What is the best way to travel from Brussels to Essen?
Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Trains and Buses for the journey to Essen from Brussels. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 2 available companies to find your perfect trip!
What is the cheapest way to reach Essen from Brussels?
You can get to Essen with just $19 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.
-
FlixBus3h 45m09:15 AMBrusselsNorth Station1:00 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 9:15:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 1:00:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $19 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 45m
-
FlixBus4h 0m010:55 AMBrusselsNorth Station2:55 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 10:55:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 2:55:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $19 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 0m
-
FlixBus4h 5m09:30 PMBrusselsNorth Station1:35 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 9:30:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 1:35:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $20 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 5m
-
FlixBus4h 25m01:10 PMBrusselsNorth Station5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 1:10:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $21 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 25m
-
FlixBus4h 0m02:30 PMBrusselsNorth Station6:30 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 2:30:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 6:30:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $21 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 0m
Cheapest Buses Wednesday
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $23 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
-
Deutsche Bahn12h 3m09:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport9:50 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 9:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 9:50:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $55 per person are available. Travel duration is 12h 3m
-
Deutsche Bahn4h 3m02:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport6:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 2:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 6:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $68 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 3m
-
Deutsche Bahn4h 3m05:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport9:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 5:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 9:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $68 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 3m
-
Deutsche Bahn4h 3m01:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport5:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 1:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 5:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $73 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 3m
Cheapest Buses Thursday
Cheapest Trains Thursday
-
Deutsche Bahn3h 49m06:01 AMBrusselsBockstael9:50 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Bockstael, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/28/2026 6:01:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 9:50:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $50 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 49m
-
Deutsche Bahn3h 49m06:01 PMBrusselsBockstael9:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Bockstael, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/28/2026 6:01:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 9:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $56 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 49m
-
Deutsche Bahn3h 49m04:01 PMBrusselsBockstael7:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Bockstael, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/28/2026 4:01:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 7:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $66 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 49m
Cheapest Trains Friday
-
FlixBus4h 0m010:55 AMBrusselsNorth Station2:55 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 10:55:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 2:55:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $20 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 0m
-
FlixBus4h 5m09:30 PMBrusselsNorth Station1:35 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 9:30:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/31/2026 1:35:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $22 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 5m
-
FlixBus3h 45m09:15 AMBrusselsNorth Station1:00 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 9:15:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 1:00:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $24 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 45m
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $24 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
-
FlixBus5h 30m03:55 PMBrusselsMidi Bus Station9:25 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Midi Bus Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 3:55:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 9:25:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $26 per person are available. Travel duration is 5h 30m
Cheapest Buses Sunday
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/31/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/31/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $20 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
Cheapest Buses Monday
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 9/1/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 9/1/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $23 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
Cheapest Buses Tuesday
What are the fastest trips from Brussels to Essen?
You can get to Essen from Brussels in just 3h 45m with a Bus from FlixBus. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.
