- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Cheapest price on 23 Oct
£52
Average ticket price on 23 Oct
£80
Fastest journey on 23 Oct
2 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 23 Oct
3 h 9 m
Trains on 23 Oct
14
Distance
198 km
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 £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
On Fri 23 Oct, we found 14 trains from Brussels to Essen, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 22 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.
9471
ICE 19 · 17366 · S9
ICE 19 · 28532 · Bus RE1 · S3
IC 522 · R 18909 · 26407 · S6
IC 505 · R 18921 · 26413 · S6
9459
9471
ICE 17 · 17350 · 30995
ICE 315 · 17342 · 30991
ICE 13 · 17326 · 30393Trains from Brussels to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 198 km distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 198 km |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 22:56 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
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 22 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 19 · 17366 · S9 | On time 18:25 Brussels-Midi | 3h45 | 22:10 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 19 · 28532 · Bus RE1 · S3 | On time 18:25 Brussels-Midi | 3h40 | 22:05 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 19 · 28532 · Bus RE1 · S3 | On time 18:25 Brussels-Midi | 3h40 | 22:05 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
2069+ 9471 | 18:53 Brussels | 3h22 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
9471 | 19:25 Brussels-Midi | 2h50 | 22:15 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 520 · R 18981 · IC 2992 · 32290 | 21:56 Brussels-Midi | 9h14 | 7:10 Essen Hbf | 5 changes | |
| Friday 23 October | |||||
IC 522 · R 18909 · 26407 · S6 | 0:20 Brussels-Midi | 8h12 | 8:32 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 11 · 17318 · 30299 | On time 6:23 Brussels-Midi | 3h24 | 9:47 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
IC 505 · R 18921 · 26413 · S6 | 6:56 Brussels-Midi | 4h36 | 11:32 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 13 · 17326 · 30393 | On time 8:25 Brussels-Midi | 3h22 | 11:47 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 15 · 17334 · 30397 | On time 10:22 Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 13:47 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 315 · 17342 · 30991 | On time 12:25 Brussels-Midi | 3h22 | 15:47 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 17 · 17350 · 30995 | On time 14:25 Brussels-Midi | 3h22 | 17:47 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
ICE 17 · ICE 2012 | On time 14:25 Brussels-Midi | 4h07 | 18:32 Essen Hbf | 1 change | |
IC 513 · R 18953 · 26429 · S6 | 14:56 Brussels-Midi | 4h36 | 19:32 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
ICE 317 · 17358 · 30999 | On time 16:22 Brussels-Midi | 3h25 | 19:47 Essen Hbf | 2 changes | |
9459 | 17:25 Brussels-Midi | 2h50 | 20:15 Essen Hbf | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are often slightly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change or rounding up is customary.
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-Werden. 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-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.
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.
Check train stations information for Brussels and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need