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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ghent to Essen
Showing times and prices for Mar 23
Cheapest price
$125
Average price
$131
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
234 km
Cheap tickets
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 $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Ghent to Essen without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 2810 · ICE 315 · ICE 64111:41AM3h37
Ghent St Pieters03:18PMEssen Hbf
$1251One-way
2 transfers
IC 2808 · ICE 15 · ICE 54909:41AM3h37
Ghent St Pieters01:18PMEssen Hbf
$1381One-way
2 transfers
IC 2810 · ICE 315 · ICE 64111:41AM3h37
Ghent St Pieters03:18PMEssen Hbf
$1251One-way
2 transfers
IC 2808 · ICE 15 · ICE 54909:41AM3h37
Ghent St Pieters01:18PMEssen Hbf
$1381One-way
2 transfers
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 $21. 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 $21, and a flight costs an average of $139.
Distance: 145 miles (234 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$104 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $293 Average price |
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration 6h 49m 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, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 6:03 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 2808 · ICE 15 · ICE 549 | On time 8:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 3h37 | 12:18 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
| IC 2810 · ICE 315 · ICE 641 | On time 10:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 3h37 | 2:18 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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.
Mon
Mar 23
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27
Mar 27
Sat
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Mar 28
Sun
Mar 29
Mar 29
Why should you book Ghent to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar or 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or 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 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, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar or SNCB to find the best option for your trip 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
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Ghent to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€51) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) 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.
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 $21 (€17)
Distance 145 miles (234 km) |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€51) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 00:46 |
Last train 23:48 |
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 $21 (€17)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB from Ghent to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Ghent and Essen from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$64 (€52)
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 54m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€34)
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
SNCB
About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 34m
Cheapest Price
$147 (€119)
SNCB frequency
1 a day
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.
Train ticket prices from Ghent to Essen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $63 (€51), while the average price is around $104 (€84).
The train from Ghent to Essen takes 2h 50m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Ghent to Essen leaves at 12:46 AM.
The distance by train from Ghent to Essen is 145 miles (234 km).
The last train from Ghent to Essen leaves at 11:48 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Ghent to Essen.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Ghent to Essen.
The train station in Ghent that goes to Essen is Ghent St Pieters, which connects to Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Ghent to Essen is by bus, with a cost of around $21 (€17).
The train journey from Ghent to Essen offers a pleasant experience with views of the Belgian countryside, charming small towns, and lush green landscapes, though it may not be considered overtly scenic compared to more renowned picturesque routes.
A day trip from Ghent to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 50m each way. Trains run 7 times per day with a distance of 145 miles (234 km) between the two cities.
To explore Essen's key attractions, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Museum Folkwang, and Grugapark, a stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Ghent to Essen.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Ghent to Essen
Ghent
Essen
The major train station for departures in Ghent is Gent St Pieters. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Gent St Pieters for your trip from Ghent to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
12Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein.
Dining
- De Graslei
- Restaurant Patrick Foley's
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- NH Gent Sint Pieters
- Hotel Carlton
- Astoria Hotel Gent
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
Public transit options for Gent St Pieters
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 kmNumber of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Kasteellaan.
Dining
- De Graslei
- Amadeus Ghent 1
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort
- Hotel Cathedral
- Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to Antwerp, Brussels, and local destinations
Public transit options for Gent-Dampoort
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 4
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen Hbf for your journey to Essen from Ghent.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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
Dining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
Hotel
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmDining
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
Hotel
- McDreams
Essen Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
Hotel
- Webers
Most popular train connections from Ghent
More options for your journey from Ghent to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Ghent
Most popular train connections to Essen
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