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Traveling from Paris to Brussels by train

Thalys is now Eurostar. Thalys' red trains will stay the same, including the classes and services available on board, but every Thalys train now displays the Eurostar name and logo. 

➡️ Head to our dedicated Eurostar page for more information.

Thinking of spending some time in the Belgian capital and want more information on how to take the train from Paris to Brussels? Look no further!

On average, the train journey from Paris to Brussels takes 1 hour and 29 minutes but can take just 1 hour and 22 minutes on the fastest Eurostar services. As there are direct trains available, you don’t need to worry about changing along your journey. When traveling on this popular route, your train will depart from Paris Gare de Nord station, and hop over the French/Belgian border before arriving at Brussels Midi station. 

Fancy travelling in style? Opt for Eurostar's Premier Class and take advantage of wider comfortable seating, a complimentary meal and an onboard taxi-booking service. With such a short journey time, you’ll be swapping patisseries for beer houses, waffle houses and chocolate shops in no time!  

Not sure what to do when you arrive at Brussels Midi station? We’ve compiled a guide on how to spend the perfect day exploring Brussels, including a visit to the Grand Palace and a trip to the Waffle Factory! We've also got a round up of the perfect day trip from Paris to Brussels.

If you want to explore more of what Belgium has to offer, you can easily embark on a day trip from Brussels to the historic city of Bruges. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Paris to Brussels first, keep reading for more information on:

Paris to Brussels by train

It takes an average of 1h 28m to travel from Paris to Brussels by train, over a distance of around 164 miles (264 km). There are normally 23 trains per day traveling from Paris to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from $11.96 when you book in advance.

First train

6:22 am

Last train

9:24 pm

Departure station

Paris

Arrival station

Brussels

Journey time

From 1h 22m

Distance

164 miles (264 km)

Frequency

23 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $11.96

Train and bus operators

OUIGO, BlaBlaCar Bus, Eurostar, SNCF, Flixbus

FAQs about the train journey from Paris to Brussels

Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Brussels? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Brussels from Paris?

To travel to Brussels from Paris, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 1 hour and 28 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 1 hour and 22 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

How long is the train ride from Paris to Brussels?

Trains from Paris to Brussels take an average of 1 hour and 28 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour and 22 minutes. You'll usually find 23 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much is the train to Brussels from Paris?

Train tickets to Brussels from Paris can start from $11.96 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

Can I get a high-speed train from Paris to Brussels?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Paris to Brussels in as little as 1 hour and 22 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from TGV, OUIGO, and Eurostar offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

Paris to Brussels train times

Check out the next trains departing from Paris to Brussels for Friday Apr 25th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesTrainDuration
6:22 amParis Gare du Nord7:44 amBruxelles-MidiEurostar 9303 Get tickets1h 22m, direct
7:23 amParis Gare du Nord8:45 amBruxelles-MidiEurostar 9309 Get tickets1h 22m, direct
7:55 amParis Gare du Nord9:17 amBruxelles-MidiEurostar 9411 Get tickets1h 22m, direct
8:25 amParis Gare du Nord9:47 amBruxelles-MidiEurostar 9315 Get tickets1h 22m, direct
9:22 amParis Gare du Nord10:44 amBruxelles-MidiEurostar 9321 Get tickets1h 22m, direct
9:55 amParis Gare du Nord11:17 amBruxelles-MidiEurostar 9423 Get tickets1h 22m, direct

TGV, OUIGO, SNCF and Eurostar trains from Paris to Brussels

You can travel from Paris to Brussels on TGV, OUIGO, SNCF and Eurostar trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoErmell, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.

PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company SNCF. Despite having only one class on board, OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, although OUIGO tickets are only available to purchase online. To make your journey as smooth as possible, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and bear in mind that there's an additional fee for bringing a suitcase with you, having a seat with power sockets and travelling with a stroller/buggy.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

PhotoEurostar, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). Eurostar also runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Eurostar Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).

Eurostar, TGV INOUI and OUIGO classes from Paris to Brussels

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, TGV INOUI and OUIGO when traveling from Paris to Brussels.

Onboard services on Eurostar, TGV INOUI and OUIGO

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Brussels.

LuggageLuggageBaggage

Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
  • Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
  • If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
  • Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
  • 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
  • You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.

For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.

PetPetPets

The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

  • Pets are not permitted on board.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

Trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
  • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:

  • Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
  • If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
  • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
  • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
InfoInfoOther

Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

Liquids:

  • There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

 

Sports equipment:

  • You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
  • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
  • Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
  • Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
  • You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
LuggageLuggageBaggage

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.

All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

PetPetPets

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

LuggageLuggageBaggage

One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.​

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in car 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 for all journeys.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.

PetPetPets

Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

Cheap train tickets from Paris to Brussels

The price of train tickets from Paris to Brussels starts at $11.96 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Paris 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.

§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.

OUIGO is now running trains between Paris and Brussels!

