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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Essen
Showing times and prices for 05 May
Cheapest price
£13
Average price
£13
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 10 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
68 km
Cheap tickets
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels to Essen will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
Fast trains
Of the 36 trains that leave Brussels for Essen every day 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 10 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.
4508+
23599:221h33Brussels-Midi10:55Essen station£131One-way1 change- 201112:571h16Brussels-Central14:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
- 201012:031h10Brussels-North13:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
- 20089:571h16Brussels-Central11:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
- 4508+23599:271h28Brussels-Central10:55Essen station£131One-way1 change
- 201012:031h10Brussels-North13:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
- 200810:031h10Brussels-North11:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
- 201113:031h10Brussels-North14:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
- 20079:031h10Brussels-North10:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
- 20068:031h10Brussels-North9:13Essen station£131One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Brussels to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £8, and a coach costs an average of £22.
Distance: 68 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price |
1h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Brussels to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Brussels to Essen trains for today, Monday 4 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4518+2369 | 19:22 Brussels-Midi | 1h33 | 20:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4518+2369 | 19:27 Brussels-Central | 1h28 | 20:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4518+2369 | 19:33 Brussels-North | 1h22 | 20:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 2018 | 19:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 21:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2018 | 19:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 21:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2018 | 20:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 21:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2019 | 20:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 22:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2019 | 20:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 22:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2019 | 21:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 22:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2020 | 21:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 23:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2020 | 21:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 23:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 5 May | |||||
| 2006 | 8:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 9:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4507+2358 | 8:22 Brussels-Midi | 1h33 | 9:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4507+2358 | 8:27 Brussels-Central | 1h28 | 9:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4507+2358 | 8:33 Brussels-North | 1h22 | 9:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 2007 | 8:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 10:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2007 | 8:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 10:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2007 | 9:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 10:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4508+2359 | 9:22 Brussels-Midi | 1h33 | 10:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4508+2359 | 9:27 Brussels-Central | 1h28 | 10:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4508+2359 | 9:33 Brussels-North | 1h22 | 10:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 2008 | 9:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 11:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2008 | 9:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 11:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2008 | 10:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 11:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4509+2360 | 10:22 Brussels-Midi | 1h33 | 11:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4509+2360 | 10:27 Brussels-Central | 1h28 | 11:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4509+2360 | 10:33 Brussels-North | 1h22 | 11:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 2009 | 10:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 12:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2009 | 10:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 12:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2009 | 11:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 12:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4510+2361 | 11:22 Brussels-Midi | 1h33 | 12:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4510+2361 | 11:27 Brussels-Central | 1h28 | 12:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4510+2361 | 11:33 Brussels-North | 1h22 | 12:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 2010 | 11:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 13:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2010 | 11:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 13:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2010 | 12:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 13:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4511+2362 | 12:22 Brussels-Midi | 1h33 | 13:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4511+2362 | 12:27 Brussels-Central | 1h28 | 13:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4511+2362 | 12:33 Brussels-North | 1h22 | 13:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 2011 | 12:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 14:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2011 | 12:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 14:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2011 | 13:03 Brussels-North | 1h10 | 14:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4512+2363 | 13:22 Brussels-Midi | 1h33 | 14:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4512+2363 | 13:27 Brussels-Central | 1h28 | 14:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 4512+2363 | 13:33 Brussels-North | 1h22 | 14:55 Essen station | 1 change | |
| 2012 | 13:52 Brussels-Midi | 1h21 | 15:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2012 | 13:57 Brussels-Central | 1h16 | 15:13 Essen station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brussels to Essen by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
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Why should you book Brussels to Essen trains with Omio?
Intercity as well as EuroCity, Regional, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar and more offer trains services from Brussels to Essen.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Intercity tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Intercity?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Intercity, but also compare tickets for the likes of EuroCity, Regional, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Eurostar to find the best option for your trip from Brussels to Essen.
- 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 Intercity with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brussels to Essen
BelgiumBelgium
Trains from Brussels to Essen run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:36, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 68 km distance in 1h 23m.
