- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
World-class art museum in the Villa Hügel parkland, famous for 19th and 20th century masterpieces and changing exhibitions.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels to Essen will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Brussels to Essen without transferring at least once.
ICE 319 · ICE 526
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ICE 19 · 28532 · 10338
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ICE 19 · 26835
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ICE 13 · 28512 · 10318
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ICE 13 · 26815
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ICE 319 · ICE 526
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ICE 13 · 28512 · 10318
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ICE 315 · 28520 · 10326
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ICE 17 · 28524 · 10330
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ICE 19 · 28532 · 10338
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Trains from Brussels to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 but you can travel from only $16 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 10:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Brussels to Essen.
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen trains for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2067+ 9459 | 4:53 PM Brussels | 3h22 | 8:15 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9459 | 5:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 2h50 | 8:15 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 19 · 26835 | On time 6:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 9:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 19 · 28532 · 10338 | On time 6:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h18 | 9:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
2069+ 9471 | 6:53 PM Brussels | 3h22 | 10:15 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
9471 | 7:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 2h50 | 10:15 PM Essen Hbf | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 319 · ICE 526 | On time 8:22 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h09 | 11:31 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 520 · R 18981 · Bus RE18 · 26401 | On time 9:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 7h22 | 5:18 AM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 520 · R 18981 · Bus RE18 · 10308 | 9:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 8h47 | 6:43 AM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
| Friday, November 13 | |||||
ICE 13 · 28512 · 10318 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h18 | 11:43 AM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 13 · 26815 | On time 8:25 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 11:50 AM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 15 · 28516 · 10322 | On time 10:22 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h21 | 1:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 15 · 26819 | On time 10:22 AM Brussels-Midi | 3h28 | 1:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 315 · 28520 · 10326 | On time 12:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h18 | 3:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 315 · 26823 | On time 12:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 3:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
ICE 17 · 28524 · 10330 | On time 2:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h18 | 5:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 17 · 26827 | On time 2:25 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 5:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
IC 413 · R 18953 · 26429 · 89733 | 2:28 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h59 | 7:27 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
IC 413 · R 18953 · 26429 · 10159 | 2:28 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h57 | 7:25 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
EC 9247 · IC 1159 · IC 3557 · 20091 | 2:44 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h41 | 7:25 PM Essen Hbf | 5 transfers | |
IC 2013 · EC 9247 · IC 1159 · IC 3557 | 2:50 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h35 | 7:25 PM Essen Hbf | 6 transfers | |
IC 513 · R 18953 · 26429 · 10159 | 2:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h29 | 7:25 PM Essen Hbf | 4 transfers | |
IC 513 · R 18953 · 26429 · 89733 | 2:56 PM Brussels-Midi | 4h31 | 7:27 PM Essen Hbf | 3 transfers | |
ICE 317 · 28528 · 10334 | On time 4:22 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h21 | 7:43 PM Essen Hbf | 2 transfers | |
ICE 317 · 26831 | On time 4:22 PM Brussels-Midi | 3h28 | 7:50 PM Essen Hbf | 1 transfer | |
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Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Essen.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels 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 Brussels to Essen trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Use this guide to compare Brussels and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bruxelles-Midi 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: Pullman Hotel Bar, Quick Gare du Midi, Subway, EXKi Zuid, Starbucks, Häagen-Dazs, Sbarro, The Coffee Club, The Belgian Chocolate House, PAUL, & many more
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Midi: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
Bruxelles-Central 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: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00. Information desks are travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Central: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with limited mobility: elevators and escalators to platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, barrier-free toilets and accessible parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.
Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.
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-Zollverein Nord is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Zollverein Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Casino Zollverein, Warsteiner Stiefel, Schacht XII, Bistro, Cafe Kohlenwäsche
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. ATMs are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Information desks are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Zollverein Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Zollverein Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Zollverein Nord.
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Werden 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: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
Check train stations information for Brussels and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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