Brussels to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,RE,IC)

Fri 23 Oct
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
VIAS Rail GmbH
Regional
Regional-Express
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
VIAS Rail GmbH
Regional
Regional-Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brussels to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Oct

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

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 £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

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.

  • Eurostar9471
    19:252h50
    Brussels-Midi
    22:15Essen Hbf
    £521One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 19 · 17366 · S9
    18:253h45
    Brussels-Midi
    22:10Essen Hbf
    £641One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 19 · 28532 · Bus RE1 · S3
    18:253h40
    Brussels-Midi
    22:05Essen Hbf
    £651One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 522 · R 18909 · 26407 · S6
    0:208h12
    Brussels-Midi
    8:32Essen Hbf
    £651One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 505 · R 18921 · 26413 · S6
    6:564h36
    Brussels-Midi
    11:32Essen Hbf
    £651One-way
    3 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Brussels to Essen

BelgiumBelgium
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains 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.

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
Coach from £12
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
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
Coach from £12

Frequently asked questions about your Brussels to Essen trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Brussels to Essen.

The cost of a train ticket from Brussels to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £74.
The train journey from Brussels to Essen covers a distance of 198 km and takes approximately 2h 33m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Brussels to Essen is 198 km.
The first train from Brussels to Essen leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Brussels to Essen departs at 22:56.
Trains from Brussels to Essen run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Brussels and Essen. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Eurostar.

Live departures

Brussels to Essen train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 19 · 17366 · S9
On time
18:25 Brussels-Midi
3h45
22:10 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 19 · 28532 · Bus RE1 · S3
On time
18:25 Brussels-Midi
3h40
22:05 Essen Hbf
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 19 · 28532 · Bus RE1 · S3
On time
18:25 Brussels-Midi
3h40
22:05 Essen Hbf
3 changes
SNCB2069+Eurostar947118:53 Brussels
3h22
22:15 Essen Hbf1 change
Eurostar947119:25 Brussels-Midi
2h50
22:15 Essen Hbf0 changesdirect
Deutsche BahnIC 520 · R 18981 · IC 2992 · 3229021:56 Brussels-Midi
9h14
7:10 Essen Hbf5 changes
Friday 23 October
Deutsche BahnIC 522 · R 18909 · 26407 · S60:20 Brussels-Midi
8h12
8:32 Essen Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 11 · 17318 · 30299
On time
6:23 Brussels-Midi
3h24
9:47 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 505 · R 18921 · 26413 · S66:56 Brussels-Midi
4h36
11:32 Essen Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 13 · 17326 · 30393
On time
8:25 Brussels-Midi
3h22
11:47 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 15 · 17334 · 30397
On time
10:22 Brussels-Midi
3h25
13:47 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 315 · 17342 · 30991
On time
12:25 Brussels-Midi
3h22
15:47 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 17 · 17350 · 30995
On time
14:25 Brussels-Midi
3h22
17:47 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 17 · ICE 2012
On time
14:25 Brussels-Midi
4h07
18:32 Essen Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 513 · R 18953 · 26429 · S614:56 Brussels-Midi
4h36
19:32 Essen Hbf3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 317 · 17358 · 30999
On time
16:22 Brussels-Midi
3h25
19:47 Essen Hbf
2 changes
Eurostar945917:25 Brussels-Midi
2h50
20:15 Essen Hbf0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Brussels to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH, Regional, Regional-Express and more offer trains services from Brussels to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brussels to Essen.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH, Regional or Regional-Express 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 Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brussels to Essen.

Why book with Omio over Trainline, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Eurostar, VIAS Rail GmbH, Regional or Regional-Express to find the best option for your trip from Brussels to Essen.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Brussels to Essen.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional-Express, Regional, VIAS Rail GmbH from Brussels to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional-Express, Regional, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Brussels and Essen from £12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£20
Deutsche Bahn frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
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 Eurostar Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£22
Eurostar frequency
6 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

VIAS Rail GmbH

About
VIAS Rail GmbH is a German rail service company based in Frankfurt, operating passenger rail services in the states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name \VIAS\" is derived from the Latin word \"via\" (way) and \"S\" for service. VIAS Rail GmbH operates numerous regional train lines, including services on the Odenwald Railway network and lines in the Rhein-Main Gebiet. They utilize various train types, such as Bombardier Itino and Stadler FLIRT vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of the RATH Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average VIAS Rail GmbH Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest VIAS Rail GmbH Price
£68
VIAS Rail GmbH frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack and beverage service available
Seat reservation
Seat reservations 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

Regional-Express

About
Regional-Express (RE, or REX in Austria) is a type of regional train service found in Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria. It functions as a semi-fast train, making fewer stops than a Regionalbahn or S-Bahn but more than an Intercity or Intercity Express. RE services typically reach top speeds of 160 km/h, with some reaching 200 km/h on high-speed lines. While initially operated by DB Regio, many lines are now run by various private operators. These trains often use double-deck cars with electric or diesel locomotives.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regional-Express Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Regional-Express Price
£47
Regional-Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory, available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket and muzzle
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
Average Regional Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Regional Price
£44
Regional frequency
8 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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Brussels and Essen

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

There is no night train service from Brussels to Essen.

Complete guide to Essen

Things to do in Essen

Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum Folkwang

Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.

  • Must visit

Ruhr Museum

Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.

  • Recommended

Red Dot Design Museum

Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.

Euro (€)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Plan your visit to Essen

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.

The train journey from Brussels to Essen is not typically considered scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas, offering limited picturesque views.

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.

FAQs
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Brussels to Essen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Brussels and Essen

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.

Departure train stations in Brussels
Arrival train stations in Essen

Which Brussels station do trains to Essen leave from?

Trains from Brussels to Essen leave from Bruxelles-Midi. The station is 1 km from Brussels city centre at 47B Avenue Fonsny, 1060 Brussels, Belgium.
Bruxelles-Midi47B Avenue Fonsny, 1060 Brussels, BelgiumWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bruxelles-Midi from Brussels city centre

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

Bruxelles-Midi 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 and drink

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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.

Bruxelles-CentralCarr de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium+32 25282828WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bruxelles-Central from Brussels city centre

Bus29, 63, 65, 66, 87, 89 · 5m · £3 · every ~17 min
Subway1, 5 · 1m · £3 · every ~38 min

Bruxelles-Central train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.

Brussels-NordRue du Progrès 76, Vooruitgangstraat 76, 1030 Schaerbeek, BelgiumWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Brussels-Nord from Brussels city centre

Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainP, S3, Ec, T, Ic, Ext, L, S1, S10, S4, S2, S8 · 4m · £1 · every ~58 min
Bus88 · 6m · £3 · every ~10 min
R24, 728, R28 · 7m · £3 · every ~10 min
Tram4, 10 · 4m · £3 · every ~34 min
10, 4 · 5m · £3 · every ~34 min

Brussels-Nord train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.

Train stations for Brussels to Essen

Check train stations information for Brussels and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Brussels that goes to Essen is Bruxelles-Midi, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.

More options for your journey from Brussels to Essen

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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