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

Thu 17 Sept
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Regional-Express
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Eurostar
Regional-Express
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Brussels

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£45

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£74

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

3 h 27 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

3 h 27 m

Trains on 17 Sept

10

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 £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.

Fast trains

To travel from Essen to Brussels you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 513+Alibus400
    6:205h08
    Essen Hbf
    11:28Brussels-Midi
    £451One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn28072 · ICE 913 · 17405+Alibus400
    6:195h09
    Essen Hbf
    11:28Brussels-Midi
    £531One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn28074 · 26410 · 18926 · IC 534
    8:394h24
    Essen Hbf
    13:03Brussels-Midi
    £661One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS6 · 28519 · ICE 310 · IC 3637
    13:083h40
    Essen Hbf
    16:48Brussels-Midi
    £661One-way
    3 changes
  • Deutsche BahnS6 · 28517 · ICE 314
    12:083h27
    Essen Hbf
    15:35Brussels-Midi
    £781One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Essen to Brussels

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Essen to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a flight costs an average of £192.

Distance: 198 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight
Driving

£60

Average Price

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

£192

Average Price

£35

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 35m

Average total duration

4h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 40m

Average total duration

4h 40m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 53m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Brussels is a coach with an average price of £19.

This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Brussels:

A coach is £41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Brussels costing on average £60.

A coach is £173 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Brussels costing on average £192.

The fastest way to travel from Essen to Brussels is by train with an average journey time of 3h 13m.

Other travel options to Brussels take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 5m.

Flight takes on average 4h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Brussels 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 £60 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-25.55. The journey takes 3h 13m versus 2h 53m 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

Essen to Brussels train times

The table below shows live departures for Essen to Brussels trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28505 · ICE 18
On time
6:08 Essen Hbf
3h27
9:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn28072 · ICE 913 · 17405+Alibus4006:19 Essen Hbf
5h09
11:28 Brussels-Midi3 changes
Deutsche BahnS9 · ICE 513+Alibus4006:20 Essen Hbf
5h08
11:28 Brussels-Midi2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28509 · ICE 316
On time
8:08 Essen Hbf
3h27
11:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche Bahn28074 · 26410 · 18926 · IC 5348:39 Essen Hbf
4h24
13:03 Brussels-Midi3 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28513 · ICE 16
On time
10:08 Essen Hbf
3h27
13:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28517 · ICE 314
On time
12:08 Essen Hbf
3h27
15:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28519 · ICE 310 · IC 363713:08 Essen Hbf
3h40
16:48 Brussels-Midi3 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28521 · ICE 14
On time
14:08 Essen Hbf
3h27
17:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes
Deutsche BahnS6 · 28525 · ICE 12
On time
16:08 Essen Hbf
3h27
19:35 Brussels-Midi
2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Essen to Brussels 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
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27 Sept
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Why should you book Essen to Brussels trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Eurostar, Regional-Express, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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 or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Essen to Brussels

GermanyGermany
BelgiumBelgium
Icon of train

Trains from Essen to Brussels run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.

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 54m.

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 £13
Distance
198 km
Average train duration
3h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 54m
First train
0:19
Last train
22:56
Cheapest Month
Mar
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional-Express, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Brussels trainsDeutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Regional-Express, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Brussels from £13. 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 55m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£34
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
£22
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

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
4h 14m
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

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) Price
£65
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
8 a day

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.

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
The cost of a train ticket from Essen to Brussels can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £60.
The train journey from Essen to Brussels covers a distance of 198 km and takes approximately 2h 54m. Trains run 7 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 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Essen and Brussels. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Eurostar.
To get from Essen to Brussels, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Essen to Brussels.
The train station in Essen that goes to Brussels is Essen Hbf, and it arrives at Brussels-Midi.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Brussels is by coach, costing approximately £13.
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.
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.
A day trip from Essen to Brussels is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 54m. However, there are 9 trains per day covering the 198 km.
Explore the vibrant Marolles district, known for its eclectic mix of antique shops and street art. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire, home to impressive arches and museums. Sample Belgian chocolates at renowned chocolatiers, and discover the lively atmosphere of the Saint-Géry district with trendy bars and cafes. Attend a performance at the historic La Monnaie opera house. Visit Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Atomium for panoramic city views, the famous Manneken Pis statue, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Magritte Museum for surrealist art.
To explore Brussels' main attractions, including the Grand Place, Atomium, and various museums, a stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient.
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 Bruxelles-Central. 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 SüdEssen Süd, Rellinghauser Str.175, 45136 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen Süd from Essen city centre

Essen Süd is 1 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS6 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 10m · £3
Tram105 · 9m · every ~10 min

Essen Süd train station facilities and services

Essen Süd 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, Haus Wilmes, Mana Mana, Karawane

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Essen Süd. Information desks are available at Essen Süd.

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Essen Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Essen Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Süd.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Webers.

Essen-AltenessenEssen-Altenessen, Hövelstraße 8, 45326 EssenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Essen-Altenessen from Essen city centre

Essen-Altenessen is 3 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:

BusNe1 · 8m
Tram108 · 10m · every ~10 min
SubwayU11, U17 · 4m · every ~18 min
U17, U11 · 6m · every ~18 min

Essen-Altenessen train station facilities and services

Essen-Altenessen 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: Burger King, Werner, Bückmannsmühle, Muckel-Eis

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

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

Luggage and lost property

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

Parking, taxis and toilets

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

Bike and car services

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

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Altenessen.

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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