- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum known for outstanding 19th- to 21st-century collections, photography, and temporary exhibitions; one of Germany’s best museum visits.
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
4 h 49 m
Average duration
5 h 4 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 $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
It's difficult to get from Ghent to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 507 · R 5010 · 10322
IC 507 · R 16929 · IC 3542 · 32238
IC 507 · R 16929 · IC 3542 · 32238
IC 507 · R 5010 · 10322Omio recommends booking the bus 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 $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 28m. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $144.
Distance: 145 miles (234 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$103 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $377 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 6m Average total duration 7h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Ghent to Essen:
A bus is $73 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ghent to Essen costing on average $103 (€85).
A bus is $346 (€285) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ghent to Essen costing on average $377 (€310).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 3m.
Flight takes on average 7h 6m.
Tickets start at around $103 (€85) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-52.77 (€-43.41). The journey takes 3h 28m versus 3h 12m 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.
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 Ghent to Essen trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2808 · ICE 15 · 26419 · 10139 | 9:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h33 | 2:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2808 · ICE 15 · 10324 | 9:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 5h02 | 2:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2808 · ICE 15 · 91991 · S19 | On time 9:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h23 | 2:04 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Ghent to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€52) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:46, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 145 miles (234 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 145 miles (234 km) |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€52) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 12:46 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Major art museum known for outstanding 19th- to 21st-century collections, photography, and temporary exhibitions; one of Germany’s best museum visits.
The main regional museum of the Ruhr area, located in the former coal washery at Zollverein, with archaeology, history, and industrial culture displays.
Design museum in the Zollverein complex showing contemporary product and industrial design in a striking former boiler house.
Picturesque garden-city district with distinctive early 20th-century planning, charming streets, and strong local character; very photogenic and walkable.
Large lake area popular for walking, cycling, sailing views, and relaxed Ruhr landscapes; one of Essen’s top outdoor recreation spots.
Contemporary landscape park woven through the former industrial complex, mixing architecture, art, and broad walking spaces popular on social media.
Sliced sausage with a spiced ketchup-style curry sauce, a Ruhr area classic found at snack stands and pubs across Essen.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding and onions; common in the wider region around Essen.
Pot roast marinated for days in vinegar and spices, usually served with gravy and dumplings or potatoes; a classic festive dish in North Rhine-Westphalia.
An established fine-dining restaurant known for modern German cuisine, tasting menus, and an elegant atmosphere.
A well-known creative venue with casual dining, buffet-style meals, and a lively cultural atmosphere in central Essen.
A popular long-running restaurant serving generous Turkish and Mediterranean dishes in a busy, friendly setting.
Moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are reasonable; hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service is included, but tipping is customary. Round up small bills or add about 5-10% in restaurants. Taxis are usually rounded up; no tip is expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf, Essen -> Essen City Center, 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.

Most Ghent to Essen trains use the Gent St Pieters to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen Süd. Use this guide to compare Ghent and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gent St Pieters is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent St Pieters 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: De Graslei, Restaurant Patrick Foley's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent St Pieters. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent St Pieters. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent St Pieters: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Gent Sint Pieters, Hotel Carlton, Astoria Hotel Gent.
Gent-Dampoort is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent-Dampoort 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Graslei, Amadeus Ghent 1
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent-Dampoort. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent-Dampoort. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent-Dampoort: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort, Hotel Cathedral, Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal.
Gentbrugge is 3 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gentbrugge has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Gentbrugge.
ATMs are available at Gentbrugge.
Available at Gentbrugge: Parking, WC.
Available at Gentbrugge: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gentbrugge.
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Süd. ATMs are available at Essen Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.
Nearby hotels include Webers.
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