- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Major fine arts complex covering Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections. One of the city's most important museum visits for art lovers.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$93
Fastest journey
3 h 7 m
Average duration
3 h 41 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
187 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen Hbf for Brussels Airport on Fri, Jun 19, 5 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 187 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 7 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 3 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $137.
Distance: 116 miles (187 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $315 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 57m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport:
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport costing on average $96 (€79).
A bus is $274 (€225) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport costing on average $315 (€258).
Other travel options to Brussels Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 24m.
Flight takes on average 4h 57m.
Tickets start at around $96 (€79) compared to roughly $45 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-50.96 (€-41.76). The journey takes 3h 13m versus 2h 20m 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 Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:40 AM Essen Hbf | 3h07 | 9:47 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:46 AM Essen Hbf | 4h03 | 10:49 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 AM Essen Hbf | 3h07 | 10:47 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:46 AM Essen Hbf | 4h03 | 11:49 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:46 PM Essen Hbf | 4h03 | 9:49 PM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect |
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 Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 (€54) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:40, the last at 17:46. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (187 km) distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 116 miles (187 km) |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€54) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 6:40 AM |
Last train 5:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Brussels Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels Airport trip today.
Major fine arts complex covering Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections. One of the city's most important museum visits for art lovers.
Dedicated to René Magritte with a substantial collection of works and archives. A signature Brussels museum and especially popular with first-time visitors.
Large transport museum in Cinquantenaire Park with classic cars, Belgian motoring history, and rotating exhibitions. A strong museum choice for a layover trip into Brussels.
Landscaped cultural hill linking the upper and lower city, known for gardens, museums, and one of Brussels' classic skyline viewpoints.
Historic covered shopping arcade with elegant glass roofing and a very photogenic interior. Popular for architecture, strolling, and social-media shots.
Elegant square known for antiques, architecture, and an upscale historic atmosphere. A pleasant area for walking between central landmarks.
Belgium’s classic pairing of mussels and fries, often cooked with white wine, celery, and herbs. It is one of the country’s most iconic traditional meals.
A rich Flemish beef and onion stew slowly braised with Belgian beer. It is a comforting regional specialty with deep, sweet-savory flavor.
A traditional Brussels-style mash of potatoes with vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or spinach. It is a simple, hearty local comfort dish.
Historic Brussels brewery and tasting venue known for traditional lambic and gueuze beers. Atmospheric and deeply rooted in local brewing heritage.
One of Brussels’ most famous fine-dining restaurants, celebrated for refined Belgian and French cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
Well-known traditional eatery serving generous Belgian comfort food such as carbonnade and stoemp. Casual atmosphere with strong local character.
Airport prices are higher than in central Brussels. Coffee, snacks, and sit-down meals usually cost more than city averages.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 for good service is appreciated but not expected. Taxis can be rounded up.
Official public transport app
Brussels Airport -> Brussels City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport 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 Brussels Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen Hbf to Brussels Airport trains use the Essen Hbf to Bruxelles-Midi station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Central. Use this guide to compare Essen Hbf and Brussels Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need