- Must visit
KMSKA
Regional art museum in nearby Antwerp with strong old masters collections, worth the short trip from Essen.
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 $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 44 trains from Brussels to Essen, including 23 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest trains will take 1 h 10 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.
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Trains from Brussels to Essen run on average 27 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 if you book in advance.
There are 11 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 8m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Brussels to Essen.
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen trains for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9231+ 2561 | 10:44 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h44 | 12:28 PM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
9231+ 2561 | 10:49 AM Brussels-Central | 1h39 | 12:28 PM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
9231+ 2561 | 10:56 AM Brussels-North | 1h32 | 12:28 PM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
9235+ 2562 | 11:44 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h44 | 1:28 PM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
9235+ 2562 | 11:49 AM Brussels-Central | 1h39 | 1:28 PM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
9235+ 2562 | 11:56 AM Brussels-North | 1h32 | 1:28 PM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, November 2 | |||||
2003 | 4:50 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h23 | 6:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2003 | 4:55 AM Brussels-Central | 1h18 | 6:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2003 | 5:03 AM Brussels-North | 1h10 | 6:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4504+ 2355 | 5:20 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h35 | 6:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4504+ 2355 | 5:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h30 | 6:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4504+ 2355 | 5:33 AM Brussels-North | 1h22 | 6:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
2004 | 5:50 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h23 | 7:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2004 | 5:55 AM Brussels-Central | 1h18 | 7:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2004 | 6:03 AM Brussels-North | 1h10 | 7:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4505+ 2356 | 6:20 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h35 | 7:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4505+ 2356 | 6:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h30 | 7:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4505+ 2356 | 6:33 AM Brussels-North | 1h22 | 7:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
2005 | 6:50 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h23 | 8:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2005 | 6:55 AM Brussels-Central | 1h18 | 8:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2005 | 7:03 AM Brussels-North | 1h10 | 8:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4506+ 2357 | 7:20 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h35 | 8:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4506+ 2357 | 7:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h30 | 8:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4506+ 2357 | 7:33 AM Brussels-North | 1h22 | 8:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
2006 | 7:50 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h23 | 9:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2006 | 7:55 AM Brussels-Central | 1h18 | 9:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2006 | 8:03 AM Brussels-North | 1h10 | 9:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4507+ 2358 | 8:20 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h35 | 9:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4507+ 2358 | 8:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h30 | 9:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4507+ 2358 | 8:34 AM Brussels-North | 1h21 | 9:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
2007 | 8:50 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h23 | 10:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2007 | 8:55 AM Brussels-Central | 1h18 | 10:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2007 | 9:03 AM Brussels-North | 1h10 | 10:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4508+ 2359 | 9:20 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h35 | 10:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4508+ 2359 | 9:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h30 | 10:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4508+ 2359 | 9:33 AM Brussels-North | 1h22 | 10:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
2008 | 9:50 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h23 | 11:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2008 | 9:55 AM Brussels-Central | 1h18 | 11:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
2008 | 10:03 AM Brussels-North | 1h10 | 11:13 AM Essen station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4509+ 2360 | 10:20 AM Brussels-Midi | 1h35 | 11:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
4509+ 2360 | 10:25 AM Brussels-Central | 1h30 | 11:55 AM Essen station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Brussels to Essen with Intercity, Regional, and EuroCity. High-speed trains available on this route with EuroCity and Eurostar. Regional trains available on this route with Regional. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Regional art museum in nearby Antwerp with strong old masters collections, worth the short trip from Essen.
Railway museum in Essen’s old station area with locomotives, rolling stock, and exhibits on cross-border rail history.
Nearby botanical and heritage museum site in Kalmthout, valued for nature collections and regional cultural context.
Major heathland and forest reserve on the Belgian-Dutch border, ideal for walking, cycling, birdwatching, and quiet landscapes.
Central square and civic area of Essen, practical for orientation and local events, with easy access to shops and services.
Green domain with ponds and walking paths, popular for a relaxed stroll and nature close to the town center.
Kempense asperges are local white asparagus, often served in season with butter sauce, egg, and ham. The sandy Kempen soils around Essen are known for quality asparagus.
Asperges op Vlaamse wijze pairs white asparagus with chopped egg, melted butter, parsley, and often shrimp. It is a classic Flemish spring dish popular in the region.
Paling in 't groen is eel in a sauce of fresh green herbs. It is a traditional Flemish dish, especially associated with river and polder areas of northern Belgium.
Reputed dining venue near Essen with polished seasonal cuisine, suitable for a more upscale meal with attentive service.
Established restaurant in Essen known for refined Belgian-French cooking and seasonal produce in an elegant, calm setting.
Well-known local brasserie serving classic Belgian dishes and beers in a relaxed atmosphere suited to casual lunches and dinners.
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Tourist costs are lower than Brussels or Bruges but higher than smaller towns.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Essen -> Essen Station
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most Brussels to Essen trains use the Bruxelles-Central to Essen station pair. 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.
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 options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.
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 storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.
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 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 is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.
Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Essen.
ATMs are available at Essen.
Available at Essen: Parking.
Available at Essen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.
Check train stations information for Brussels and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.