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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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Travel by train from Lille to Essen
Looking to travel from Lille to Essen by train? You've come to the right place!
Generally, the train from Lille to Essen takes around 6 hours 51 minutes, but can take just 4 hours 37 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 23 trains per day from Lille to Essen.
You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.
Book your ticket from £76.74 for this journey. Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.
Start your search for train tickets from Lille to Essen in our Journey Planner.
Trains to Essen from Lille
It takes an average of 6h 51m to travel from Lille to Essen by train, over a distance of around 180 miles (290 km). There are normally 23 trains per day travelling from Lille to Essen and tickets for this journey start from £76.74 when you book in advance.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Lille to Essen?
Want to know more about your journey from Lille to Essen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Lille to Essen?
How close is Lille to Essen by train?
Is it possible to get from Lille to Essen without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Lille to Essen?
What time does the first train from Lille to Essen leave?
What time does the last train from Lille to Essen leave?
How often are trains from Lille to Essen?
Do you need to book the train from Lille to Essen in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Lille to Essen?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Lille to Essen?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
The price of train tickets from Lille to Essen starts at £76.74§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.
2. Be flexible with your travel times
If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.
3. Buy a rail pass
If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!
6. Take a night train
Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.