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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Essen to Brussels. Traveling by bus from Essen to Brussels usually takes around 5 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 123 mi (197 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 25m |
| Cheapest price | €13.89 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Essen to Brussels?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Essen to Brussels. FlixBus is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1 | 5h 36m | €28.85 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 1 trips from Essen to Brussels, and usually makes the trip in about 5 hours and 36 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 36 minutes to cover the 197 kilometers from Essen to Brussels. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 25 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Essen to Brussels for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week."
There is usually only one bus per day from Essen to Brussels. It leaves the station in Essen at 21:00 each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Essen to Brussels. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Essen to Brussels; ticket prices start at €37.31.
City Information
Brussels
The center of European activities, Brussels is a cosmopolitan hub that features many cultural elements, making it one of the top destinations for international travelers. Sitting at the heart of Brussels is the famous Grand-Place, a world heritage site that boasts many nearby Gothic and Baroque architectural marvels. During the holiday season, the square hosts the Winter Wonders light show, as well as a giant Christmas tree. If you enjoy museums, don’t miss out on the Musical Instruments Museum, which is housed in an Art Nouveau building. Featuring as many as 1,200 instruments from around the world, the museum is every music fan’s dream. If you want to go on a shopping spree while in Brussels, head for the Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, which is housed in a stunning Renaissance-style arcade.
Brussels is the home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, and its food scene is among the top-rated in the country. For those wishing to enjoy a contemporary twist on Belgian classics, head towards La Quincaillerie. If seafood is your go-to, Noordzee Mer du Nord will definitely satisfy your palate.
Brussels’ three main rail stations are Brussels-South, Brussels-Central, and Brussels-North, all of which are the busiest in the country. Gare du Midi, located in the Brussels-South station, is the main hub for bus travel in and out of Brussels. The city is served by several airports, the most prominent of which is the Brussels-National Airport, located 10 miles east of the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Essen?
Main departure station: Train Station
Essen Hauptbahnhof (Freiheit) is Essen's central coach terminal located directly outside the main train station. Buses servicing the terminal include FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, which travel to Hamburg six times daily and make regular trips to Munich, Mannheim, and Dusseldorf. The terminal stretches along Freiheit, with various seating areas and stops for different coach companies. Although the road doesn't have many amenities besides a large multistorey parking garage, the nearby train station and city centre have plentiful shops, restaurants, and hotels. The station also has a Starbucks, McDonald's, and a Lidl supermarket. You can also find information and tickets for major coach services in the train station, although it is advisable to book in advance online.
All bus stations in Essen:
Train Station
Where does the bus arrive in Brussels?
Main arrival station: Gare du Midi
Also known as Brussels-South railway station, the Gare du Midi is the primary train station serving Brussels. The station is technically located in Saint-Gilles, a city south of Brussels, but the Gare du Midi metro stop connects travelers to all of Brussels' sights and attractions. Many high-speed train services, including international train lines, run through the Gare du Midi. Brussels is connected to the famous Eurostar line through this station, along with Thalys and Deutsche Bahn lines. The large indoor station includes many retail shops, restaurants, and services like information desks and restrooms.
Bus stations in Brussels:
Gare du Midi
Avenue Fonsny
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