- Must visit
KMSKA
Regional art museum in nearby Antwerp with strong old masters collections, worth the short trip from Essen.
Cheapest price
€117
Average price
€117
Fastest journey
3 h 48 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
71 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sint-Gillis to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sint-Gillis to Essen will cost around €117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €117.
It's difficult to get from Sint-Gillis to Essen without transferring at least once.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sint-Gillis to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €9, and a bus costs an average of €27.
Distance: 44 miles (71 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€11 Average price Cheapest | €27 Average price | €38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 16m Average total duration 7h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sint-Gillis to Essen:
A train is €16 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Sint-Gillis to Essen costing on average €27.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 46m.
The journey is about 7m faster (1h 23m by train vs 1h 30m by car) and roughly €27 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€11 vs €38). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
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.
Trains from Sint-Gillis to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €9 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 44 miles (71 km) distance in 1h 23m.
Distance 44 miles (71 km) |
Average train duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price €9 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 5:05 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
Regional art museum in nearby Antwerp with strong old masters collections, worth the short trip from Essen.
Railway museum in Essen’s old station area with locomotives, rolling stock, and exhibits on cross-border rail history.
Nearby botanical and heritage museum site in Kalmthout, valued for nature collections and regional cultural context.
Major heathland and forest reserve on the Belgian-Dutch border, ideal for walking, cycling, birdwatching, and quiet landscapes.
Central square and civic area of Essen, practical for orientation and local events, with easy access to shops and services.
Green domain with ponds and walking paths, popular for a relaxed stroll and nature close to the town center.
Kempense asperges are local white asparagus, often served in season with butter sauce, egg, and ham. The sandy Kempen soils around Essen are known for quality asparagus.
Asperges op Vlaamse wijze pairs white asparagus with chopped egg, melted butter, parsley, and often shrimp. It is a classic Flemish spring dish popular in the region.
Paling in 't groen is eel in a sauce of fresh green herbs. It is a traditional Flemish dish, especially associated with river and polder areas of northern Belgium.
Reputed dining venue near Essen with polished seasonal cuisine, suitable for a more upscale meal with attentive service.
Established restaurant in Essen known for refined Belgian-French cooking and seasonal produce in an elegant, calm setting.
Well-known local brasserie serving classic Belgian dishes and beers in a relaxed atmosphere suited to casual lunches and dinners.
Moderate for Belgium: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Tourist costs are lower than Brussels or Bruges but higher than smaller towns.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Essen -> Essen Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sint-Gillis 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 Sint-Gillis to Essen trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Essen station pair. Use this guide to compare Sint-Gillis and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Essen.
ATMs are available at Essen.
Available at Essen: Parking.
Available at Essen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need