- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 37 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
68 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Brussels 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 will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 3 trains that leave Essen for Brussels on Tue, Aug 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 37 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 train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $11, and a bus costs an average of $29.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $29 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 8m Average total duration 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration Fastest 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Brussels:
A train is $8 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Essen to Brussels costing on average $29.
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 38m.
The journey is about 2m faster (1h 38m by train vs 1h 40m by car) and roughly $25 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($22 vs $47). 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 Intercity, Eurostar.
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 Brussels trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2377+ 4528 | 6:05 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 7:29 AM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2377+ 4528 | 6:05 AM Essen station | 1h31 | 7:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2377+ 4528 | 6:05 AM Essen station | 1h36 | 7:41 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2029 | 6:47 AM Essen station | 1h13 | 8:00 AM Brussels-North | 0 transfersDirect | |
2029 | 6:47 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 8:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
2029 | 6:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 8:06 AM Brussels-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2378+ 4529 | 7:05 AM Essen station | 1h36 | 8:41 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2378+ 4529 | 7:05 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 8:29 AM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2378+ 4529 | 7:05 AM Essen station | 1h31 | 8:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2030 | 7:47 AM Essen station | 1h13 | 9:00 AM Brussels-North | 0 transfersDirect | |
2030 | 7:47 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 9:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
2030 | 7:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 9:06 AM Brussels-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2379+ 4530 | 8:04 AM Essen station | 1h26 | 9:30 AM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2379+ 4530 | 8:04 AM Essen station | 1h37 | 9:41 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2379+ 4530 | 8:04 AM Essen station | 1h32 | 9:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2031 | 8:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 10:06 AM Brussels-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2031 | 8:47 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 10:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
2031 | 8:47 AM Essen station | 1h13 | 10:00 AM Brussels-North | 0 transfersDirect | |
2380+ 4531 | 9:05 AM Essen station | 1h36 | 10:41 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2380+ 4531 | 9:05 AM Essen station | 1h31 | 10:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2380+ 4531 | 9:05 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 10:29 AM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2032 | 9:47 AM Essen station | 1h13 | 11:00 AM Brussels-North | 0 transfersDirect | |
2032 | 9:47 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 11:11 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
2032 | 9:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 11:06 AM Brussels-Central | 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 Brussels run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 1h 24m.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average train duration 1h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 24m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
Dedicated to surrealist René Magritte, this popular museum presents major works and context for one of Belgium’s most celebrated artists.
Leading comic art museum in a Horta-designed building, highlighting Tintin, the Smurfs, and Belgium’s influential comics culture.
Grand square at Brussels’ heart, lined with ornate guildhalls and lively events, perfect for first-time visitors and evening atmosphere.
Large urban park with the triumphal arch, museums, and wide lawns, excellent for walking, picnics, and classic city photographs.
Popular hilltop viewpoint and garden terrace with one of the best panoramas over central Brussels, especially at sunset.
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery and onion, often served with fries. A Brussels brasserie classic, especially popular in mussel season.
Double-fried potato fries, traditionally served in paper cones with sauces. They are a point of national pride and central to everyday Belgian street food.
A rich beef and onion stew braised with Belgian dark beer. It is a beloved comfort dish found in traditional Brussels restaurants.
Two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Karen Torosyan, celebrated for pâté en croûte and inventive fine dining in an intimate setting.
Elegant Belle Époque brasserie serving refined Belgian classics, seafood and game in a grand old-world dining room.
Famous casual stop for Brussels waffles with many toppings. Popular, fast-moving and central for a classic sweet local treat.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and transit are manageable for most tourists.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Brussels-Midi -> Brussels-Central
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Brussels 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Brussels trains use the Essen to Bruxelles-Central station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Midi. Use this guide to compare Essen and Brussels train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Essen.
ATMs are available at Essen.
Available at Essen: Parking.
Available at Essen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.
Wildert is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Wildert has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Wildert.
ATMs are available at Wildert.
Available at Wildert: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wildert.
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.
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.
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