OUIGO now operates trains daily between Paris and Brussels!

On board OUIGO's classic trains (you'll see this as OUIGO Train classique in our Journey Planner), you can get from Paris to the Belgian capital in 3 hours.

Every day, 3 direct trains leave Paris and make the journey to Brussels. The departures are at 8:18am, 12:18pm and 7:30pm.

What are you waiting for? Book now!

 

 

Traveling from Paris airport to the city center

Visiting Paris from abroad? You’ll most likely arrive at one of Paris’ airports. If you want to know how to get to central Paris from the airport, keep reading for more details.

How to get to Paris Gare du Nord station from central Paris

Before your journey to Brussels, you need to travel to Paris Gare du Nord station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered!

Conveniently located in the heart of the French capital, Paris Gare du Nord station can be easily reached by several modes of transport:

  • Trains: TER and TGV trains from the northern suburbs of Paris, and cities like Calais and Lille, run into the station regularly. Paris Gare du Nord station is also close to Gare de l’Est train station, around a 5-10-minute walk
  • Metro: Metro lines 4 and 5 stop at Gare du Nord, as do RER lines B, D and E
  • Buses: A lot of the local buses stop at or near Gare du Nord station
  • Taxis: There is a dedicated cabstand outside the front of the station for drop-offs.

If you plan to travel by train, you can get to Paris Gare du Nord from France’s northern cities such as Calais and Lille and even neighboring countries like the UK, the Netherlands and Germany.

Everything you need to know about Paris Gare du Nord station

As soon as you’ve arrived at Paris Gare du Nord station, you can take advantage of the facilities and first class lounges.

What’s on offer at Paris Gare du Nord?

While you wait for your train, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafés you can choose from at Paris Gare du Nord station:

  • Cafés, newsagents, and a gift shop
  • A wide range of restaurants, including Brasserie Terminus Nord and Chez Casimir
  • Currency exchange
  • Cash machines
  • A registered baggage service
  • A self-service ticket machine
  • Eurostar's luggage service
  • Toilets with baby-changing facilities
  • SNCF lost property office

Which facilities are in the Eurostar Lounge at Paris Gare du Nord station?

Paris Gare du Nord’s First Class Lounge is only accessible to Premium travelers, as well as certain members of the loyalty program Club Eurostar. Here, you’ll get to enjoy:

  • Comfortable seating for working or relaxing
  • Free WiFi
  • Power outlets
  • Meeting rooms
  • TVs
  • Hot drinks
  • Digital newspapers and magazines.

Arriving at Brussels Midi station from Paris

Once you’ve arrived in Brussels, you can begin to soak up the city’s atmosphere.

When traveling from Paris to Brussels by train, you’ll arrive in the center of the Belgian capital, at Brussels Midi station.

When you’ve stepped off the train, you can make your way out of Brussels Midi station. You won’t need to go through passport checks again. Make sure you keep your ticket handy when you arrive, because you’ll need to scan the barcode on your ticket to pass through the gates and exit the platform area.

When you leave Brussels Midi station, you’ll find yourself positioned close to the center of the city. From here, you can reach Brussels’ central square, the Grand Place, by tram, metro, bus, taxi or on foot:

  • Tram: Head to Gare du Midi tram stop and jump on tram line 82. Get off at the Porte d'Anderlecht tram stop and walk to Grand Place.
  • Metro: From Gare du Midi Metro station, take lines 3 or 4 to Bourse Metro station and walk to Grand Place.
  • Bus: Take the bus from the Gare du Midi bus stop and take the number 48 bus to the Grand Place bus stop.
  • Taxi: Outside Brussels Midi station, you’ll find a queue of taxis waiting to take you anywhere in the city.

Using public transport in Brussels

Although Brussels can be explored on foot, you can also take advantage of the city’s modern public transport network.

Taking the metro in Brussels

Brussels’ metro network is one of the most modern metros in Europe. Comprised of 4 lines, the metro can take you to and from anywhere in the city from 05:30 am until midnight, seven days a week. Usually, metro trains run every 5-10 minutes.

All public transport is managed by the Brussels Intermunicipal Transport Company (STIB) and can be used with the same ticket. You can choose to buy either a standard fare for a single journey, as well as 5 and 10 single tickets. Also, you can opt for a season ticket, which will give you unlimited travel on all public transport during its validity, starting from one day. All ticket options will allow you to travel on the metro, trams and buses.

Taking the tram in Brussels

Consisting of 17 lines, the Brussels tram network is one of the largest in the world. Opening at 06:00 am and closing at midnight (though individual line opening hours may vary), the tram is an excellent way to navigate the city while sightseeing along the way. The tram will take you from the city center, past some of the city’s most famous landmarks and into the outskirts of the city.

Taking the bus in Brussels

Brussels’ bus network is made up of over 50 lines and is another great way to see the city while you get from one destination to another. Also, the bus is a great way to navigate Brussels during the evening, as the night buses (Noctis) operate around the city on Friday and Saturday until 03:00 am.

