- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
7
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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Antwerp to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 4535 · ICE 17 · ICE 643
EC 9223 · IC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079
EC 9219 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077
EC 9235 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085
EC 9239 · IC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087
IC 4531 · ICE 15 · ICE 549
IC 4535 · ICE 17 · ICE 643
EC 9223 · IC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079
EC 9219 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077
EC 9235 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085Omio 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 $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 12m. 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 $16, and a flight costs an average of $137.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$90 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $397 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Antwerp to Essen:
A bus is $60 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Antwerp to Essen costing on average $90 (€73).
A bus is $367 (€298) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Antwerp to Essen costing on average $397 (€322).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 32m.
Flight takes on average 6h 57m.
Tickets start at around $90 (€73) compared to roughly $40 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-49.62 (€-40.22). The journey takes 3h 12m versus 2h 32m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Antwerp to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 9219 · IC 3626 · ICE 123 · ICE 1020 | On time 8:45 AM Antwerp-Central | 4h10 | 12:55 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
EC 9219 · IC 1131 · IC 3529 · 20077 | 8:45 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h29 | 12:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 9223 · IC 1135 · IC 3533 · 20079 | 9:45 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h29 | 1:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 4531 · ICE 15 · ICE 549 | On time 9:54 AM Antwerp-Central | 3h24 | 1:18 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
EC 9235 · IC 1147 · IC 3545 · 20085 | 12:45 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h29 | 4:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 9239 · IC 1151 · IC 3549 · 20087 | 1:45 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h29 | 5:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 4535 · ICE 17 · ICE 643 | On time 1:54 PM Antwerp-Central | 3h24 | 5:18 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Antwerp to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€41) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) 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 24m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€41) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 24m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for major collections of 19th- to 21st-century painting, photography, and design.
A key museum for the Ruhr region’s history, archaeology, and natural heritage, housed in the iconic Zollverein Coal Washery.
A major design museum displaying award-winning contemporary product and industrial design inside the Zollverein complex.
Large open area around the Zollverein complex with striking industrial scenery, walking paths, and some of Essen’s most photographed views.
A major leisure area around a reservoir on the Ruhr, popular for walking, cycling, lakeside views, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Charming historic quarter with half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets, and a relaxed small-town feel within Essen.
Sliced grilled sausage with curry ketchup and fries, a beloved Ruhr area fast-food classic found across Essen.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper and onions, long associated with the wider region around Essen.
A hearty Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and applesauce, often served with black pudding; common in western German home cooking.
Refined dining in Schloss Hugenpoet, offering upscale cuisine in a historic manor-house atmosphere south of central Essen.
Well-known fine-dining restaurant in Essen with modern creative cuisine and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Long-established restaurant and beer garden popular for German and regional dishes in a relaxed, green setting.
Moderate by German standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and sit-down dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Little or no tip is fine for counter service.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen Hbf, 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.

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