM3h27Essen Hbf1:35 PMBrussels-Midi136 Rp1One-way2 changes
S6 · 28509 · ICE 3168:08 AM3h27Essen Hbf11:35 AMBrussels-Midi128 Rp1One-way2 changes
Live departures
Essen to Brussels train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Brussels trains for tomorrow, Monday, 28 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9414 | 5:41 AM Essen Hbf | 2h54 | 8:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
9426 | 7:41 AM Essen Hbf | 2h54 | 10:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 changesdirect | |
S6 · 28509 · ICE 316 | On time 8:08 AM Essen Hbf | 3h27 | 11:35 AM Brussels-Midi | 2 changes | |
S9 · ICE 515 · ICE 16 | On time 8:20 AM Essen Hbf | 5h06 | 1:26 PM Brussels-North | 2 changes | |
28074 · ICE 27 · ICE 16 | On time 8:39 AM Essen Hbf | 4h47 | 1:26 PM Brussels-North | 2 changes | |
S6 · 28513 · ICE 16 | On time 10:08 AM Essen Hbf | 3h27 | 1:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 changes | |
S6 · 28517 · ICE 314 | On time 12:08 PM Essen Hbf | 3h27 | 3:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 changes | |
S6 · 28519 · ICE 310 · IC 3637 | 1:08 PM Essen Hbf | 3h40 | 4:48 PM Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
S6 · 28521 · ICE 14 | On time 2:08 PM Essen Hbf | 3h27 | 5:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 changes | |
S6 · 28525 · ICE 12 | On time 4:08 PM Essen Hbf | 3h27 | 7:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 changes | |
S6 · 28529 · ICE 10 | On time 6:08 PM Essen Hbf | 3h27 | 9:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 2 changes | |
S6 · 26430 · 18966 · IC 544 | 6:28 PM Essen Hbf | 4h35 | 11:03 PM Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
S9 · 26668 · 10158 · 20090 | 7:11 PM Essen Hbf | 5h06 | 12:17 AM Brussels-Midi | 6 changes | |
S9 · 26668 · 10158 · 20090 | 7:11 PM Essen Hbf | 5h00 | 12:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 7 changes | |
Bus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 3580 | 7:12 PM Essen | 5h05 | 12:17 AM Brussels-Midi | 5 changes | |
Bus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 3580 | 7:12 PM Essen | 4h59 | 12:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 6 changes | |
S6 · 26432 · 18970 · IC 545 | 7:28 PM Essen Hbf | 4h59 | 12:27 AM Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
S6 · 26832 · S41 · IC 2827 | 7:48 PM Essen Hbf | 9h59 | 5:47 AM Brussels-Midi | 3 changes | |
10165 · 26834 · 18978 · Bus 71897 | 8:46 PM Essen Hbf | 9h01 | 5:47 AM Brussels-Midi | 4 changes | |
63636 · 20094 · 10345 · 18978 | 9:04 PM Essen Hbf | 8h43 | 5:47 AM Brussels-Midi | 5 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Brussels by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, 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.
28 Sept
29 Sept
30 Sept
01 Oct
02 Oct
03 Oct
04 Oct
Why should you book Essen to Brussels trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs VIAS Rail GmbH?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for VIAS Rail GmbH, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Regional or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
- 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 VIAS Rail GmbH with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Brussels.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Regional or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Brussels.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Brussels
Trains from Essen to Brussels run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 7Rp if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 198 km distance in 2h 24m.
Distance 198 km |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price 7Rp |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 12:19 AM |
Last train 10:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional, Regional-Express, VIAS Rail GmbH from Essen to Brussels trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional, Regional-Express, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Essen and Brussels from 7Rp. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Eurostar
VIAS Rail GmbH
Regional-Express
Regional
FAQs: Essen to Brussels train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Brussels by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Brussels
Most Essen to Brussels trains use the Essen Hbf to Bruxelles-Midi station pair, with some services arriving at Brussels-Nord. Use this guide to compare Essen and Brussels train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Essen station do trains to Brussels leave from?
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Getting to Essen-Holthausen from Essen city centre
Essen-Holthausen is 5 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Holthausen train station facilities and services
Essen-Holthausen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Akropolis Grill/Pizzeria, Pizzeria Palermo, Kebab 38, Wehbergshof
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Holthausen. ATMs are available at Essen-Holthausen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Holthausen. Information desks are available at Essen-Holthausen.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Holthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Holthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Holthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Holthausen.
Getting to Kettwig from Essen city centre
Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Kettwig train station facilities and services
Kettwig has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.
Which Brussels station do trains from Essen arrive at?
Getting to Bruxelles-Midi from Brussels city centre
Bruxelles-Midi train station facilities and services
Bruxelles-Midi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Pullman Hotel Bar, Quick Gare du Midi, Subway, EXKi Zuid, Starbucks, Häagen-Dazs, Sbarro, The Coffee Club, The Belgian Chocolate House, PAUL, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Midi: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
Getting to Brussels-Nord from Brussels city centre
Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Nord train station facilities and services
Brussels-Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.
Getting to Bruxelles-Central from Brussels city centre
Bruxelles-Central train station facilities and services
Bruxelles-Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00. Information desks are travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Central: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with limited mobility: elevators and escalators to platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, barrier-free toilets and accessible parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.
More options for your journey from Essen to Brussels
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
