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

Sun 01 Nov
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Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Regional-Express
Regional
VIAS Rail GmbH
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Regional-Express
Regional
VIAS Rail GmbH
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Brussels

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Nov
Cheapest price on 01 Nov
£57
Average ticket price on 01 Nov
£78
Fastest journey on 01 Nov
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 01 Nov
3 h 13 m
Trains on 01 Nov
27
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Essen to Brussels will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £57.

Fast trains

On Sun 01 Nov, we found 27 trains from Essen to Brussels, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 11 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 919 · 10543 · ICE 310 · IC 3639
    3 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn10214 · 28517 · ICE 310 · IC 3639
    3 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn26816 · ICE 310 · IC 3639
    2 changes
  • Eurostar9450
    0 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 107 · 10818 · ICE 310 · IC 3639
    3 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Brussels

GermanyGermany
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Brussels run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 198 km distance in 2h 24m.

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
198 km
Average train duration
3h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 24m
First train
0:19
Last train
22:56
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
21 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

Frequently asked questions about your Essen to Brussels trip

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

The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Brussels can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £49.
The train journey from Essen to Brussels covers a distance of 198 km and takes approximately 2h 24m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Essen to Brussels is 198 km.
The first train from Essen to Brussels leaves at 0:19.
The last train from Essen to Brussels departs at 22:56.
Trains from Essen to Brussels run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Brussels. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Eurostar.

Live departures

Essen to Brussels train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Brussels trains for tomorrow, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn26808 · ICE 316
On time
8:09 Essen Hbf
3h26
11:35 Brussels-Midi
1 change
Deutsche Bahn26808 · ICE 316
On time
8:09 Essen Hbf
3h17
11:26 Brussels-North
1 change
Deutsche Bahn26808 · ICE 16
On time
8:09 Essen Hbf
5h17
13:26 Brussels-North
1 change
Deutsche Bahn10206 · 28509 · ICE 316
On time
8:20 Essen Hbf
3h15
11:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn10206 · 28509 · ICE 16
On time
8:20 Essen Hbf
5h06
13:26 Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn89710 · ICE 16
On time
8:32 Essen Hbf
4h54
13:26 Brussels-North
1 change
Deutsche Bahn89710 · ICE 27 · ICE 16
On time
8:32 Essen Hbf
4h54
13:26 Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS1 · ICE 217 · 17325 · ICE 16
On time
8:36 Essen Hbf
4h50
13:26 Brussels-North
3 changes
Deutsche Bahn26812 · ICE 16
On time
10:09 Essen Hbf
3h26
13:35 Brussels-Midi
1 change
Deutsche Bahn10210 · 28513 · ICE 16
On time
10:20 Essen Hbf
3h15
13:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Eurostar945011:24 Essen Hbf
3h11
14:35 Brussels-Midi0 changesdirect
Eurostar9450+SNCB208411:24 Essen Hbf
3h40
15:04 Brussels1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 107 · 10818 · ICE 314
On time
11:58 Essen Hbf
3h28
15:26 Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 107 · 10818 · ICE 14
On time
11:58 Essen Hbf
5h28
17:26 Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 107 · 10818 · ICE 310 · IC 3639
On time
11:58 Essen Hbf
4h41
16:39 Brussels-North
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 107 · ICE 314
On time
12:00 Essen Hbf
3h26
15:26 Brussels-North
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 107 · ICE 14
On time
12:00 Essen Hbf
5h26
17:26 Brussels-North
1 change
Deutsche Bahn26816 · ICE 314
On time
12:09 Essen Hbf
3h26
15:35 Brussels-Midi
1 change
Deutsche Bahn26816 · ICE 314
On time
12:09 Essen Hbf
3h17
15:26 Brussels-North
1 change
Deutsche Bahn26816 · ICE 310 · IC 363912:09 Essen Hbf
4h30
16:39 Brussels-North2 changes
Deutsche Bahn26816 · ICE 14
On time
12:09 Essen Hbf
5h17
17:26 Brussels-North
1 change
Deutsche Bahn10214 · 28517 · ICE 314
On time
12:20 Essen Hbf
3h15
15:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn10214 · 28517 · ICE 310 · IC 363912:20 Essen Hbf
4h19
16:39 Brussels-North3 changes
Deutsche Bahn10214 · 28517 · ICE 14
On time
12:20 Essen Hbf
5h06
17:26 Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · 10543 · ICE 14
On time
12:35 Essen Hbf
4h51
17:26 Brussels-North
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · 10543 · ICE 310 · IC 3639
On time
12:35 Essen Hbf
4h04
16:39 Brussels-North
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 1033 · ICE 14
On time
14:24 Essen Hbf
3h11
17:35 Brussels-Midi
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Essen to Brussels trains with Omio?

