Trains from Essen to Lille-Europe
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Taking the train from Essen to Lille-Europe in 4 hours 22 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Essen to Lille-Europe? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 7 hours 4 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 22 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 24 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 start from £52.98 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than 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
It takes an average of 7h 4m to travel from Essen to Lille-Europe by train, over a distance of around 180 miles (290 km). There are normally 24 trains per day travelling from Essen to Lille-Europe and tickets for this journey start from £52.98 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:45 | |
| Departure station | Essen | |
| Arrival station | Lille-Europe | |
| Journey time | From 4h 22m | |
| Distance | 180 miles (290 km) | |
| Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £52.98 | |
| Train and bus operators | BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus |
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.
Journey details
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.
How long does the train from Essen to Lille-Europe take?
The average journey time by train between Essen and Lille-Europe is 7 hours and 4 minutes, with around 24 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 Essen and Lille-Europe by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Essen to Lille-Europe is 4 hours and 22 minutes.
How much does the train from Essen to Lille-Europe cost?
Train ticket prices from Essen to Lille-Europe can start from as little as £52.98 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Essen to Lille-Europe?
No, there are no direct train services from Essen to Lille-Europe. Travelling from Essen to Lille-Europe by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Essen to Lille-Europe leave?
The first train from Essen to Lille-Europe leaves at 05:31. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Essen to Lille-Europe leave?
The last train from Essen to Lille-Europe leaves at 22:45. 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 Essen and Lille-Europe by train?
Trains travelling from Essen to Lille-Europe cover a distance of around 180 miles (290 km) during the journey.