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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Essen to Bruges per day. The average train journey from Essen to Bruges takes 7 hours and 40 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 164 mi (264 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 40m |
| Lowest price | $19.10 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Essen to Bruges?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Essen to Bruges. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 1 | 7h 40m | $26.88 |
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 1 daily trips to Bruges from Essen. The train usually departs from Essen Hbf in Essen and arrives at Sint-Michiels Station West in Bruges after about 7 hours and 40 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Essen and Bruges is approximately 164 miles, or 264 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 40 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 Bruges tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Essen at 12:00pm and arrives in Bruges around 7 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Bruges to Essen.
City Information
Bruges
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The peaceful city of Bruges is located in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Mostly known for its meandering canals, medieval architecture, and a range of delicacies to both eat and drink, this small Belgian city is a delight to discover.
Bruges is home to some of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the world, allowing visitors to wander through the cobbled streets and truly feel whisked back in time. With its many small squares and quaint streets, it's easy to see why the city is seen as one of the world's most romantic cities.
Like most of Belgium, Bruges is a mecca for food and drink. With the worldwide fame of Belgian beer, it's no surprise that the city is home to the Beer Museum and several breweries with daily tours. Bruges' largest beer shop, "2be Beer Wall,'' offers an endless variety of beer, but there is no shortage of smaller bars to sample the local crafts. If the beer doesn't entice you, then perhaps world-famous Belgian chocolates will. Almost every street in Bruges has a chocolate shop, making it near impossible to resist the temptation to sample some. Hey, dark chocolate is healthy, right?
Belgium's excellent rail system makes it easy to travel to Bruges. Trains arrive from Brussels every 30 mins, easily connecting Bruges to Brussels' Airport. International bus services also provide access to the city from many other European destinations.
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 Bruges?
Image credit: Dimitris Kamaras
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Sint-Michiels Station West
The Kiss & Ride zone at Sint-Michiels Station West in Bruges is named as such because it's designed for transport to drop off passengers, give a quick goodbye kiss, and then leave. Basically, it's a cute name that reminds everyone to keep moving to accommodate the large number of passengers frequenting the station. Flibco and FlixBus buses both stop here before heading to destinations such as Brussels and Antwerp. While the station asks vehicles not to dawdle, the Sint-Michiels West Station has a few cafes, restaurants, and hotels nearby for passengers who may be waiting for a connection. The station has space for parking, either to park your personal vehicle or to stop if you want more time to say goodbyes.
All train stations in Bruges:
Sint-Michiels Station West
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Need a return trip from Bruges to Essen?
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