ESSEN to BRUSSELS train from $12 (€10) with Eurocity Direct

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Brussels

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

$18

Average ticket price on Sep 18

$18

Fastest journey on Sep 18

1 h 12 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

1 h 13 m

Trains on Sep 18

Distance

68 km

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 72 trains from Essen to Brussels, including 36 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 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 12 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 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.

2033
10:47 AM1h13
Essen station
12:00 PMBrussels-North
$181One-way
0 transfers
2381+4532
10:05 AM1h36
Essen station
11:41 AMBrussels-Midi
$181One-way
1 transfer
2038
3:47 PM1h12
Essen station
4:59 PMBrussels-North
$181One-way
0 transfers
2386+4537
3:05 PM1h35
Essen station
4:40 PMBrussels-Midi
$181One-way
1 transfer
2038
3:47 PM1h23
Essen station
5:10 PMBrussels-Midi
$181One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Essen to Brussels

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 an average ticket price of $17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $17, while a train costs an average of $17.

Distance: 42 miles (68 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Driving
$17 Average price Cheapest		$47 Average price (fuel + tolls)
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time*		1h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door)
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Brussels is a train with an average price of $17 (€14).

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Brussels is by train with an average journey time of 1h 21m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Essen and Brussels including taking a bus and train.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Brussels among Omio's users.

Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 19m faster (1h 21m by train vs 1h 40m by car) and roughly $30 (€24) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($17 (€14) vs $47 (€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.

Live departures

Essen to Brussels train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Brussels trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
2033	10:47 AM Essen station	1h19	12:06 PM Brussels-Central	0 transfersDirect
2033	10:47 AM Essen station	1h13	12:00 PM Brussels-North	0 transfersDirect
2033	10:47 AM Essen station	1h24	12:11 PM Brussels-Midi	0 transfersDirect
2382+4533	11:05 AM Essen station	1h31	12:36 PM Brussels-Central	1 transfer
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
2034	11:47 AM Essen station	1h24	1:11 PM Brussels-Midi	0 transfersDirect
2034	11:47 AM Essen station	1h19	1:06 PM Brussels-Central	0 transfersDirect
2034	11:47 AM Essen station	1h13	1:00 PM Brussels-North	0 transfersDirect
Friday, September 18
2379+4530	8:04 AM Essen station	1h32	9:36 AM Brussels-Central	1 transfer
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
2031	8:47 AM Essen station	1h19	10:06 AM Brussels-Central	0 transfersDirect
2031	8:47 AM Essen station	1h13	10:00 AM Brussels-North	0 transfersDirect
2031	8:47 AM Essen station	1h24	10:11 AM Brussels-Midi	0 transfersDirect
2380+4531	9:05 AM Essen station	1h24	10:29 AM Brussels-North	1 transfer
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
2032	9:47 AM Essen station	1h19	11:06 AM Brussels-Central	0 transfersDirect
2032	9:47 AM Essen station	1h24	11:11 AM Brussels-Midi	0 transfersDirect
2032	9:47 AM Essen station	1h13	11:00 AM Brussels-North	0 transfersDirect
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
2381+4532	10:05 AM Essen station	1h24	11:29 AM Brussels-North	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Brussels by bus or train

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.

Fri
Sep 18

Sat
Sep 19

Sun
Sep 20

Mon
Sep 21

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Sep 22

Wed
Sep 23

Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Essen to Brussels trains with Omio?

Intercity as well as Regional, EuroCity, SNCB | BUS, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) and more offer trains services from Essen to Brussels.

Omio is the only official third party seller for Intercity tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Intercity?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of Regional, EuroCity, SNCB | BUS or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Intercity with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Brussels.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Brussels

Belgium

Trains from Essen to Brussels run on average 25 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.

There are 11 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 6m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.

Price information

Distance

42 miles (68 km)

Average train duration

1h 21m

Cheapest ticket price

$12 (€10)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

1h 6m

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

Tue

Best time to book

1 day

Price information

Train companies: Intercity, Regional, EuroCity, SNCB | BUS, Eurocity Direct from Essen to Brussels trainsIntercity, Regional, EuroCity, SNCB | BUS, Eurocity Direct trains will get you between Essen and Brussels from $12 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Intercity

About

Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term "InterCity" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, "Intercity" or "IC" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Intercity Duration

1h 6m

Cheapest Intercity Price

$17 (€14)

Intercity frequency

16 a day

Luggage included

2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages

Cancellation Policy

According to ticket conditions

Refund

Full refund provided

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.

