- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Major museum complex with Old Masters, Magritte works, and Belgian art; one of the city’s essential cultural visits.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
1 h 13 m
Average duration
1 h 13 m
Trains per day
36
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 36 trains that leave Essen for Brussels on Fri, Jun 19, 18 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 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 13 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 13 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.
2029
2032
2032
2031
2031
2029
2032
2031
2030
2034Omio 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 | $46 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 $7 (€6) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Essen to Brussels costing on average $29 (€24).
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 (€20) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($22 (€18) vs $46 (€38)). 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 tomorrow, Friday, June 19. 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 | 1h31 | 7:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2377+ 4528 | 6:05 AM Essen station | 1h36 | 7:41 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2377+ 4528 | 6:05 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 7:29 AM Brussels-North | 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 | 1h31 | 8:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2378+ 4529 | 7:05 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 8:29 AM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2030 | 7:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 9:06 AM Brussels-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | |
2379+ 4530 | 8:04 AM Essen station | 1h37 | 9:41 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2379+ 4530 | 8:04 AM Essen station | 1h26 | 9:30 AM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2379+ 4530 | 8:04 AM Essen station | 1h32 | 9:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
2031 | 8:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 10:06 AM Brussels-Central | 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 | |
2381+ 4532 | 10:05 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 11:29 AM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2381+ 4532 | 10:05 AM Essen station | 1h36 | 11:41 AM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2381+ 4532 | 10:05 AM Essen station | 1h31 | 11:36 AM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2033 | 10:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 12:06 PM Brussels-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2033 | 10:47 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 12:11 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
2033 | 10:47 AM Essen station | 1h13 | 12:00 PM Brussels-North | 0 transfersDirect | |
2382+ 4533 | 11:05 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 12:29 PM Brussels-North | 1 transfer | |
2382+ 4533 | 11:05 AM Essen station | 1h36 | 12:41 PM Brussels-Midi | 1 transfer | |
2382+ 4533 | 11:05 AM Essen station | 1h31 | 12:36 PM Brussels-Central | 1 transfer | |
2034 | 11:47 AM Essen station | 1h13 | 1:00 PM Brussels-North | 0 transfersDirect | |
2034 | 11:47 AM Essen station | 1h19 | 1:06 PM Brussels-Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
2034 | 11:47 AM Essen station | 1h24 | 1:11 PM Brussels-Midi | 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 (€9) 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 (€9) |
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.
Major museum complex with Old Masters, Magritte works, and Belgian art; one of the city’s essential cultural visits.
Dedicated to René Magritte, with the world’s largest collection of his surrealist works in a central historic setting.
Celebrated museum in an Art Nouveau building, known for its global instrument collection and audio-guided displays.
Popular cultural hill and viewpoint linking the upper and lower city, especially photogenic at sunset.
Historic covered arcade of elegant passages, shops, and architecture, often highlighted in social media imagery.
Stylish square known for antiques, refined atmosphere, and easy access to nearby churches and museums.
Brussels classic of mussels steamed with white wine, celery, onions, or cream, served with crisp fries. It is one of the city’s most iconic comfort dishes.
Traditional Belgian beef and onion stew slowly cooked with dark beer, often slightly sweet-sour and served with fries or bread. A staple in Brussels brasseries.
Rustic mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or spinach, often served with sausage or meat. The base preparation is a classic local side dish.
One of Brussels’ most famous fine-dining restaurants, celebrated for refined Belgian and French cuisine in an elegant Art Nouveau setting.
Respected restaurant specializing in carefully prepared Belgian cuisine and strong beer pairings, with a cozy, polished brasserie feel.
Well-known old-school restaurant serving generous Belgian specialties such as carbonnade, stoemp, and sausage in a rustic, bustling atmosphere.
Moderate by Western European standards. Food and transport are manageable, but central hotels cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxi fares; no tip is expected for bars or cafés.
Official public transport app
Brussels-Midi -> Bruxelles-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-Midi station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Central. 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-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