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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:
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.
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.
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).
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).
In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a power outlet, as not all seats currently have one.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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:
Trains in the rest of Europe:
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:
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
Sports equipment:
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.
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.
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.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.
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.
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.
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.)
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).
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.§
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Brussels and want to explore more of Europe, you can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from 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).
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.