- 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
$72
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
2
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 2 trains that leave Brussels for Gelsenkirchen on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 207 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 28 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.




Trains from Brussels to Gelsenkirchen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $55 but you can travel from only $25 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 50m.
Distance 128 miles (207 km) |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 12:09 AM |
Last train 10:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 days |
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Gelsenkirchen trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:56 AM Brussels | 4h28 | 11:24 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 AM Brussels | 3h24 | 10:49 AM Gelsenkirchen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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, with some services arriving at Essen Hbf. 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.
Wanne-Eickel Hbf is 3 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wanne-Eickel Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Dschingis Khan, Kolpinghaus Wanne-Eickel, Nikolaus Grill, McDonald's
Wi-Fi is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. ATMs are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Information desks are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wanne-Eickel Hbf.
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen is 2 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Grill-Pizzeria Grammatikas, Viva Sevilla, Nudelland
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen.
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