1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Quiet zone
- WC
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Charleroi to Essen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£67
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£76
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
3 h 54 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
4 h 25 m
Trains on 08 Sept
2
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 £76 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £67.
Fast trains
On Tue 08 Sept, we found 2 trains from Charleroi to Essen, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 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.
13:194h55Charleroi18:14Essen£671One-way0 changes- 10:253h54Charleroi14:19Essen£851One-way0 changes
- 10:253h54Charleroi14:19Essen£851One-way0 changes
- 13:194h55Charleroi18:14Essen£671One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Charleroi to Essen
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Charleroi to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a flight costs an average of £216.
Distance: 214 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£65 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £216 Average Price | £37 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration 3h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 42m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Charleroi to Essen is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Charleroi to Essen:
A coach is £43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charleroi to Essen costing on average £65.
A coach is £194 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charleroi to Essen costing on average £216.
The fastest way to travel from Charleroi to Essen is by train with an average journey time of 3h 29m.
Other travel options to Essen take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 35m.
Flight takes on average 5h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Charleroi and Essen including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £65 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-27.92. The journey takes 3h 29m versus 2h 48m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Charleroi to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Charleroi to Essen trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:25 Charleroi | 3h54 | 14:19 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:19 Charleroi | 4h55 | 18:14 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Charleroi to Essen by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Why should you book Charleroi to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as SNCB 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 SNCB 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 or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of SNCB 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Charleroi to Essen
Belgium
Germany
Trains from Charleroi to Essen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:09, the last at 22:01. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 3h 53m.
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 £18
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
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 £18
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, SNCB from Charleroi to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, SNCB trains will get you between Charleroi and Essen from £18. 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 53m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£46
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
What's included in each class
Compare Deutsche Bahn classes and the amenities included in each one.
2nd Class
- Power plugs
- WC
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 SNCB Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest SNCB Price
£88
SNCB frequency
1 a day
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.
- 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.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Charleroi to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Charleroi to Essen covers a distance of 214 km and takes approximately 3h 53m. Trains run 4 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 4 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Charleroi to Essen.
To get from Charleroi to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Charleroi to Essen.
The train station in Charleroi that goes to Essen is Charleroi-Sud, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Charleroi to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £18.
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.
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.
A day trip from Charleroi to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 53m. The distance is 214 km. Trains run 10 times per day.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
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 West. 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 · £0.90 · 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.
Charleroi-OuestPlace de la Digue, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium+32 2 528 28 28
City-centre transport
Getting to Charleroi-Ouest from Charleroi city centre
BusCity · 2m · £2 · every ~2 min
Charleroi-Ouest train station facilities and services
Charleroi-Ouest has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Le Pain Quotidien, La Table de la Manufacture Urbaine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Charleroi-Ouest. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Charleroi-Ouest. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Charleroi-Ouest: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Charleroi-Ouest: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleroi-Ouest: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Center, Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare.
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 West, 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 WestEssen West, Am Westbahnhof 1, 45144 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen West from Essen city centre
Essen West is 2 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRe14 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
BusRb33, S1, S9, S3 · 12m · £3
Tram101 · 24m · every ~10 min
Essen West train station facilities and services
Essen West 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: Pizzeria Don Camillo, Lindos, Zur Platte, Arman Döner
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen West. ATMs are available at Essen West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen West. Information desks are available at Essen West.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include McDreams.
Essen-SteeleEssen-Steele, Steeler Platz 1, 45276 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen-Steele from Essen city centre
Essen-Steele is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS1, S3 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
BusNe5 · 13m
S1, S3 · 16m · £4
Essen-Steele train station facilities and services
Essen-Steele 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: Bootshaus Ruhreck, Da Vinici, Asia-Nudeln, Bacchos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Steele. ATMs are available at Essen-Steele.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Steele. Information desks are available at Essen-Steele.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Steele. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Steele: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Steele: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Steele.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Most popular train connections from Charleroi
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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