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Trains from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Bruges (Brugge) to Essen

Taking the train from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen in 3 hours 57 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 5 hours 20 minutes to travel the 165 miles (265 km) from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen by train, although you can get there in as little as 3 hours 57 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 26 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 Bruges (Brugge) to Essen 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 Essen? 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.

Trains to Essen from Bruges (Brugge)

First train

05:11

Last train

23:22

Departure stationBruges (Brugge)
Arrival stationEssen
Journey time

From 3h 57m

Distance

165 miles (265 km)

Frequency

26 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Flixbus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen?

Want to know more about your journey from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Essen from Bruges (Brugge)?

To get to Essen from Bruges (Brugge), why not take the train? With 26 trains per day and an average journey time of 5 hours and 20 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen by train?

On average, it takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes to travel from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen by train, although you can get there in 3 hours and 57 minutes on the fastest services. With 26 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen?

The fastest time a train can travel the 165 miles (265 km) from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen is 3 hours and 57 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen?

There are no direct trains that run between Bruges (Brugge) and Essen. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

What are the train times from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen?

Check out the next trains departing from Bruges (Brugge) to Essen for Tuesday 2nd December 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:1113:434h 32m, 2 changes
10:1114:364h 25m, 3 changes
10:1114:504h 39m, 2 changes
11:1115:314h 20m, 2 changes
12:1116:374h 26m, 3 changes
12:1116:404h 29m, 2 changes
12:5818:165h 18m, 3 changes
14:1118:374h 26m, 3 changes
14:1118:504h 39m, 2 changes
15:1119:083h 57m, 1 change

How do I find cheap train tickets from Bruges (Brugge) 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 Bruges (Brugge) to Essen starts at § 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.

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