- Must visit
Magritte Museum
Compact museum dedicated to René Magritte, presenting paintings, archives and context for Belgium’s celebrated Surrealist artist.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Essen to Brussels
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 25 Oct
Cheapest price on 25 Oct
£35
Average ticket price on 25 Oct
£40
Fastest journey on 25 Oct
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 25 Oct
5 h 42 m
Buses on 25 Oct
3
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Essen to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Brussels will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £35.
Fast coaches
On Sun 25 Oct, we found 3 buses from Essen to Brussels, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 5 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 55 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.
FlixBus21:405h55Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)3:35Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)£351One-way0 changes
504299:555h45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)15:40Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)£401One-way0 changes- 5044921:005h25Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)2:25Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)£441One-way0 changes
- 5044921:005h25Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)2:25Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)£441One-way0 changes
- 504299:555h45Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)15:40Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)£401One-way0 changes
- FlixBus21:405h55Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)3:35Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)£351One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Essen to Brussels
Germany
Belgium
Buses from Essen to Brussels run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £7 by train.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:15, the last at 22:30. The fastest coach covers the 198 km distance in 5h 20m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £7
Distance 198 km |
Average bus duration 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 1:15 |
Last bus 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £7
Frequently asked questions about your Essen to Brussels trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Essen to Brussels.
Cheap coach tickets from Essen to Brussels can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Essen to Brussels is £22; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Essen to Brussels leaves at 1:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Essen to Brussels leaves at 22:30.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Essen to Brussels with FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
Live departures
Essen to Brussels bus times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Brussels coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 25 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50429 | 9:55 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h45 | 15:40 Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 50449 | 21:00 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h25 | 2:25 Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 21:40 Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) | 5h55 | 3:35 Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Essen to Brussels coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as BlaBlaCar Bus offer coaches services from Essen to Brussels.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Essen to Brussels.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Essen to Brussels.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Brussels.
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus from Essen to BrusselsYou can travel by bus between Essen to Brussels with BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus for as low as £7. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£15
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BlaBlaCar Bus Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest BlaBlaCar Bus Price
£12
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Essen and Brussels
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Essen to Brussels, you can count on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Brussels. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Essen and Brussels and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Essen to Brussels:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Essen to Brussels for coach company FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Essen to Brussels depends on the coach companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Essen to Brussels.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Essen to Brussels:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Essen to Brussels:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Essen to Brussels. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Essen to Brussels with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Essen to Brussels with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Essen to Brussels with the following coach company: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Complete guide to Brussels
Things to do in Brussels
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
- Recommended
Oldmasters Museum
Major fine arts museum with Flemish, Belgian and European works, ideal for tracing artistic developments across centuries.
- Recommended
Horta Museum
Art Nouveau house designed by Victor Horta, offering an intimate look at architecture, interiors and decorative detail.
- Must visit
Grand-Place
Historic square packed with ornate façades, seasonal events and evening illumination; a natural starting point for exploring the centre.
- Must visit
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
A characterful shopping arcade with glass roof, elegant details and a classic route for a refined walk in the centre.
- Must visit
Mont des Arts
Landscaped hill with gardens, fountains and one of Brussels’ most rewarding skyline views near the upper town museums.
- Gluten-free
Moules-frites
Moules-frites pairs North Sea mussels with crisp chips. It is a Brussels brasserie classic, especially popular in cooler months.
- Gluten-free
Stoemp
Stoemp is mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal vegetables, often served with sausage or bacon. It is a comforting Brussels staple.
Carbonnade flamande
Carbonnade flamande is a slow-cooked beef and onion stew made with Belgian beer. It is a beloved hearty dish in Brussels cafés.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Refined Belgian dining in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, known for well-presented regional dishes and a polished atmosphere.
Chez Léon
Traditional restaurant famed for mussels, oysters and other Belgian seafood dishes in a lively, classic brasserie setting.
Le Cirio
Long-running brasserie serving stoemp, carbonnade and other Belgian staples in an elegant Art Nouveau-inspired dining room.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but public transport is reasonable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-5 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is appreciated in cafés, but not expected.
STIB
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.70
- Day pass
- €8.50
To the city centre
Brussels South (Gare du Midi) -> Grand-Place, Brussels
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
Best option: Train to Bruxelles-Central/Brussel-Centraal
- Price
- €2.70
- Duration
- 5 min
- Contactless payment works on STIB buses, trams and metro gates. A single contactless journey costs €2.40 and the daily cap is €8.50.
- For the standard full-price urban ticket, use a Brupass 1 journey at €2.70 rather than airport or on-board variants.
