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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Travelling from Frankfurt Main to Brussels by train
How to perfectly end a trip to Frankfurt – a trip to the Belgian capital perhaps? Take on this popular train route from Germany to Belgium and enjoy the best of both countries, from frankfurters to fries. You’ll travel in style aboard an ICE train operated by Deutsche Bahn, where air-conditioning, WiFi and a dining car can all be enjoyed. Your journey will last under three hours – that's so much quicker than driving!
Don’t worry if you spend a bit longer than expected sampling some of Frankfurt’s apple wine or climbing the heights of Main Tower, seven trains serve this route every day, so you’ll have plenty of chances to make your way to Brussels, where a selfie with the Atomium should be a priority. Discover more about this exciting route below, including train times, tickets and FAQs.
Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels by train
It takes an average of 4h 3m to travel from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels by train, over a distance of around 196 miles (316 km). There are normally 15 trains per day traveling from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from $43.03 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:26 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 9:36 pm | |
| Departure station | Frankfurt (Main) | |
| Arrival station | Brussels | |
| Journey time | From 3h 8m | |
| Distance | 196 miles (316 km) | |
| Frequency | 15 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $43.03 | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus, ÖBB |
FAQs about the train journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels
Want to know more about your journey from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the fastest train from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
Is there a direct train from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
How far is Brussels from Frankfurt (Main) by train?
Which trains run from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
Can I get from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels without flying?
What is the best way to get from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
When is the first train from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
When is the last train from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
How often do trains run from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
Looking for a return trip from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels?
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express) and ÖBB trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
ÖBB
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
More information
The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
More information
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
Intercity Express (ICE) classes from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Express (ICE) when traveling from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels.
Second Class
If you're traveling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, you'll get more legroom, an in-seat meal service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment pass
- Dining car
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- Fast track access
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity Express (ICE)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels.
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
When traveling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re traveling on an ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favorite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
Cheap train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels
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 Frankfurt (Main) to Brussels 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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.