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Essen to Lille train

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Essen - Lille Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 2 daily trains from Essen to Lille. Traveling by train from Essen to Lille usually takes around 10 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance181 mi (291 km)
Fastest train8h 30m
Lowest price$27.88
Most frequent serviceFlixTrain
Train lines1

Which train should you take from Essen to Lille?

FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Essen to Lille. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixTrain210h 11m$71.95
  • Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 2 daily trips to Lille from Essen. The train usually departs from Essen Hbf in Essen and arrives at Gare de Lille Europe in Lille after about 10 hours and 11 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Essen and Lille is approximately 181 miles, or 291 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Trains departing from Essen to Lille tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Essen at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Essen twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Lille to Essen.

City Information

Lille

Lille - FRLLE-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Lille - FRLLE-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Lille - FRLLE-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Once an important trade center in historic French Flanders, Lille is now the capital of the Hauts-de-France region close to the Belgian border. With strong Flemish influences and an ever-lively downtown, Lille makes an incredible Northern France destination.

It's hard to decide where to go first in this city full of architecturally-beautiful historical buildings. The Vieux-Lille is possibly one of the most striking areas, filled with many ornate buildings. This old-town area of Lille demonstrates the true Flemish soul of the city. Visit the Place du General-de-Gaulle or the Vieille Bourse (a stock exchange from the 1600s!) for a taste of the city's history, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets to discover many local cafes.

During your visit to Lille, you must sample the foods and drinks that the region is famous for. Northern France hosts an amazing beer scene, with many craft bars offering a truly French-Flemish experience. Plus, Lille's proximity to Belgium means you are never too far away from waffles. Belgian-style waffles have delighted the people of Lille for over 250 years, and you will be able to see why as soon as you taste one.

Travel to Lille is exceptionally convenient. Arrive via Eurostar from London or via TGV from Paris and other major cities. Lille also has a small airport, offering direct flights from nearby countries. The cheapest mode of transport is often traveling by bus. Carriers including FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, and Sindbad run bus routes from Lille to destinations throughout Western Europe.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Essen?

Main departure station: Essen Hbf

There is one train station in Essen.

All train stations in Essen:

  • Essen Hbf

Where is the train station in Lille?

Gare de Lille Europe -{"city":"Lille","country":"FR","postal":"59800","state":"","street1":"Gare de Lille Europe - Boulevard de Turin"} - FRLLEDEFLX-0

Image credit: Fred Romero

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Main arrival station: Gare de Lille Europe

Gare de Lille Europe (Lille-Europe Station) is a large transportation interchange on the northeastern edge of Lille's center. It consists of a railway station, bus station, metro stop, and tram stop along and below the Boulevard de Turin. International Eurostar and long-distance TGV services stop through this station, connecting to destinations in the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is within walking distance to Lille-Flandres, where trains to Paris depart. There are multiple waiting areas, kiosks, toilets, and more at this large station.

Train stations in Lille:

  • Gare de Lille Europe

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