Best day trips from Brussels by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Brussels are Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven and Namur. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Brussels on Omio.
Day trip from Brussels to Bruges by bus
Why visit Bruges for the day?
Bruges is known for its canals, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval centre. Gothic buildings, Flemish art and a slower pace give the city a calm, historic character.
How to get from Brussels to Bruges by bus?
There are 14 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 88 km distance in 1h 20m.
Day trip from Brussels to Ghent by bus
Why visit Ghent for the day?
Ghent is known for its canals, medieval centre and lively student atmosphere. Historic quays, Gravensteen and Saint Bavo's Cathedral give the city a cultured yet relaxed character.
How to get from Brussels to Ghent by bus?
There are 12 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 50 km distance in 1h 0m.
Day trip from Brussels to Antwerp by bus
Why visit Antwerp for the day?
Antwerp is known for diamonds, fashion and the baroque legacy of Rubens. Its compact centre pairs grand guild houses and lively squares with a creative, modern waterfront.
How to get from Brussels to Antwerp by bus?
There are 27 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 41 km distance in 35m.
Day trip from Brussels to Leuven by bus
Why visit Leuven for the day?
Leuven is known for its historic university, brewing heritage and energetic student life. Its Gothic centre, led by the Grote Markt and Town Hall, feels grand yet easy-going.
How to get from Brussels to Leuven by bus?
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 22:00. The fastest coach covers the 25 km distance in 50m.
Day trip from Brussels to Namur by bus
Why visit Namur for the day?
Namur, capital of Wallonia, is known for its Citadel above the meeting of the Meuse and Sambre. Its old town, riverside setting and French-speaking character give it a calm, historic feel.
How to get from Brussels to Namur by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 07:00, the last at 07:00.
FAQs: Essen to Brussels coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Brussels by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Brussels including taking a coach, train and flight.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Brussels
Most Essen to Brussels buses use the Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) to Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) station pair, with some services arriving at Brussels, Gare Du Midi. Use this guide to compare Essen and Brussels bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Essen
Arrival bus stations in Brussels
Which Essen station do buses to Brussels leave from?
Buses from Essen to Brussels leave from Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof). The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, Germany.
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof)Essen Hbf, 45127 Essen, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 7m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) bus station facilities and services
Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and snack bars nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof): Wheelchair accessible routes and facilities available.
Which Brussels station do buses from Essen arrive at?
Buses from Essen to Brussels most often arrive at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi). Some services arrive at Brussels, Gare Du Midi, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Brussels arrival station.
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi)Avenue Fonsny 47, 1060 Brussels, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) from Brussels city centre
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) is 2 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEuroCity · 4m · £1 · every ~2 min
Ice · 14m · £1
Bus48 · 16m · £3 · every ~9 min
Bus · 20m
FlixBus N1153 · 29m · £1
Subway2, 6 · 18m · £3 · every ~38 min
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) bus station facilities and services
Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Midi (in the station), Belgian Bites (in the station), Fritland Express (0.5 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and throughout the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi): Elevators, ramps.
Brussels, Gare Du MidiBrussel-Zuid, Av. Fonsny 47B, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Brussels, Gare Du Midi from Brussels city centre
Brussels, Gare Du Midi is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEuroCity · 4m · £1 · every ~2 min
Ice · 14m · £1
Bus48 · 16m · £3 · every ~9 min
Bus · 20m
FlixBus N1153 · 29m · £1
Subway2, 6 · 18m · £3 · every ~38 min
Brussels, Gare Du Midi bus station facilities and services
Brussels, Gare Du Midi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Various dining options are nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi. ATMs are available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels, Gare Du Midi: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn)Roi Baudouin, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn) from Brussels city centre
Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn) is 5 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus811 · 22m · £1
N18 · 24m · £3
R40, R50, R41, R60 · 33m · £3 · every ~18 min
Tram93 · 40m · £3 · every ~14 min
Subway6 · 13m · £3 · every ~20 min
6 · 22m · £5 · every ~18 min
6 · 31m · £3 · every ~18 min
Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn) bus station facilities and services
Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn). ATMs are available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn): Accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Bus stations for Essen to Brussels
Check bus stations information for Essen and Brussels, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
When departing from Essen , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof) . When arriving in Brussels , you can end your route in coach stations like Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi), Brussels, Gare Du Midi, Brussel, Avenue des Magnolias (Koning Boudewijn).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Essen, Freiheit (Hauptbahnhof), which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Brussels, Brussels South (Gare du Midi), located 2 away from the city centre.
Most popular bus connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Brussels
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Brussels and Essen
Most popular bus connections
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