Things to see and do in Brussels

Boasting delicious chocolate, golden beer and Gothic architecture, Brussels is the perfect location for travelers looking for a short city break. To help inspire your next trip, here are some ideas for things to do during your trip to Brussels, as well as Belgium in general:

Traveling to the airport from central Brussels

If you’re traveling abroad from Brussels, you’ll most likely depart from the city’s main airport. Brussels Airport is Belgium’s busiest airport and is situated around 7 miles northeast of Belgium’s city center.

Trains to Brussels Airport

If you want to get from central Brussels to the airport in a fast and inexpensive way, you should take the train! On average, the train from Brussels Central to Brussels Airport takes around 20 minutes. However, on the quickest SNCB services, the train can take you there in as little as 15 minutes. Generally, the train from Brussels Central to Brussels Airport runs every 10 minutes between 5am and midnight, 7 days a week. The airport train station is located directly below the terminal.

Buses to Brussels Airport

Although not the fastest option, taking the bus to the airport from the city center is the cheapest option. From central Brussels, you can take the Airport Line (Line 12), a service that takes passengers to level 0, directly below the Arrivals entrance. You can take the bus from central bus stops such as Trône and Luxembourg-Brussels station. In total, the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Taxis to Brussels Airport

If you want to get to Brussels Airport from the city center with minimum fuss, you could take a taxi. In Central Brussels, there are many taxi ranks and companies. Please note that traveling in a taxi can be expensive – the average fare from the city center to the airport is around €50 ($53.36).

Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass

After visiting Brussels, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.

You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.

 

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.

A relaxing journey on the Eurostar from Paris to Brussels 

Departing from Paris Gare du Nord  

I arrived at the Eurostar terminal in Gare du Nord station around one hour before my train was due to leave, as the check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. If you’re a little early, don’t forget to check out the historic façade of the building – it’s a real treat! I took a selfie and sent it to my sister to tell her that I had arrived safely at the station.

Equipped with 32 tracks – including four that are underground – Paris Gare du Nord serves many of the main train companies operating in France, including TGV, Eurostar, Intercités and TER trains. The North Station is the largest in Europe and there are plans to expand it even more by 2023.

The Eurostar terminal is located on the first floor and is accessible near platform 17 or by lift near the main entrance.

Eurostar check-i 

Once at the check-in, I went directly to the queue reserved for people with a European ePassport as the wait is generally shorter – if you have an identity card, you’ll have to go to the manual control counter.

I started by scanning the barcode of my e-ticket on my phone to cross the access gates, then headed through to the French border control, then the Belgian border control, and finally through the baggage check area and a metal detector. It sounds like a lot, but all this can be done in around 10 minutes if you’re not leaving around rush hour. If you’re going through security at a busier time, it can take around 30 minutes, so be sure to plan this time in when arriving at the station.

With an ePassport, the border controls are done via Parafe locks (Rapid border crossing). You must put your passport open to the photo page on the reader at the gate, wait while reading, go through the first doors, place your feet on the landmarks by looking at the camera in front of you, and the second doors of the passport gate will open.

On the Eurostar train  

The seats are large and comfortable with a retractable table and magazine rack between the two front seats (or in some cases below the armrest), there’s an outlet with an English socket and a European socket. Each car has baggage racks at either end as well as space above the seats for storing smaller bags.

If you’d like something to eat or drink during the journey, venture into the restaurant car or simply wait for the crew to pass by your seat with the snack trolley.

Arriving into Brussels Midi 

Brussels Midi (South) station is the busiest of the three stations in Belgium. The station has a terminal dedicated to Eurostar trains, so once you arrive and step off the train, you just have to go along the platform and down the escalators to find yourself in the central station.

The station has entrances on both sides leading to a large atrium on the ground floor under the docks, where you can find bars and cafes and a large departure sign. Some toilets require a fee to use (€0.50). From the station, you can go directly to the metro – or you can also take a nice stroll to the city center in about 20 minutes.

Why choose a train from Paris to Brussels?  

It’s not always the case that flying is the best way to travel in Europe. I chose to travel by train from Paris to Brussels because:

  • It saves time – airports are usually located outside of cities, so when you take travel time to the airport, waiting time in the terminal and the delays flights often face into consideration, the total time can be a lot longer.
  • The stations are more central – often located in the heart of the city, and getting to the train station is a much simpler journey than getting to the airport.
  • There’s more baggage allowance – on the train you can take much more baggage than you would when flying, as well as being able to take liquids on board.
  • It's more eco-friendly – traveling between Paris and Brussels by train generates less carbon dioxide than traveling by plane.
  • It’s easier to get up and stretch your legs – trains offer a lot more space to get up and walk around than planes, especially when there’s an onboard restaurant car!

About Sophie

Sophie, a former Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Paris and Brussels.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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