- Must visit
BPS22
A major contemporary art museum in Charleroi, noted for large-scale exhibitions in an industrial-style setting. One of the city’s best-known cultural venues.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
117 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Charleroi is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Charleroi will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 1 trains that leave Essen for Charleroi on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 117 km distance in an average of 3 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 37 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 3 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 Charleroi among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 72 miles (117 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 54m Average total duration Fastest 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Charleroi:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Charleroi costing on average $22 (€18).
Other travel options to Charleroi take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 51m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Intercity.
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 Charleroi trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:32 AM Essen | 3h37 | 11:09 AM Charleroi | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Charleroi run on average 21 times per day, taking around 2h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 72 miles (117 km) distance in 2h 31m.
Distance 72 miles (117 km) |
Average train duration 2h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Trains per day 21 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 31m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 11:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Charleroi — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleroi trip today.
A major contemporary art museum in Charleroi, noted for large-scale exhibitions in an industrial-style setting. One of the city’s best-known cultural venues.
One of the largest photography museums in Europe, housed in a former Carmelite convent in Mont-sur-Marchienne. It is highly regarded for both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
A former coal mine and memorial site with museum spaces on mining, industry, and immigration. It is Charleroi’s most important heritage attraction and a UNESCO-listed site.
The historic central square of the upper town, surrounded by major civic and religious landmarks. It is a natural starting point for exploring central Charleroi.
A former mining slag heap turned viewpoint and walking spot, offering broad views over Charleroi. It is one of the city’s most distinctive outdoor experiences.
Beyond its museum role, the wider site is also a powerful heritage area for walking through industrial structures, memorial spaces, and landscaped surroundings.
Belgian meatballs served in a sweet-savory sauce often made with onions and sirop de Liège. A Walloon brasserie classic commonly found around Charleroi.
Slow-braised beef stew cooked with Belgian beer and onions. Though associated with Belgium broadly, it is a staple comfort dish in local brasseries.
A beloved Belgian street-food sandwich filled with meat, fries, and sauce in a baguette. It is especially common in snack bars across Charleroi.
Established fine-dining restaurant offering seasonal French-Belgian cooking in an upscale, classic setting with attentive service.
Refined restaurant known for elegant Belgian-French cuisine, careful wine pairing, and a polished atmosphere suited to a special meal.
Popular local brewery and dining venue where visitors can try regional beer alongside casual Belgian dishes in an industrial-chic space.
Generally cheaper than Brussels. Hotels and dining are moderate, while budget food and public transport are fairly affordable.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not required. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Charleroi-Sud, Charleroi -> Rive Gauche, Charleroi
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Charleroi 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 Charleroi, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Charleroi trains use the Essen to Charleroi-Sud station pair, with some services arriving at Lodelinsart. Use this guide to compare Essen and Charleroi 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.
Charleroi-Sud has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: La Manufacture Urbaine, Le Pain Quotidien
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Charleroi-Sud. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Charleroi-Sud. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charleroi-Sud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Charleroi-Sud: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleroi-Sud: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare, Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Center, Novotel Charleroi Centre.
Lodelinsart is 2 km from Charleroi city centre. Public transport options include:
Lodelinsart has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Lodelinsart.
Available at Lodelinsart: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lodelinsart.
Charleroi-Ouest has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Le Pain Quotidien, La Table de la Manufacture Urbaine
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Charleroi-Ouest. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Charleroi-Ouest. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charleroi-Ouest: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Charleroi-Ouest: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleroi-Ouest: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Center, Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need