- Must visit
Museum Schloss Horst
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€70
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€77
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 16 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 25 m
Trains on Sep 19
3
Distance
207 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen will cost around €77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €70.
It's difficult to get from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen without transferring at least once.
ICE 15 · ICE 1032
ICE 13 · 28512 · 31256
ICE 13 · 26815
ICE 15 · ICE 1032
ICE 13 · 28512 · 31256
ICE 13 · 26815Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €45, while a flight costs an average of €545.
Distance: 128 miles (207 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€100 Average price | €45 Average price Cheapest | €545 Average price | €39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration 2h 16m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Brussels to Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is €55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen costing on average €100.
A bus is €500 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen costing on average €545.
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 15m.
Bus takes on average 5h 50m.
Tickets start at around €100 compared to roughly €39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-61.11. The journey takes 3h 15m versus 2h 55m 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 Brussels to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 13 · 28512 · 31256 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h27 | 11:52 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 13 · 26815 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h31 | 11:56 AM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 15 · ICE 1032 | On time 10:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h16 | 1:41 PM Gelsenkirchen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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 Brussels to Gelsenkirchen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €55 but you can travel from only €31 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 22:34. The fastest train covers the 128 miles (207 km) distance in 2h 42m.
Distance 128 miles (207 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €55 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 42m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 10:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Gelsenkirchen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gelsenkirchen trip today.
Renaissance castle museum with exhibitions on archaeology, local history, and changing art shows in one of the city's finest historic sites.
Leading modern art museum in the Ruhr, noted for kinetic and contemporary works and ambitious temporary exhibitions.
Museum documenting pharmacy history inside Schloss Horst, with historic equipment and displays on medicine and daily life.
Large leisure park on a former colliery, combining industrial heritage, greenery, playgrounds, and canal-side walking routes.
Extensive zoo and landscaped grounds famous for Alaska-themed habitats and family-friendly outdoor exploration.
Elegant lakeside park around Schloss Berge, popular for strolling, boating views, and relaxed green space in Buer.
A hearty Ruhr-area potato stew with vegetables and sausage or bacon. It is a classic workers’ dish long associated with everyday home cooking in the region.
Pan-fried blood sausage with mashed potatoes and apples. Common across North Rhine-Westphalia, it is a traditional pub and home-style comfort meal.
Cured minced pork spread served on rye bread with onions. Popular in the Ruhr and nearby Westphalia as a simple, traditional snack or supper item.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in Gelsenkirchen known for modern German cuisine, careful presentation, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Traditional brewery-style venue serving hearty German and Ruhr-area dishes in a relaxed, rustic setting popular for local beer and classic comfort food.
Well-known casual venue for German grills, schnitzel, and regional comfort food with a lively, approachable atmosphere suited to groups and families.
Moderate for Germany: hotels are often cheaper than in major cities, while dining and local transit are fairly typical for the region.
Service is usually included. Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Gelsenkirchen Hbf -> Heinrich-König-Platz, Gelsenkirchen
Traveling between Brussels and Gelsenkirchen is a convenient journey, thanks to the efficient train services provided by Deutsche Bahn. The route offers comfortable seating and scenic views as you traverse through picturesque landscapes. With multiple daily departures, passengers can easily plan their trips while enjoying the ease of rail travel in Europe.
The train journey from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen takes approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes. There are no direct connections available, with an average of 2 trains operating per day. Passengers will need to make transfers during the trip, which typically involves changing trains at least once along the route.
The first daily train from Brussels departs at 06:23, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the journey. The last train of the day leaves Gelsenkirchen at 18:25, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their activities before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Brussels and Gelsenkirchen is €8. The average ticket price typically hovers around €22, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these two cities.
Welcome to Gelsenkirchen, where our first stop is the Veltins-Arena, a state-of-the-art stadium that opened in 2001 and has since become a symbol of modern football culture. This landmark is significant not only for its impressive capacity of over 62,000 spectators but also for its unique retractable roof and pitch that can be moved outside for maintenance—making it one of the most versatile venues in Europe. As you explore this architectural marvel, imagine the electrifying atmosphere during Schalke 04 matches or major events like concerts that have graced this iconic arena.
Next on our journey is ZOOM Erlebniswelt, an innovative zoo designed with immersive habitats that transport visitors into different ecosystems around the globe. Opened in 2004 as part of a new approach to animal care and conservation education, it emphasizes naturalistic environments rather than traditional cages—a concept that's both significant and revolutionary within zoological practices. Here at ZOOM Erlebniswelt, you'll encounter animals roaming freely through lush landscapes while learning about their behaviors and habitats from knowledgeable guides who are passionate about wildlife preservation.
Finally, we arrive at Schloss Berge—a stunning neo-Gothic castle built in the early 19th century surrounded by picturesque parkland perfect for leisurely strolls. This historic site holds great significance as it reflects Gelsenkirchen's rich industrial heritage while serving as a serene escape from urban life; it's often used today for weddings and cultural events due to its enchanting ambiance. Unique features include beautifully landscaped gardens adorned with sculptures along winding paths leading up to breathtaking views overlooking nearby lakes—truly making Schloss Berge an unforgettable highlight of your visit!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Brussels to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Brussels and Gelsenkirchen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
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.
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.
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
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