- Must visit
Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA)
Bold contemporary museum with major fashion, photography, and art shows. Antwerp’s flagship museum for modern culture and big-name exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$77
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$100
Fastest journey on Sep 19
4 h 4 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
4 h 18 m
Trains on Sep 19
7
Distance
183 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 $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Antwerp without transferring at least 3 times.
Bus RE1 · 10118 · 20070 · IC 3540
Bus RE1 · 10114 · 20068 · IC 3536
Bus RE1 · ICE 220 · IC 2032 · EC 9232
S2 · IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 2032
63604 · ICE 121 · ICE 316 · EC 9235
Bus RE1 · 10118 · 20070 · IC 3540
Bus RE1 · 10114 · 20068 · IC 3536
63604 · ICE 121 · ICE 316 · IC 3310
S2 · IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 2032
63604 · ICE 121 · ICE 316 · EC 9235Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Essen to Antwerp among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. 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 $36, while a flight costs an average of $643.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$92 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $643 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration 2h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 39m 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 Essen to Antwerp:
A bus is $55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Antwerp costing on average $92.
A bus is $607 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Antwerp costing on average $643.
Other travel options to Antwerp take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 22m.
Bus takes on average 4h 38m.
Tickets start at around $92 compared to roughly $40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-51.35. The journey takes 3h 22m versus 2h 39m 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 to Antwerp 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
63604 · ICE 121 · ICE 316 · EC 9235 | 8:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h38 | 12:42 PM Antwerp-Central | 3 transfers | |
63604 · ICE 121 · ICE 316 · IC 3310 | 8:04 AM Essen Hbf | 4h19 | 12:23 PM Antwerp-Central | 4 transfers | |
Bus RE1 · 10114 · 20068 · IC 3536 | 8:12 AM Essen | 4h04 | 12:16 PM Antwerp-Central | 5 transfers | |
S6 · ICE 220 · IC 2032 · EC 9232 | 8:18 AM Essen Hbf | 4h58 | 1:16 PM Antwerp-Central | 3 transfers | |
Bus RE1 · ICE 220 · IC 2032 · EC 9232 | 8:37 AM Essen | 4h39 | 1:16 PM Antwerp-Central | 3 transfers | |
S2 · IC 2007 · ICE 220 · IC 2032 | 8:53 AM Essen Hbf | 4h23 | 1:16 PM Antwerp-Central | 4 transfers | |
Bus RE1 · 10118 · 20070 · IC 3540 | 9:12 AM Essen | 4h04 | 1:16 PM Antwerp-Central | 5 transfers | |
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 Essen to Antwerp run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 but you can travel from only $15 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:36, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average train duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 3:36 AM |
Last train 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
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.
Bold contemporary museum with major fashion, photography, and art shows. Antwerp’s flagship museum for modern culture and big-name exhibitions.
Antwerp’s landmark museum on the river, covering city history, world cultures, and design. The rooftop offers outstanding panoramic views.
Recently restored fine arts museum with Flemish masters and modern works. A top choice for seeing Antwerp’s artistic heritage in depth.
Elegant shopping avenue known for fashion, luxury boutiques, and grand architecture. Great for people-watching and a stylish city walk.
Historic riverside district of narrow lanes, old houses, and intimate squares. One of Antwerp’s most atmospheric areas for wandering.
Revitalized dockside quarter around MAS with modern architecture, marinas, and broad promenades. Popular for sunset walks and photography.
A small hand-shaped butter biscuit spiced with cinnamon and baked crisp. It is Antwerp's signature sweet, linked to the city's Brabo legend.
Rich Belgian beef stew slowly cooked with dark beer, onions, and herbs. A beloved comfort dish often served with fries in Antwerp brasseries.
Mussels steamed with celery, onion, and white wine or beer, usually paired with fries. A classic Belgian coastal favorite widely enjoyed in Antwerp.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by chef Zilte in MAS. Known for refined tasting menus, polished service, and panoramic city views.
Brewery venue and city beer landmark serving De Koninck beers with Belgian dishes. Lively atmosphere and a strong focus on Antwerp brewing heritage.
Popular casual spot for traditional Belgian fries with a wide choice of sauces. Quick, local, and ideal for an authentic street food stop.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels are mid-priced, dining is manageable, and transit is reasonable versus Brussels, Amsterdam, or Paris.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Taxis: round up. Cafes: small change is fine.
Official public transport app
Antwerp-Central -> Grote Markt, Antwerp
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.

Most Essen to Antwerp trains use the Essen Hbf to Antwerpen Centraal station pair, with some services arriving at Antwerpen-Berchem. Use this guide to compare Essen and Antwerp 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, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Antwerpen Centraal is 1 km from Antwerp city centre. Public transport options include:
Antwerpen Centraal 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: Café - Brasserie Royal, Einstein Koffie, Leonidas, Starbucks, Yam Yam, Panos, Sweetz To Go, Frituur Centraal, lunch & pasta coffee, Döner Company, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station after logging in to the Free Wifi-NmbsSncb network. ATMs are located inside the atrium and retail area.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 22:00. Information desks are located in the main station hall on the ground floor (entrance/exit Koningin Astridplein).
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located at the top of the escalators in the retail area. .
Available at Antwerpen Centraal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Antwerpen Centraal: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Antwerpen Centraal: 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 Hampton by Hilton Antwerp Central Station, A-Stay Antwerpen, Hotel NH Collection Antwerp Centre.
Antwerpen-Berchem is 2 km from Antwerp city centre. Public transport options include:
Antwerpen-Berchem 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: Wagamama, Brasserie Dikke Mee
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Antwerpen-Berchem. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Antwerpen-Berchem. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Antwerpen-Berchem: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Antwerpen-Berchem: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Antwerpen-Berchem: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Radisson Hotel Antwerp Berchem, Tulip Inn Antwerpen, Ibis Budget Antwerpen Centraal Station.
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