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

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, Regional-Express, Regional or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
  • 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 Essen to Brussels.

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, Regional-Express, Regional or VIAS Rail GmbH to find the best option for your trip from Essen to Brussels.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Essen to Brussels.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional, Regional-Express, VIAS Rail GmbH from Essen to Brussels trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional, Regional-Express, VIAS Rail GmbH trains will get you between Essen and Brussels from £7. 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 24m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£7
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 54m
Cheapest Eurostar Price
£17
Eurostar frequency
4 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 16m
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
3h 38m
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 4m
Cheapest Regional Price
£44
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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Essen and Brussels

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

Yes, there is a night train from Essen to Brussels.

Complete guide to Brussels

Things to do in Brussels

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

  • Must visit

Magritte Museum

Compact museum dedicated to René Magritte, presenting paintings, archives and context for Belgium’s celebrated Surrealist artist.

  • Recommended

Oldmasters Museum

Major fine arts museum with Flemish, Belgian and European works, ideal for tracing artistic developments across centuries.

  • Recommended

Horta Museum

Art Nouveau house designed by Victor Horta, offering an intimate look at architecture, interiors and decorative detail.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and restaurants are not cheap, but public transport is reasonable and budget eats are easy to find.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
€3-5 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is appreciated in cafés, but not expected.

Plan your visit to Brussels

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 Brussels.

The train journey from Essen to Brussels offers a mix of urban and rural views, with stretches of scenic countryside, picturesque villages, and glimpses of historical architecture, especially as you approach Brussels.

FAQs: Essen to Brussels train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Brussels 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 Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Booking trains from Essen to Brussels 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 Essen to Brussels.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Essen and Brussels

Most Essen to Brussels trains use the Essen Hbf to Bruxelles-Midi station pair, with some services arriving at Brussels-Nord. Use this guide to compare Essen and Brussels train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Essen
Arrival train stations in Brussels

Which Essen station do trains to Brussels leave from?

Trains from Essen to Brussels leave from Essen Hbf. The station is 1 km from Essen city centre at Essen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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-HolthausenEssen-Holthausen, Langenberger Str. 564, 45277 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Holthausen from Essen city centre

Essen-Holthausen is 5 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS9 · 10m · £2 · every ~5 min
BusNe6, Ne4 · 23m · every ~1 min
S9 · 26m · £4
Ne4, Sb15 · 27m · every ~9 min

Essen-Holthausen train station facilities and services

Essen-Holthausen 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 and drink

Food options include: Akropolis Grill/Pizzeria, Pizzeria Palermo, Kebab 38, Wehbergshof

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Holthausen. ATMs are available at Essen-Holthausen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen-Holthausen. Information desks are available at Essen-Holthausen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Essen-Holthausen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen-Holthausen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen-Holthausen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Holthausen.

KettwigKettwig, Ruhrtalstr. 345, 45219 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Kettwig from Essen city centre

Kettwig is 11 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 15m · £3 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 22m · £5
142, Ne13 · 39m · every ~7 min

Kettwig train station facilities and services

Kettwig 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 and drink

Food options include: Döbbe, Der Bonner Hof, Pino's Bar & Restaurant und Eventlocation, Pizza Pasta

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Kettwig. ATMs are available at Kettwig.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Kettwig. Information desks are available at Kettwig.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Kettwig. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Kettwig: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Kettwig: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Kettwig.

Train stations for Essen to Brussels

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

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

Most popular train connections from Essen

More options for your journey from Essen to Brussels

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

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