Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Lille to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lille to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $52 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, while a train costs an average of $128.
Distance: 180 miles (291 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$128 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 13m Average total duration 6h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
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 Lille to Essen:
A bus is $76 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lille to Essen costing on average $128.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 13m.
Tickets start at around $52 compared to roughly $65 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $13. The journey takes 6h 43m versus 4h 20m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Travel optionsfrom Lille to Essen
How to get from Lille to Essen by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Lille to Essen is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
5112111:50 AM6h55Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)6:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$261One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
5112111:50 AM6h55Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)6:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$261One-way0 transfers
Fastest
FlixBus7:00 AM5h25Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)12:25 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$361One-way0 transfers
Other options
5042812:25 PM7h20Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)7:45 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$311One-way0 transfers
504481:45 AM6h55Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)8:40 AMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$371One-way0 transfers
FlixBus9:25 AM6h45Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe)4:10 PMEssen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)$371One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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FAQs: Travel from Lille to Essen
Travel to Essen easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Lille to Essen.

This is compared to other travel options from Lille to Essen:
A bus is $97 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lille to Essen costing on average $128.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 22m.
- Around 7 buses per day.
- Around 4 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Lille and Essen as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Lille-Europe and arrive in Essen Hbf.
- Buses mostly depart from Lille, Boulevard de Turin (Gare Lille Europe) and arrive in Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
- Travel with Intercity, Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Regionalbahn, Regional to go to Essen by train.
- Travel with BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus to go to Essen by bus.
- 4 direct buses per day with BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Travelling from Lille to Essen: related information
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