The cheapest and fastest trains from Antwerp to Essen
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
3 h 31 m
Average duration
3 h 57 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Antwerp to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Antwerp to Essen will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Of the 4 trains that leave Antwerp for Essen on Sun, Nov 30, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Nov 30 the direct trains cover the 183 km distance in an average of 3 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 31 m .
On Sun, Nov 30 the slowest trains will take 4 h 31 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.








Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Antwerp to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Antwerp to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 26m. 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 €6, and a flight costs an average of €294.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€65 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €602 Average price |
3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 48m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Antwerp to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Antwerp to Essen trains for today, Saturday, November 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 9219 · IC 3632 · ICE 123 · ICE 1020 | Delayed 7:45 AM Antwerp-Central | 4h13 | 12:03 PM 12:03 PMEssen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 3331 · ICE 15 · RE 26819 | On time 8:40 AM Antwerp-Central | 4h10 | 12:50 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 3331 · ICE 15 · RE 28516 · RE 10219 | On time 8:40 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h57 | 12:37 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 9223 · IC 3636+ VIA 21215 · VIA 20023 | 8:45 AM Antwerp-Central | 4h50 | 1:35 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
| Sunday, November 30 | |||||
![]() | 6:45 AM Antwerp | 4h31 | 11:16 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Antwerp 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.
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Why should you book Antwerp to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,EC,ICE) as well as SNCB offer trains services from Antwerp to Essen. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Antwerp to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,EC,ICE)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,EC,ICE), but also compare tickets for the likes of SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Antwerp to Essen.
- 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 Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,EC,ICE) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Antwerp to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,EC,ICE) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,EC,ICE)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of SNCB to help you choose the right option for your journey from Antwerp to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Antwerp to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Antwerp to Essen
Trains from Antwerp to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 3h 29m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:08 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SNCB from Antwerp to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, SNCB trains will get you between Antwerp and Essen from $8 (€6). 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.
SNCB
FAQs: Trains from Antwerp to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Antwerp to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Antwerp to Essen
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station after logging in to the Free Wifi-NmbsSncb network.
- Luggage lockers are located at the top of the escalators in the retail area.
- Café - Brasserie Royal
- Einstein Koffie
- Leonidas
- Starbucks
- Yam Yam
- Panos
- Sweetz To Go
- Frituur Centraal
- lunch & pasta coffee
- Döner Company
- & many more
- 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.
- Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station
- A-Stay Antwerpen
- Hotel NH Collection Antwerp Centre
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 22:00
- Located in the main station hall on the ground floor (entrance/exit Koningin Astridplein).
- Tram lines: 11
- Bus lines: 17, 20, 21, 23, 32, 68, 410, 415, 416, 417, 418, 427, 429
- Train lines: Thalys, Intercity Direct 9200, IC, RER S1, L (22, 23, 24, 30)
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Departures can be made outside of opening hours. You can access the car park via Binnensingel.
- Wagamama
- Brasserie Dikke Mee
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- Radisson Hotel Antwerp Berchem
- Tulip Inn Antwerpen
- Ibis Budget Antwerpen Centraal Station
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 5-10 for international and regional trains
- Tram: Line 4, Line 9, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bootshaus Ruhreck
- Da Vinici
- Asia-Nudeln
- Bacchos
- Zur Guten Quelle
- Hotel Töff-Töff
- Budike
- China-Town
- Osteria Felice
- Achilleon
- Sprenger
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Casino Zollverein
- Warsteiner Stiefel
- Schacht XII, Bistro
- Cafe Kohlenwäsche
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
More options for your journey from Antwerp to Essen
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