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
Distance 68 km |
Average train duration 1h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 0:36 |
Last train 23:49 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 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
Train companies: Intercity, EuroCity, Regional, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, SNCB from Brussels to Essen trainsIntercity, EuroCity, Regional, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Eurostar, SNCB trains will get you between Brussels and Essen from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Intercity
About
Intercity is a broad classification for express train services that connect cities over longer distances than commuter or regional trains, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term \InterCity\" originated with British Rail in 1966 for its electrified West Coast Main Line services.Today, \"Intercity\" or \"IC\" is a brand name used by various railway operators across Europe and other parts of the world, including PKP Intercity in Poland, Trenitalia in Italy, and services in countries like Sweden and Ukraine. These trains typically offer both Standard and First Class seating, with amenities such as power sockets and luggage space. While some Intercity services are modern and high-speed, others may use older rolling stock, with speeds generally up to 160 km/h (100 mph)."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 23m
Cheapest Price
£9
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
EuroCity
About
EuroCity (EC) is an international train category and brand for inter-city trains that cross international borders within Europe. These trains are a collaboration between various European rail companies, including Deutsche Bahn (Germany), Trenitalia (Italy), SBB (Switzerland), and ÖBB (Austria). EuroCity trains connect major cities across Europe, offering both first and second-class coaches. They are known for meeting specific criteria for comfort, speed, cleanliness, and onboard food service, including air-conditioned cars and dining facilities. EuroCity services aim to provide convenient and comfortable cross-border travel, with stops typically lasting no more than 5 to 15 minutes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£8
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro service available on most routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended, available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
£100
Eurostar frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Regional
About
The term \Regional\" can refer to different train companies and services depending on the country. In Germany, \"Regionalbahn\" (RB) is a type of local passenger train that typically stops at all stations on a given line, connecting cities to their surrounding areas. Many RB trains are operated by DB Regio, a division of Deutsche Bahn, but other companies also run these services."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Regional frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type and conditions
Refund
Full refund if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
£56
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
6 a day
SNCB
About
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway company and the country’s main train operator, offering First Class and Second Class tickets. It runs a variety of services, including Intercity trains for the fastest domestic connections, Interregio trains with more local stops, and international options such as EuroCity, Thalys, and ICE International. Thalys trains connect Belgium with France, Germany, and the Netherlands at high speed, while EuroCity and ICE International link Belgium to Germany and other European destinations. Onboard facilities typically include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Popular routes include Brussels to Antwerp, Brussels to Bruges, Brussels to Ghent, and Brussels to Liège.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 34m
Cheapest Price
£39
SNCB frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Brussels to Essen train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Brussels to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £12.
The train journey from Brussels to Essen covers a distance of 68 km and takes approximately 1h 23m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Brussels to Essen is 68 km.
The first train from Brussels to Essen leaves at 0:36.
The last train from Brussels to Essen departs at 23:49.
Trains from Brussels to Essen run approximately 18 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Brussels to Essen.
Yes, there is a direct train between Brussels and Essen. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Eurostar.
To get from Brussels to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Brussels to Essen.
The train station in Brussels that goes to Essen is Brussels-Midi, and it arrives at Essen station.
The cheapest way to get from Brussels to Essen is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Brussels to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Brussels to Essen offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the Belgian countryside with views of fields and small towns. While not renowned as a particularly scenic route, passengers can enjoy the changing landscapes typical of the region.
Yes, a day trip from Brussels to Essen is feasible with a travel time of 1h 23m, a distance of 68 km, and a train frequency of 9 per day.
You typically need about two to three days in Essen to explore its main attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein Coal Mine, the Museum Folkwang, and the Grugapark botanical garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Brussels to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Brussels and Essen
Brussels
Essen
The major train station for departures in Brussels is Bruxelles-Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bruxelles-Central for your trip from Brussels to Essen.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks.
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Dining
- Starbucks
- Brasserie 28 Brewery
- Panos
- Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Accessibility
- 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.
Hotel
- Hilton Brussels Grand Palace
- Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe
- Hôtel The Moon
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00
Information Desk
- Travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Public transport options for Bruxelles-Central
- Metro lines: 1, 5
- Train lines: IC, Intercity Direct 9200, RER (S1, S2, S3, S6, S8, S10)
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sun: 05:45 - 21:30
Wifi
- Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
Lockers
- Baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Dining
- Pullman Hotel Bar
- Quick Gare du Midi
- Subway
- EXKi Zuid
- Starbucks
- Häagen-Dazs
- Sbarro
- The Coffee Club
- The Belgian Chocolate House
- PAUL
- & many more
Accessibility
- 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.
Hotel
- Les Lofts De Styliste
- Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
- Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
Information Desk
- Located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
12Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue du Progrès.
Dining
- Chabrol Brasserie
- Winok Café
- Félix Wine Bar
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Hotel Progress
- Hilton Brussels City
- Hotel Siru
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platform 7-12 for regional and local trains
Public transport options for Brussels-Nord
- Metro: Line 3, Line 4
- Tram: Line 25, Line 55
- Bus: Several lines available
The major train station for arrivals in Essen is Essen. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Essen for your journey to Essen from Brussels.
Essen
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityBike Parkinginformation
Wildert
Amenities at train station
DiningATMAccessibilityBike ParkingMost popular train connections from Brussels
More options for your journey from Brussels to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Brussels
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