-
FlixBus3h 45m09:15 AMBrusselsNorth Station1:00 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 9:15:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 1:00:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $19 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 45m
-
FlixBus4h 0m010:55 AMBrusselsNorth Station2:55 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 10:55:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 2:55:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $19 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 0m
-
FlixBus4h 0m02:30 PMBrusselsNorth Station6:30 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 2:30:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 6:30:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $21 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 0m
-
FlixBus4h 5m09:30 PMBrusselsNorth Station1:35 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 9:30:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 1:35:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $20 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 5m
-
FlixBus4h 25m01:10 PMBrusselsNorth Station5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/26/2026 1:10:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/26/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $21 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 25m
Fastest Buses Wednesday
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $23 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
-
Deutsche Bahn4h 3m02:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport6:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 2:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 6:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $68 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 3m
-
Deutsche Bahn4h 3m05:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport9:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 5:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 9:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $68 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 3m
-
Deutsche Bahn4h 3m01:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport5:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 1:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/27/2026 5:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $73 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 3m
-
Deutsche Bahn12h 3m09:47 PMBrussels AirportBrussels - Zaventem Airport9:50 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Brussels - Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/27/2026 9:47:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 9:50:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $55 per person are available. Travel duration is 12h 3m
Fastest Buses Thursday
Fastest Trains Thursday
-
Deutsche Bahn3h 49m06:01 AMBrusselsBockstael9:50 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Bockstael, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/28/2026 6:01:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 9:50:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $50 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 49m
-
Deutsche Bahn3h 49m06:01 PMBrusselsBockstael9:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Bockstael, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/28/2026 6:01:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 9:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $56 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 49m
-
Deutsche Bahn3h 49m04:01 PMBrusselsBockstael7:50 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Train from Deutsche Bahn goes from Bockstael, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/28/2026 4:01:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/28/2026 7:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $66 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 49m
Fastest Trains Friday
-
FlixBus3h 45m09:15 AMBrusselsNorth Station1:00 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 9:15:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 1:00:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $24 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 45m
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $24 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
-
FlixBus4h 0m010:55 AMBrusselsNorth Station2:55 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 10:55:00 AM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 2:55:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $20 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 0m
-
FlixBus4h 5m09:30 PMBrusselsNorth Station1:35 AMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from North Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 9:30:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/31/2026 1:35:00 AM. 50 Economy ticket for $22 per person are available. Travel duration is 4h 5m
-
FlixBus5h 30m03:55 PMBrusselsMidi Bus Station9:25 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Midi Bus Station, Brussels (Belgium) at 8/30/2026 3:55:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/30/2026 9:25:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $26 per person are available. Travel duration is 5h 30m
Fastest Buses Sunday
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 8/31/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 8/31/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $20 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
Fastest Buses Monday
-
FlixBus3h 55m01:40 PMBrussels AirportBrussels Airport5:35 PMEssenCentral Station0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Brussels Airport, Brussels Airport (Belgium) at 9/1/2026 1:40:00 PM to Central Station, Essen (Germany) arriving at 9/1/2026 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $23 per person are available. Travel duration is 3h 55m
Fastest Buses Tuesday
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a
Bus from Brussels to Essen
What are the most popular stations in Brussels and Essen?
In Brussels, you will usually depart from Gare Centrale, Midi Bus Station or North Station, while in Essen you will be arriving at Hafenstr. Bus Stop, Freiheit Bus Stop or Central Station, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.
How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience
Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Essen from Brussels? With 3 connections between 2 Bus and Train operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.
Look for the lowest price
Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Brussels and Essen, you can pay as low as $19 with a Bus from FlixBus.Travel duration
Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Bus from FlixBus: you will get to Essen in just 3h 45m.Comfort makes all the difference
You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Brussels and Essen are FlixBus and Deutsche Bahn, but be sure to check what they have to offer!Save money with deals, and always compare
One last tip? Even if you live in Brussels and Essen is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Saint-Gilles or to Gelsenkirchen, and look at flights from Brussels South Charleroi Airport, and landing at Dusseldorf Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!Which companies offer a trip from Brussels to Essen?
The most popular companies between Brussels and Essen, are FlixBus and Deutsche Bahn. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.
Bus companies: FlixBus
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn
All you need to know when you travel from Brussels to Essen
Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Brussels to Essen. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.
FAQs about the trip from Brussels to Essen
How can I reach Essen from Brussels?
Every day, there are on average 3 connections between Bus and Train, with which you can get to Essen from Brussels.
How far is Essen from Brussels?
The distance between Brussels and Essen is 122.7 miles.
What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Brussels and Essen?
Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance.
On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 5 kgs of CO2, a train 7 kgs, a car 34 kgs, and a flight 49 kgs.
What is the cheapest mode of transport from Brussels to Essen?
You can get to Essen with just $19 by taking a Bus from FlixBus.
What is the fastest way to get from Brussels to Essen?
While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Essen in just 3h 45m with a Bus from FlixBus.
More routes to Brussels and to Essen
Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Brussels and to Essen. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!
