- Must visit
Drents Museum
Leading museum of Drenthe with archaeology, art, and high-profile exhibitions, set in a historic former monastery near the center.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Ghent to Assen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ghent to Assen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 180 miles (291 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$58 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest |
4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ghent to Assen is a bus with an average price of $42.
This is compared to other travel options from Ghent to Assen:
A bus is $16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ghent to Assen costing on average $58.
The fastest way to travel from Ghent to Assen is by train with an average journey time of 4h 3m.
Other travel options to Assen take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ghent and Assen including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ghent to Assen among Omio's users.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ghent to Assen
Belgium
Netherlands
Trains from Ghent to Assen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 but you can travel from only $42 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:58, the last at 19:35. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (291 km) distance in 4h 28m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $42
Distance 180 miles (291 km) |
Average train duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 5:58 AM |
Last train 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $42
Train companies: Eurocity Direct, NS International | IC Brussel from Ghent to Assen trainsEurocity Direct, NS International | IC Brussel trains will get you between Ghent and Assen from $42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
NS International | IC Brussel
About
NS International, a subsidiary of the Dutch state-owned railway Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), operates international intercity and high-speed connections to various European cities, including Brussels. The "IC Brussel" refers to their Intercity service connecting the Netherlands and Belgium. These trains offer a direct and comfortable way to travel between major cities like Amsterdam and Brussels. As of late 2024, NS International, in collaboration with the Belgian railway company SNCB, is introducing new Intercity New Generation (ICNG) trains on the Brussels-Amsterdam route. These new trains are faster, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, and offer amenities like onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets. They aim to significantly reduce travel times and increase the frequency of services between the two countries.
Luggage & cancellation policy
NS International | IC Brussel frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per person
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car available with hot and cold meals, drinks. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in first class, optional for second class at additional cost
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, assistance for boarding/alighting available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Eurocity Direct
Luggage & cancellation policy
Eurocity Direct frequency
6 a day
Complete guide to Assen
Things to do in Assen
Discover the best of Assen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Assen trip today.
- Recommended
Museumdorp Orvelte
Open-air heritage museum showing the region’s farm life, crafts, and village buildings in a spacious green setting outside central Assen.
- Recommended
Gevangenismuseum
National prison museum in nearby Veenhuizen explaining Dutch justice and incarceration history through objects, buildings, and stories.
- Must visit
Asserbos
Large city forest on Assen’s edge with trails, ponds, and open landscapes, popular for walking, running, and quiet nature breaks.
- Must visit
Nationaal Park Drentsche Aa
Expansive woodland and heath reserve near Assen with trails and natural viewpoints, excellent for a scenic walk beyond the center.
- Recommended
De Brink
Historic central square lined with monuments, shops, and terraces, ideal for starting a walk through Assen’s civic and cultural core.
- Vegetarian
Drentse Knieperties
Drentse knieperties are thin rolled waffles from Drenthe, served at New Year. They are a regional festive sweet tied closely to local family tradition.
- Gluten-free
Drentse Turfstekers
Drentse turfstekers is a hearty regional dish linked to peat workers, usually potatoes with pork or sausage. It reflects Drenthe's rural working-class food culture.
Spekdikken
Spekdikken are old-style buckwheat pancakes from Drenthe, commonly baked with bacon and syrup. They are a classic winter and fairground food in the region.
Hotel De Jonge
Well-known hotel restaurant offering refined French and Dutch-inspired dining. Suitable for a more formal meal in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Grand Café Liff
Popular casual dining spot in Assen with a broad menu, good drinks, and a lively city-center atmosphere suited to lunch or dinner.
De Bonte Wever
Established grand café and restaurant in central Assen, known for reliable Dutch and European dishes in a stylish yet relaxed setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for the Netherlands. Hotels and dining cost more than smaller EU towns, but local buses and casual meals stay manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-4 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis: round up. Cafes: small change is enough.
9292
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.14
- Day pass
- : null
To the city center
Assen Station -> Brink, Assen
- Distance
- 400 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Check in and out with your contactless bank card, phone, or OV-chipkaart on Qbuzz buses.
- For route planning in Assen, use 9292 or Qbuzz. Assen has buses; no tram or metro network.
FAQs: Trains from Ghent to Assen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ghent to Assen 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 Assen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Ghent to Assen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $58, while the average price is around $58.
The train from Ghent to Assen takes 4h 28m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Ghent to Assen is 180 miles (291 km).
The first train from Ghent to Assen leaves at 5:58 AM.
The last train from Ghent to Assen leaves at 7:35 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Ghent to Assen.
There is no direct train service currently available from Ghent to Assen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Ghent to Assen.
The cheapest way to get from Ghent to Assen is by bus, with a cost of around $42.
To explore Assen's key attractions, such as the Drents Museum and TT Circuit Assen, spending 1 to 2 days is generally sufficient for most visitors.
Yes, you can take the train from Ghent to Assen.
Since both Ghent and Assen 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 Assen include Amsterdam, Schiphol, Groningen, Utrecht, Hoogeveen.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ghent to Assen 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.
The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Travelers generally find it more convenient to use cards, as most places accept debit and credit cards, though having some cash on hand is useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Assen, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially during events like the TT Circuit races. It's advisable to keep belongings secure and be aware of surroundings. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for transportation or accommodation to prevent scams. Using official taxi services and booking tickets through reputable sources helps ensure safety and avoid fraud.
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.
Most popular train connections from Ghent
More options for your journey from Ghent to Assen
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Most popular train connections to Assen
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