- Recommended
Train World
Major railway museum in Schaerbeek with historic locomotives, immersive displays, and Belgian rail heritage exhibits. A strong museum option reachable from the airport area via Brussels.
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
3 h 7 m
Average duration
3 h 39 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
187 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen 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 to Brussels Airport will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Of the 5 trains that leave Essen for Brussels Airport on Tue, Jun 09, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 09 the direct trains cover the 187 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 7 m .
On Tue, Jun 09 the slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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 to Brussels Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $143.
Distance: 116 miles (187 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$91 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $275 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 51m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Brussels Airport:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Brussels Airport costing on average $91 (€74).
A bus is $235 (€192) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Brussels Airport costing on average $275 (€225).
Other travel options to Brussels Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
Flight takes on average 4h 51m.
Tickets start at around $91 (€74) compared to roughly $45 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-45.40 (€-37.03). The journey takes 2h 48m versus 2h 41m 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 Brussels Airport trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:40 AM Essen | 3h07 | 9:47 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:09 AM Essen | 3h38 | 10:47 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 AM Essen | 3h07 | 10:47 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:46 AM Essen | 4h03 | 11:49 AM Brussels Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Brussels Airport run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€58) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:41, the last at 14:46. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (187 km) distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 116 miles (187 km) |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€58) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 4:41 AM |
Last train 2:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 railway museum in Schaerbeek with historic locomotives, immersive displays, and Belgian rail heritage exhibits. A strong museum option reachable from the airport area via Brussels.
Large military museum in Cinquantenaire Park covering Belgian and European military history, aviation, and historic equipment. Popular with visitors seeking a substantial collection.
Well-known car museum in the Cinquantenaire complex featuring classic automobiles, Belgian marques, and rotating exhibitions. Good for transport and design enthusiasts.
Historic beguinage and UNESCO-listed quarter with cobbled lanes, brick houses, and calm canalside atmosphere. One of the most charming walking areas near the airport region.
Central Brussels cultural terrace with gardens and one of the city’s best skyline viewpoints. Frequently featured in travel photography and social media content.
Elegant 19th-century covered arcade ideal for architecture lovers and leisurely strolling. One of Brussels’ classic atmospheric passageways and a very popular stop.
Belgium’s classic pairing of mussels and fries, often served with white wine, cream, or garlic broth. It is one of the country’s most iconic comfort dishes.
A traditional Flemish beef stew slowly braised with Belgian beer, onions, and mustard. It is rich, hearty, and deeply tied to Belgian home cooking.
A rustic Belgian mash of potatoes with seasonal vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or spinach. It is a staple side dish and sometimes served as a main meal.
A well-known airport restaurant at Brussels Airport serving Belgian and international classics in a comfortable sit-down setting.
A popular fast-casual chain focused on fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, and healthy light meals in a modern setting.
A familiar casual option at the airport for sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and quick Belgian-style bites before a flight.
Airport prices are higher than in central Brussels. Meals, coffee, and convenience items usually cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Brussels Airport -> Brussels Central Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need