- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Charleroi to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Oct
Cheapest price on 23 Oct
£55
Average ticket price on 23 Oct
£55
Fastest journey on 23 Oct
4 h 28 m
Average journey duration on 23 Oct
4 h 29 m
Trains on 23 Oct
3
Distance
214 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleroi to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charleroi to Essen will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
Fast trains
To travel from Charleroi to Essen you need to make at least 3 changes.
IC 3808 · ICE 15 · 17334 · 303979:184h29Charleroi-Sud13:47Essen Hbf£551One-way3 changes- IC 3810 · ICE 315 · 17342 · 3099111:184h29Charleroi-Sud15:47Essen Hbf£551One-way3 changes
- IC 5710 · ICE 311 · IC 2200 · S210:394h28Charleroi-Sud15:07Essen Hbf£561One-way3 changes
- IC 5710 · ICE 311 · IC 2200 · S210:394h28Charleroi-Sud15:07Essen Hbf£561One-way3 changes
- IC 3808 · ICE 15 · 17334 · 303979:184h29Charleroi-Sud13:47Essen Hbf£551One-way3 changes
- IC 3810 · ICE 315 · 17342 · 3099111:184h29Charleroi-Sud15:47Essen Hbf£551One-way3 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Charleroi to Essen
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Charleroi to Essen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:09, the last at 22:01. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 2h 43m.
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 £9
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 2:09 |
Last train 22:01 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 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 £9
Frequently asked questions about your Charleroi to Essen trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Charleroi to Essen.
The cost of a train ticket from Charleroi to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £80.
The train journey from Charleroi to Essen covers a distance of 214 km and takes approximately 2h 43m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Charleroi to Essen is 214 km.
The first train from Charleroi to Essen leaves at 2:09.
The last train from Charleroi to Essen departs at 22:01.
Trains from Charleroi to Essen run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Charleroi and Essen. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Eurostar.
Live departures
Charleroi to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Charleroi to Essen trains for tomorrow, Friday 23 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 3808 · ICE 15 · 17334 · 30397 | 9:18 Charleroi-Sud | 4h29 | 13:47 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 5710 · ICE 311 · IC 2200 · S2 | 10:39 Charleroi-Sud | 4h28 | 15:07 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
| IC 3810 · ICE 315 · 17342 · 30991 | 11:18 Charleroi-Sud | 4h29 | 15:47 Essen Hbf | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Charleroi to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar offer trains services from Charleroi to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Charleroi 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 to find the best option for your trip from Charleroi 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Charleroi 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 to find the best option for your trip from Charleroi to Essen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Charleroi to Essen.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar from Charleroi to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar trains will get you between Charleroi and Essen from £9. 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
3h 13m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£44
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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.
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.
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.
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 43m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£44
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Charleroi 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 Charleroi 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
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.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
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.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
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.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= €3.60
- Day pass
- >= €7.00
To the city centre
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP to plan journeys and buy mobile tickets.
- Essen Hbf is already in the city centre, so many central destinations are reachable on foot.
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 Charleroi to Essen offers passengers a mix of urban and rural views, with glimpses of charming Belgian countryside, small towns, and occasional industrial areas, making it moderately scenic.
FAQs: Charleroi to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charleroi 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.
Booking trains from Charleroi 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 Charleroi to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Charleroi and Essen
Most Charleroi to Essen trains use the Charleroi-Sud to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Charleroi and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Charleroi
Arrival train stations in Essen
Which Charleroi station do trains to Essen leave from?
Trains from Charleroi to Essen leave from Charleroi-Sud. The station is 1 km from Charleroi city centre at Place Charles II, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium.
Charleroi-SudPlace Charles II, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium+32 2 528 28 28
City-centre transport
Getting to Charleroi-Sud from Charleroi city centre
SubwayM2, M3 · 3m · £2 · every ~15 min
Charleroi-Sud train station facilities and services
Charleroi-Sud has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: La Manufacture Urbaine, Le Pain Quotidien
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Charleroi-Sud. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Charleroi-Sud. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Charleroi-Sud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Charleroi-Sud: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleroi-Sud: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare, Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Center, Novotel Charleroi Centre.
Lodelinsart6042 Charleroi, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Lodelinsart from Charleroi city centre
Lodelinsart is 2 km from Charleroi city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainL, S61 · 4m · £1 · every ~2 min
BusBus · 11m
18 · 20m · £2 · every ~5 min
Lodelinsart train station facilities and services
Lodelinsart has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Lodelinsart.
Bike and car services
Available at Lodelinsart: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lodelinsart.
Marchienne-au-Pont6030 Charleroi, Belgium
City-centre transport
Getting to Marchienne-au-Pont from Charleroi city centre
Marchienne-au-Pont is 3 km from Charleroi city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainIc, S62, S19, L, S1, P, T, Ext · 4m · £1 · every ~12 min
Bus43, 71, 83 · 12m · £2 · every ~9 min
Marchienne-au-Pont train station facilities and services
Marchienne-au-Pont has practical services for this route, including Dining and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Marchienne-au-Pont.
Bike and car services
Available at Marchienne-au-Pont: Bike Parking.
Which Essen station do trains from Charleroi arrive at?
Trains from Charleroi to Essen most often arrive at Essen Hbf. Some services arrive at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
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Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus 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 Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Train stations for Charleroi to Essen
Check train stations information for Charleroi and Essen, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Charleroi that goes to Essen is Charleroi-Sud, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
More options for your journey from Charleroi to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Charleroi
Most popular train connections to Essen
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