- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Oct 13
$100
Average ticket price on Oct 13
$140
Fastest journey on Oct 13
3 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Oct 13
4 h 2 m
Trains on Oct 13
3
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 $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
On Tue, Oct 13, we found 3 trains from Lille to Essen, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 13 the direct trains cover the 291 km distance in an average of 4 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 48 m .
On Tue, Oct 13 the slowest trains will take 4 h 31 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.






Trains from Lille to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 20:39. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (291 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 180 miles (291 km) |
Average train duration 4h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 8:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
The table below shows live departures for Lille to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 AM Lille | 3h48 | 11:18 AM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:30 AM Lille | 3h48 | 3:18 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:44 PM Lille | 4h31 | 9:15 PM Essen | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
Ruhr Museum presents the region’s natural, cultural, and industrial history inside Zollverein’s iconic coal washery.
Internationally important poster museum with graphic design, advertising, and visual culture collections in a central location.
Large urban lake with promenades, sailing, and scenic paths; a favorite leisure area for locals and visitors alike.
Lively central pedestrian street for shopping and city life, linking Essen’s station area with key downtown landmarks.
Leafy city park with botanical features, sculptures, and open lawns near major museums and cultural institutions.
A hearty potato pancake from the Ruhr area, usually served with applesauce or beet syrup. It is a beloved regional comfort food eaten at fairs and homes.
Traditional rye bread from Westphalia, baked dark and dense with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a staple across the region and often served with ham or cheese.
A classic Rhineland-Ruhr beef roast marinated in vinegar and spices, then braised. It is a festive dish found on Sunday and holiday menus.
Refined two-star dining in Villa Hügel parkland, known for modern French-inspired cuisine, polished service, and one of Essen's most prestigious settings.
Traditional brewery restaurant in Werden serving hearty regional dishes and house beers in a historic, rustic atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Casual local favorite for grilled meats, schnitzel, and classic pub plates, with a lively traditional atmosphere and dependable portions.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. Round up or add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is typical.
Official public transport app
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
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.

Most Lille to Essen trains use the Lille Flandres to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen Süd. Use this guide to compare Lille and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lille-Europe is 1 km from Lille city centre. Public transport options include:
Lille-Europe has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Costa Coffee, Factory & Co., PAUL, Selecta
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are located in Hall 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:30 - 20:00. Information desks are located in Hall 2 and Hall 3.
Luggage storage is staffed luggage counter is open daily from 07:30 to 20:00 and is located in Hall 1.
Available at Lille-Europe: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lille-Europe: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lille-Europe: 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.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Novotel Suites Gare Lille Europe, Hôtel Lille Europe - Euralille, Kyriad Lille Gare - Grand Palais.
Lille Flandres has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Chopsticks & Co, McDonald's, Subway, Black Coffee, Eric Kayser, So! Coffee, Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available after creating an account and connecting to "CONNECTION.". ATMs are aTM is located by Track 9.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 07:00 - 20:00, Sat: 08:00 - 19:30, Sun: 09:00 - 19:30.
Available at Lille Flandres: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lille Flandres: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lille Flandres: Accessibility available with elevator, ramp or step-free access, barrier-free toilets, services to assist disabled passengers.
Nearby hotels include Le Napoleon, Hotel Chopin, Ibis Styles Lille Centre Grand Place.
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.
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
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