- Must visit
KMSKA
Regional art museum in nearby Antwerp with strong old masters collections, worth the short trip from Essen.
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$11
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 $11 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 Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 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 Tue, Aug 04 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.




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 $30.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $47 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 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Brussels to Essen costing on average $32.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 37m.
Tickets start at around $15 compared to roughly $47 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $31. The journey takes 1h 38m versus 1h 30m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen trains for today, Monday, August 3. 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 | |
![]() | 3:48 PM Brussels | 1h25 | 5:13 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 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 |
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 |
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
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, 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.
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.
Wildert is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wildert has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Wildert.
ATMs are available at Wildert.
Available at Wildert: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wildert.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need