- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for outstanding 19th- and 20th-century painting, photography, and modern art collections.
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
4 h 33 m
Average duration
4 h 33 m
Trains per day
38
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 $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
It's difficult to get from Ghent to Essen without transferring at least 3 times.
511+
5014 · 10330
513+
5016 · 10334
IC 2810 · ICE 315 · ICE 1055
507+
18929+
26417+
S6
520+
18981+
26401+
S6
IC 2808 · ICE 15 · 26419 · 10139
IC 2810 · ICE 315 · 26423 · 10147
IC 2812 · ICE 17 · 26427 · 10155
IC 2814 · ICE 317 · 26431 · 10163
2807+
10135+
9411+
26417Omio 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 $147.
Distance: 145 miles (234 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $384 Average price | $52 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 $74 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ghent to Essen costing on average $105 (€85).
A bus is $353 (€285) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ghent to Essen costing on average $384 (€310).
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 3m.
Flight takes on average 7h 6m.
Tickets start at around $105 (€85) compared to roughly $52 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-53.78 (€-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 tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
507+ 18929+ 26417+ S6 | 8:25 AM Ghent St Pieters | 5h03 | 1:28 PM Essen Süd station | 3 transfers | |
2807+ 9411+ 26417+ 10135 | 8:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h33 | 1:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
2807+ 9411+ 26417+ S6 | 8:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h47 | 1:28 PM Essen Süd station | 3 transfers | |
2807+ 9411+ S6 | 8:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 5h27 | 2:08 PM Essen Süd station | 2 transfers | |
2807+ 9411+ 10322 | 8:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 5h02 | 1:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
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 | |
2809+ 9423+ 26421+ 10143 | 10:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h33 | 3:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
2809+ 9423+ 26421+ S6 | 10:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h47 | 3:28 PM Essen Süd station | 3 transfers | |
2809+ 9423+ 10326 | 10:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 5h02 | 3:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
2809+ 9423+ S6 | 10:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 5h27 | 4:08 PM Essen Süd station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2810 · ICE 315 · 26423 · 10147 | 11:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h33 | 4:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 2810 · ICE 315 · ICE 1055 | On time 11:41 AM Ghent St Pieters | 4h50 | 4:31 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
511+ 5014 · 10330 | 12:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h18 | 5:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
511+ 18945+ 26425+ S6 | 12:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h03 | 5:28 PM Essen Süd station | 3 transfers | |
511+ 18945+ 26425+ 10151 | 12:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h49 | 5:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 511 · R 5014 · 10330 | 12:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h18 | 5:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 511 · 18945 · 26425 · 10151 | 12:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h49 | 5:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 733 · EC 9239 · IC 1151 · IC 3549 | 12:27 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h47 | 5:14 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 2812 · ICE 17 · 10332 | 1:41 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h02 | 6:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2812 · ICE 17 · 26427 · 10155 | 1:41 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h33 | 6:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
513+ 18953+ 26429+ 10159 | 2:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h49 | 7:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
513+ 18953+ 26429+ S6 | 2:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h03 | 7:28 PM Essen Süd station | 3 transfers | |
513+ 5016 · 10334 | 2:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h18 | 7:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 513 · R 5016 · 10334 | 2:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h18 | 7:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 513 · 18953 · 26429 · 10159 | 2:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h49 | 7:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 735 · EC 9247 · IC 1159 · IC 3557 | 2:27 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h47 | 7:14 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 2814 · ICE 317 · 10336 | 3:41 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h02 | 8:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
IC 2814 · ICE 317 · 26431 · 10163 | 3:41 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h33 | 8:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
2815+ 9459+ 26433+ 10167 | 4:41 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h33 | 9:14 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
2815+ 9459+ 10338 | 4:41 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h02 | 9:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
2815+ 9459+ 26433+ S6 | 4:41 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h57 | 9:38 PM Essen Süd station | 3 transfers | |
517+ 16969+ 18969+ 26437 | 6:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h13 | 11:38 PM Essen Süd station | 4 transfers | |
517+ 16969+ 18969+ 26437 | 6:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 4h49 | 11:14 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
19751+ 9369+ 60403+ S3 | 6:27 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h08 | 11:35 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
519+ 18977+ 10346 · 26843 | 8:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 5h25 | 1:50 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
520+ 18981+ 26401+ S6 | 9:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 8h03 | 5:28 AM Essen Süd station | 3 transfers | |
520+ 18981+ 26401 · 26801 | 9:25 PM Ghent St Pieters | 7h25 | 4:50 AM Essen Hbf | 3 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 $64 (€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 $64 (€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.
One of Germany’s leading art museums, known for outstanding 19th- and 20th-century painting, photography, and modern art collections.
A major regional museum inside the Zollverein Coal Mine complex, covering the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Ruhr area.
Design museum in a former boiler house at Zollverein, showcasing contemporary product design and award-winning objects.
Large lake area popular for walking, cycling, sailing, and scenic relaxation, especially in warmer months.
Essen’s main pedestrian shopping street, busy and central, useful for first-time visitors exploring the heart of the city.
Large landscaped park with botanical features, open lawns, and family-friendly paths; one of Essen’s best green escapes.
Sliced sausage served with a spiced ketchup-style curry sauce, a beloved Ruhrgebiet snack commonly eaten with fries.
Classic grilled German sausage associated with fairs and events in Essen, typically served in a bread roll with mustard.
A traditional Westphalian beef stew seasoned generously with pepper, valued across the wider region for its hearty flavor.
Refined Michelin-starred dining known for modern tasting menus, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
Well-regarded upscale restaurant serving modern German cuisine with seasonal ingredients in an elegant but relaxed environment.
Traditional and long-running local restaurant praised for hearty German and regional dishes in a cozy, classic setting.
Moderate by German standards. Supermarkets and casual dining are affordable, while hotels and upscale restaurants cost more during trade fairs and events.
Service is usually included, but rounding up is standard. In restaurants, add about 5-10% for good service. Round up taxis and small café bills; tips are not obligatory.
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.

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