Popular in Lille-Europe
Let's do this trip right
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Taking the train from Essen to Lille-Europe in 4 hours 16 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Essen to Lille-Europe? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 6 hours 44 minutes to travel the 180 miles (290 km) from Essen to Lille-Europe by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 16 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 15 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.
Train tickets from Essen to Lille-Europe are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Lille-Europe? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Essen to Lille-Europe by train
| First train | 05:09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:36 | |
| Departure station | Essen | |
| Arrival station | Lille-Europe | |
| Journey time | From 4h 16m | |
| Distance | 180 miles (290 km) | |
| Frequency | 15 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators | BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus |
FAQs about the train journey from Essen to Lille-Europe
Want to know more about your journey from Essen to Lille-Europe? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the distance between Essen and Lille-Europe by train?
Can you travel from Essen to Lille-Europe without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Lille-Europe from Essen?
What time is the first train from Essen to Lille-Europe?
What time is the last train from Essen to Lille-Europe?
How often do trains go from Essen to Lille-Europe?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Essen to Lille-Europe?
Cheap train tickets from Essen to Lille-Europe
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Essen to Lille-Europe by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.