The cheapest and fastest trains from Ghent to Essen
Cheapest price
$125
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
3 h 34 m
Average duration
3 h 45 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
234 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ghent to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ghent to Essen will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
Of the 2 trains that leave Ghent for Essen on Tue, Dec 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 234 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 34 m .
On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 3 h 56 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Ghent to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ghent to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a flight costs an average of €161.
Distance: 145 miles (234 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€92 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €290 Average price |
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 46m Average total duration 6h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Ghent to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Ghent to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:41 AM Ghent | 3h56 | 11:37 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ghent to Essen by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Why should you book Ghent to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,ICE) as well as Eurostar and SNCB offer trains services from Ghent to Essen. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ghent to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,ICE)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,ICE), but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar and SNCB to find the best option for your trip from Ghent to Essen.
- 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 Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,ICE) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ghent to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,ICE) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (IC,RE,ICE)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Eurostar and SNCB to help you choose the right option for your journey from Ghent to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ghent to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ghent to Essen
Trains from Ghent to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 (€64) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 145 miles (234 km) distance in 3h 17m.
Distance 145 miles (234 km) |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€64) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 00:39 |
Last train 23:48 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB from Ghent to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Ghent and Essen from $23 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Eurostar
SNCB
FAQs: Trains from Ghent to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ghent to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Ghent to Essen
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein.
- De Graslei
- Restaurant Patrick Foley's
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- NH Gent Sint Pieters
- Hotel Carlton
- Astoria Hotel Gent
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Kasteellaan.
- De Graslei
- Amadeus Ghent 1
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort
- Hotel Cathedral
- Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to Antwerp, Brussels, and local destinations
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
Most popular train connections from Ghent
More options for your journey from Ghent to Essen
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