Trains from Lille to Essen
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Take the train from Lille to Essen in 4 hours 5 minutes
If you want to travel from Lille to Essen by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Lille to Essen by train to take around 5 hours 14 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 4 hours 5 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 20 trains per day running on this route, which spans 180 miles (290 km). You’ll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Essen.
You can save money on train tickets from Lille to Essen if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Lille to Essen if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Cheap train tickets from Lille to Essen
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 Lille to Essen 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.
Journey details
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.
How long does the train from Lille to Essen take?
The average journey time by train between Lille and Essen is 5 hours and 14 minutes, with around 20 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Lille and Essen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lille to Essen is 4 hours and 5 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Lille to Essen?
No, there are no direct train services from Lille to Essen. Travelling from Lille to Essen by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Lille to Essen leave?
The first train from Lille to Essen leaves at 07:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lille to Essen leave?
The last train from Lille to Essen leaves at 22:09. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Lille and Essen by train?
Trains travelling from Lille to Essen cover a distance of around 180 miles (290 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Essen to Lille.