Seat reservation

Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket

Quiet zone

Learn more about Intercity

EuroCity

About

EuroCity (EC) is an international train category and brand for inter-city trains that cross international borders within Europe. These trains are a collaboration between various European rail companies, including Deutsche Bahn (Germany), Trenitalia (Italy), SBB (Switzerland), and ÖBB (Austria). EuroCity trains connect major cities across Europe, offering both first and second-class coaches. They are known for meeting specific criteria for comfort, speed, cleanliness, and onboard food service, including air-conditioned cars and dining facilities. EuroCity services aim to provide convenient and comfortable cross-border travel, with stops typically lasting no more than 5 to 15 minutes.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average EuroCity Duration

1h 32m

Cheapest EuroCity Price

$12 (€10)

EuroCity frequency

8 a day

Luggage included

2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Restaurant car or bistro service available on most routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations recommended, available for additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

Quiet zone

Regional

About

The term "Regional" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, "Regionalbahn" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Regional Duration

1h 12m

Cheapest Regional Price

$12 (€10)

Regional frequency

8 a day

Luggage included

Standard luggage allowance included with ticket

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and designated luggage areas

Cancellation Policy

Refunds according to ticket type and conditions

Refund

Full refund if service is canceled

Amenities on board the train

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

SNCB | BUS

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average SNCB | BUS Duration

1h 53m

Cheapest SNCB | BUS Price

$12 (€10)

SNCB | BUS frequency

8 a day

Eurocity Direct

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Eurocity Direct Duration

2h 18m

Cheapest Eurocity Direct Price

$60 (€50)

Eurocity Direct frequency

4 a day

Complete guide to Brussels

Things to do in Brussels

Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.

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.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Magritte Museum

Dedicated to surrealist René Magritte, this popular museum presents major works and context for one of Belgium’s most celebrated artists.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Comics Art Museum

Leading comic art museum in a Horta-designed building, highlighting Tintin, the Smurfs, and Belgium’s influential comics culture.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and transit are manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range: €20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
Fine dining: €70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee: €3-5 for cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.

FAQs: Trains from Essen to Brussels

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.

Train ticket prices from Essen to Brussels can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $12 (€10), while the average price is around $17 (€14).

The train from Essen to Brussels takes 1h 6m and runs 25 per day.

The distance by train from Essen to Brussels is 42 miles (68 km).

The first train from Essen to Brussels leaves at 12:01 AM.

The last train from Essen to Brussels leaves at 11:56 PM.

Yes, there is a high-speed train from Essen to Brussels.

Yes, there is a direct train from Essen to Brussels. This service operates 11 times per day, provided by Intercity, Eurostar.

Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Brussels.

The train station in Essen that goes to Brussels is Essen station, which connects to Brussels-Central.

The cheapest way to get from Essen to Brussels is by train, with a cost of around $12 (€10).

The train journey from Essen to Brussels offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the lush countryside, small towns, and industrial areas, though it may not be considered overwhelmingly scenic compared to other European routes.

Yes, you can do a day trip from Essen to Brussels. The journey takes 1h 6m with a distance of 42 miles (68 km), and there are 8 train trips available per day.

In Brussels, explore the vibrant Marolles district with its antique shops and street art, and enjoy a stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire with its impressive arches and museums. Sample Belgian chocolates at the city's renowned chocolatiers, and experience the lively Saint-Géry district's trendy bars and cafes. Attend a performance at the historic La Monnaie opera house. Don't miss top sights like the opulent Grand Place, Atomium for panoramic views, the iconic Manneken Pis statue, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Magritte Museum.

For a fulfilling experience in Brussels, plan on spending 2 to 3 days to explore key attractions such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and various museums, as well as to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.

Yes, you can take the train from Essen to Brussels.

Since both Essen and Brussels are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.

Popular day trips by train from Brussels include Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille, Rotterdam.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Essen to Brussels among Omio's users.

Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.

Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.

In Brussels, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Grand Place, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake petitions. It's advisable to stay vigilant, avoid displaying expensive items, and use official taxi services to ensure safety.

Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Essen to Brussels

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.

Departure train stations in Essen

Arrival train stations in Brussels

Which Essen station do trains to Brussels leave from?

Trains from Essen to Brussels leave from Essen. The station is from Essen city centre at 2910 Essen, Belgium.

Essen2910 Essen, Belgium Parking

City-centre transport

Getting to Essen from Essen city centre

TrainIntercity · 3h 54m · $55 · every ~4 min

Ice · 4h 58m · $63

Bus023 · 4h 5m · $27

Essen train station facilities and services

Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Essen.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Essen.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.

Which Brussels station do trains from Essen arrive at?

Trains from Essen to Brussels most often arrive at Bruxelles-Central. Some services arrive at Bruxelles-Midi, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Brussels arrival station.

Bruxelles-CentralCarr de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium+32 25282828 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Bruxelles-Central from Brussels city centre

Bus29, 63, 65, 66, 87, 89 · 5m · $4 · every ~17 min

Subway1, 5 · 1m · $4 · every ~38 min

Bruxelles-Central train station facilities and services

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.