- Must visit
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
Antwerp’s flagship museum on the river, covering the city’s history, trade, migration and global connections. The rooftop panorama is especially popular.
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$5
Fastest journey
38 m
Average duration
39 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
27 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Antwerp is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Antwerp will cost around $5 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.
Of the 12 trains that leave Essen for Antwerp on Mon, May 25, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 27 km distance in an average of 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 38 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 45 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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2580Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Antwerp among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $4, and a bus costs an average of $27.
Distance: 16 miles (27 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$7 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 18m Average total duration Fastest 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m Average total duration 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Essen to Antwerp:
A train is $20 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Essen to Antwerp costing on average $27 (€22).
Other travel options to Antwerp take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 7m.
The journey is about 5m faster (48m by train vs 53m by car) and roughly $34 (€27) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($7 (€5) vs $40 (€33)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Regional, Intercity.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Antwerp trains for tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2579 | 8:32 AM Essen station | 0h50 | 9:22 AM Antwerp-South | 0 transfersDirect | |
2579 | 8:32 AM Essen station | 0h38 | 9:10 AM Antwerp-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2579 | 8:32 AM Essen station | 0h45 | 9:17 AM Antwerp-Berchem | 0 transfersDirect | |
2580 | 9:32 AM Essen station | 0h50 | 10:22 AM Antwerp-South | 0 transfersDirect | |
2580 | 9:32 AM Essen station | 0h38 | 10:10 AM Antwerp-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2580 | 9:32 AM Essen station | 0h45 | 10:17 AM Antwerp-Berchem | 0 transfersDirect | |
2581 | 10:32 AM Essen station | 0h50 | 11:22 AM Antwerp-South | 0 transfersDirect | |
2581 | 10:32 AM Essen station | 0h38 | 11:10 AM Antwerp-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2581 | 10:32 AM Essen station | 0h45 | 11:17 AM Antwerp-Berchem | 0 transfersDirect | |
2582 | 11:32 AM Essen station | 0h38 | 12:10 PM Antwerp-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2582 | 11:32 AM Essen station | 0h45 | 12:17 PM Antwerp-Berchem | 0 transfersDirect | |
2582 | 11:32 AM Essen station | 0h50 | 12:22 PM Antwerp-South | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 to Antwerp run on average 19 times per day, taking around 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 16 miles (27 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 16 miles (27 km) |
Average train duration 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€4) |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 18 |
Fastest train 35m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Antwerp — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Antwerp trip today.
Antwerp’s flagship museum on the river, covering the city’s history, trade, migration and global connections. The rooftop panorama is especially popular.
The restored home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, offering insight into the life and work of Antwerp’s most famous Baroque painter.
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, modern art and a landmark renovation that made it one of Belgium’s top cultural attractions.
Antwerp’s historic main square, framed by guild houses, the city hall and the Brabo Fountain. A classic first stop in the old center.
Revived docklands neighborhood around MAS, packed with waterside views, modern architecture and some of Antwerp’s most shared photo spots.
Antwerp’s grand central shopping boulevard, known for impressive architecture and heavy foot traffic between major city sights.
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery, onion, or cream, traditionally served with Belgian fries. A classic meal in Antwerp and across Flanders.
Flemish beef stew slowly braised in dark Belgian beer, often slightly sweet-sour and served with fries. A beloved comfort dish in Antwerp.
A creamy chicken and mushroom ragout served in a puff pastry case, often with fries. A traditional Belgian brasserie favorite.
Renowned fine-dining restaurant in a former chapel, celebrated for creative contemporary cuisine and an exceptional destination atmosphere.
Historic Antwerp brewery and visitor venue best known for Bolleke De Koninck, with beer-focused dining and a lively atmosphere.
Famous cathedral-side brasserie filled with religious statues, serving Belgian classics and beers in a unique historic setting.
Moderate by Western Europe standards: museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Antwerp-Central -> Antwerp City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Antwerp 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 Antwerp, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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