Essen to Brussels train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE)

Mon, 28 Sept
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VIAS Rail GmbH
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
Regional
Regional-Express
2,000+ travel companies
VIAS Rail GmbH
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
Regional
Regional-Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Brussels

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 28 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Deutsche BahnS6 · 26832 · S41 · IC 2827
    7:48 PM9h59
    Essen Hbf
    5:47 AMBrussels-Midi
    67 Rp1One-way
    3 changes
  • Eurostar9426
    7:41 AM2h54
    Essen Hbf
    10:35 AMBrussels-Midi
    69 Rp1One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS6 · 28529 · ICE 10
    6:08 PM3h27
    Essen Hbf
    9:35 PMBrussels-Midi
    70 Rp1One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 3580
    7:12 PM5h05
    Essen
    12:17 AMBrussels-Midi
    72 Rp1One-way
    5 changes
  • Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 3580
    7:12 PM4h59
    Essen
    12:11 AMBrussels-Midi
    72 Rp1One-way
    6 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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Eurostar94145:41 AM Essen Hbf
2h54
8:35 AM Brussels-Midi0 changesdirect
Eurostar94267:41 AM Essen Hbf
2h54
10:35 AM Brussels-Midi0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28509 · ICE 316
On time
8:08 AM Essen Hbf
3h27
11:35 AM Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 515 · ICE 16
On time
8:20 AM Essen Hbf
5h06
1:26 PM Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn28074 · ICE 27 · ICE 16
On time
8:39 AM Essen Hbf
4h47
1:26 PM Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28513 · ICE 16
On time
10:08 AM Essen Hbf
3h27
1:35 PM Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28517 · ICE 314
On time
12:08 PM Essen Hbf
3h27
3:35 PM Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28519 · ICE 310 · IC 36371:08 PM Essen Hbf
3h40
4:48 PM Brussels-Midi3 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28521 · ICE 14
On time
2:08 PM Essen Hbf
3h27
5:35 PM Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28525 · ICE 12
On time
4:08 PM Essen Hbf
3h27
7:35 PM Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28529 · ICE 10
On time
6:08 PM Essen Hbf
3h27
9:35 PM Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 26430 · 18966 · IC 5446:28 PM Essen Hbf
4h35
11:03 PM Brussels-Midi3 changes
Deutsche BahnS9 · 26668 · 10158 · 200907:11 PM Essen Hbf
5h06
12:17 AM Brussels-Midi6 changes
Deutsche BahnS9 · 26668 · 10158 · 200907:11 PM Essen Hbf
5h00
12:11 AM Brussels-Midi7 changes
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 35807:12 PM Essen
5h05
12:17 AM Brussels-Midi5 changes
Deutsche BahnBus RE1 · 10158 · 20090 · IC 35807:12 PM Essen
4h59
12:11 AM Brussels-Midi6 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 26432 · 18970 · IC 5457:28 PM Essen Hbf
4h59
12:27 AM Brussels-Midi3 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 26832 · S41 · IC 28277:48 PM Essen Hbf
9h59
5:47 AM Brussels-Midi3 changes
Deutsche Bahn10165 · 26834 · 18978 · Bus 718978:46 PM Essen Hbf
9h01
5:47 AM Brussels-Midi4 changes
Deutsche Bahn63636 · 20094 · 10345 · 189789:04 PM Essen Hbf
8h43
5:47 AM Brussels-Midi5 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.

Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
Wed
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct

Why should you book Essen to Brussels trains with Omio?

VIAS Rail GmbH as well as Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Regional, Regional-Express and more offer trains services from Essen to Brussels.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Brussels.

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

GermanyGermany
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

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

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 24m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
7Rp
Deutsche Bahn frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
Quiet zone

Eurostar

About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Eurostar Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
19Rp
Eurostar frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average VIAS Rail GmbH Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
77Rp
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Regional-Express

About
Regional-Express (RE, or REX in Austria) is a type of regional train service found in Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria. It functions as a semi-fast train, making fewer stops than a Regionalbahn or S-Bahn but more than an Intercity or Intercity Express. RE services typically reach top speeds of 160 km/h, with some reaching 200 km/h on high-speed lines. While initially operated by DB Regio, many lines are now run by various private operators. These trains often use double-deck cars with electric or diesel locomotives.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional-Express Duration
3h 38m
Cheapest Regional-Express Price
53Rp
Regional-Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory, available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

Regional

About
The term \Regional\" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, \"Regionalbahn\" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Regional Price
49Rp
Regional frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type and conditions
Refund
Full refund if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Essen to Brussels can start from as little as 7Rp when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Essen to Brussels is 53Rp; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Essen to Brussels is 2h 24m to travel the 198 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Essen to Brussels leaves at 12:19 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Essen to Brussels leaves at 10:56 pm.
Yes, there are 1 direct trains a day from Essen to Brussels with Eurostar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there are multiple high-speed train options for your journey from Essen to Brussels. You can choose between Eurostar. Eurostar trains take around 2h 54m
When taking a train from Essen to Brussels, you can count on VIAS Rail GmbH, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Regional, Regional-Express for the best way to get you to Brussels. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Essen and Brussels and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Brussels from Essen is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 24m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Brussels including taking a coach, train and flight.

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.

Departure train stations in Essen
Arrival train stations in Brussels

Which Essen station do trains to Brussels leave from?

Trains from Essen to Brussels leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre

BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min

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.

Essen-HolthausenEssen-Holthausen, Langenberger Str. 564, 45277 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Holthausen from Essen city centre

Essen-Holthausen is 5 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS9 · 10m · 2Rp · every ~5 min
BusNe6, Ne4 · 23m · every ~1 min
S9 · 26m · 4Rp
Ne4, Sb15 · 27m · every ~9 min

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.

KettwigKettwig, Ruhrtalstr. 345, 45219 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kettwig from Essen city centre

Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 15m · 3Rp · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 22m · 5Rp
142, Ne13 · 39m · every ~7 min

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.

More options for your journey from Essen to Brussels

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in BelgiumEssen to Brussels train

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