The cheapest and fastest trains from Lille to Essen
Cheapest price
$138
Average price
$138
Fastest journey
4 h 21 m
Average duration
4 h 21 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
291 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lille to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lille to Essen will cost around $138 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
Of the 1 trains that leave Lille for Essen on Tue, Nov 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Nov 25 the direct trains cover the 291 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 21 m .
On Tue, Nov 25 the slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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 and bus for Lille to Essen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lille 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 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €19, and a train costs an average of €95.
Distance: 180 miles (291 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€143 Average price | €27 Average price Cheapest |
4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Lille to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Lille to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 AM Lille | 4h21 | 11:51 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 Lille to Essen by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Why should you book Lille to Essen trains with Omio?
Eurostar as well as Deutsche Bahn offer trains services from Lille to Essen. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lille to Essen.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Eurostar, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn to find the best option for your trip from Lille 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 Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lille to Essen.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Eurostar tickets can be bought on Eurostar's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Deutsche Bahn to help you choose the right option for your journey from Lille to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Lille to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lille to Essen
Trains from Lille to Essen run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $117 (€95) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 20:42. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (291 km) distance in 4h 19m.
Distance 180 miles (291 km) |
Average train duration 3h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $117 (€95) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 4h 19m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 20:42 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Lille to Essen start from as low as $117 (€95) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $175 (€143) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 1 daily trains from Lille to Essen with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 4h 19m but the average duration is 3h 31m
Train Operators
- Travel from Lille to Essen with Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Eurostar.
- High-speed trains are available.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Lille-Europe and arrive in Essen Hbf
- First train typically departs at 12:01 AM and the last at 08:42 PM
Train companies: Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn from Lille to Essen trainsEurostar, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Lille and Essen from $23 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
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.
FAQs: Trains from Lille to Essen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lille 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 Lille to Essen
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sat: 08:00 - 19:30
- Sun: 09:00 - 19:30
- Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available after creating an account and connecting to "CONNECTION."
- Chopsticks & Co
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Black Coffee
- Eric Kayser
- So! Coffee
- Aux Merveilleux de Fred
- Accessibility available with elevator, ramp or step-free access, barrier-free toilets, services to assist disabled passengers.
- Le Napoleon
- Hotel Chopin
- Ibis Styles Lille Centre Grand Place
- Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 20:00
- Sat: 08:00 - 19:30
- Sun: 09:00 - 19:30
- Metro lines: 1, 2
- Bus lines: CIT1, CIT2, 86, 88, 12, L91, L91 Express, 51, 10, 50, 14, 56
- Tram lines: R, T
- Train lines: TGV, TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER Hauts-de-France, INTERCITED
- Mon - Sun: 06:30 - 20:00
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
- Staffed luggage counter is open daily from 07:30 to 20:00 and is located in Hall 1.
- Costa Coffee
- Factory & Co.
- PAUL
- Selecta
- The station is fully accessible, including wheelchair ramps, a magnetic induction loop for people with hearing loss and a guidance system for people with visual impairments. Staff can provide additional assistance, and wheelchairs are available.
- Hotel Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe
- Hôtel Lille Europe - Euralille
- Kyriad Lille Gare - Grand Palais
- Mon - Sun: 06:30 - 20:00
- Located in Hall 2 and Hall 3.
- Metro lines: 2
- Tram lines: R, T
- Bus lines: 12, 16, 18, 35, 36, 51, 86, 88, L5, L90, L91, Charleroi Airport shuttle
- Train lines: TGV, TGV INOUI, TER GV, Eurostar, Thalys
- 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
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
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