The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Essen
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
1 h 23 m
Average duration
1 h 23 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
68 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels to Essen will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 2 trains that leave Brussels for Essen on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 23 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 23 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.
10:50 AM1h23Brussels12:13 PMEssen$111One-way0 transfers
9:50 AM1h23Brussels11:13 AMEssen$201One-way0 transfers
10:50 AM1h23Brussels12:13 PMEssen$111One-way0 transfers
9:50 AM1h23Brussels11:13 AMEssen$201One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Brussels to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, and a bus costs an average of $29.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels to Essen:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Brussels to Essen costing on average $32 (€26).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 37m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Intercity, Eurostar.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Brussels to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:50 AM Brussels | 1h23 | 11:13 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:50 AM Brussels | 1h23 | 12:13 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels 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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Why should you book Brussels to Essen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Intercity?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of EuroCity, Regional, SNCB | BUS or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Brussels 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 Intercity with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels to Essen
Trains from Brussels to Essen run on average 20 times per day, taking around 1h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:36, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 1h 23m.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average train duration 1h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 12:36 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Train companies: Intercity, EuroCity, Regional, SNCB | BUS, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, SNCB from Brussels to Essen trainsIntercity, EuroCity, Regional, SNCB | BUS, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Brussels and Essen from $11 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Intercity
EuroCity
Eurostar
Regional
SNCB | BUS
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
SNCB
FAQs: Trains from Brussels to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels 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 Brussels to Essen
Most Brussels to Essen trains use the Bruxelles-Central to Essen station pair, with some services arriving at Wildert. Use this guide to compare Brussels and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Brussels station do trains to Essen leave from?
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.
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.
Which Essen station do trains from Brussels arrive at?
Getting to Essen from Essen city centre
Essen train station facilities and services
Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Essen.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Essen.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.
Getting to Wildert from Essen city centre
Wildert is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wildert train station facilities and services
Wildert has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Wildert.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Wildert.
Bike and car services
Available at Wildert: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Wildert.
More options for your journey from Brussels to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
