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The average train time from Brussels to Paris is 1 hour and 23 minutes. There are about 22 Eurostar trains running from Brussels in Belgium to Paris in France every day, with the first train departing at 06:43 am and the last train at 09:16 pm from Brussels-Midi station.
Forget uncomfortable plane journeys and stressful car rides, Eurostar high-speed trains can whisk you directly from the center of Brussels to the center of Paris in less than an hour and a half. Travel in Eurostar's First Class on your way to swapping waffle houses in Belgium for patisseries in France, with wider comfortable seats and a complimentary meal along the way.
Once you arrive at Paris Gare du Nord station, it’s just a 15-minute stroll to the banks of Canal Saint-Martin – the perfect place for people watching as barges navigate the locks. Whether you’re venturing to Paris to take in iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower or watch the sunset over the city from Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, Eurostar trains will get you there smoothly. Don't miss a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Louvre too. Or perhaps you fancy yourself as a runner? You're in luck: Paris' marathon is one of the 5 best marathons in Europe according to our guide.
If you're headed to Paris during the holidays, we've got the answers to your festive questions in our article all about Christmas trains from Brussels to Paris.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay, why not check out where Paris sits in our list of Europe's most iconic hotels? Some hotels may also offer a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower - check out our guide to the best hotels in Paris with views of the Eiffel Tower learn more!
Keen to learn more? Start your search for train tickets from Paris to Brussels in our Journey Planner at the top of the page, or keep reading for more information on:
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.
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).
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).
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.
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:
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 Brussels to Paris 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.
Flying into Brussels and not sure how to get from the airport to the city center? Read on for more information on how to get to the heart of the city from Brussels Airport.
Brussels has one main airport – Brussels-Zaventem Airport – which is located around 7 miles northeast of Brussels’ city center. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to reach the city center.
If you want to get from Brussels Airport to central Brussels in a fast and inexpensive way, you should take the train! On average, the train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Midi station takes around 20 minutes on the quickest SNCB services. Generally, the train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Midi runs every 10 minutes between 5am and midnight, 7 days a week. The airport train station is located directly below the terminal.
Although not the fastest option, taking the bus from the airport to the city center is the cheapest option. From Brussels Airport, you can take the Airport Line (Line 12) from Level 0, below the arrivals hall (Level 2). You’ll get to the European district, which is a stone's throw from the shops in the upper town, in about 30 minutes.
Trains to Paris depart from Brussels-Midi station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered.
Brussels-Midi station, also known as Gare du Midi in French and Zuidstation in Dutch, is located in the southern part of Brussels, which is why it is referred to as ‘Midi’ (meaning ‘south’ in French).
To get to Brussels-Midi station from the city center, you can use different modes of transport:
As soon as you’ve arrived at Brussels-Midi station, you can take advantage of the different facilities available:
Your Eurostar train from Brussels will arrive right in the heart of the French capital at Paris Gare du Nord station.
Not far from the platform, you’ll find Métro and RER trains to whisk you to Paris’ top museums and galleries. From the quaint cobbled streets and independent boutiques along Canal St Martin to the hip new foodie hangouts across the 10th arrondissement, this is an area packed with Parisian flavor you don’t want to miss!
Paris Métro is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the city. If you’re planning to travel around Paris and France, we recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities.
Did you know? Children under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Kids under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
In total, around 60 bus lines run through Paris. Each week, buses operate between Monday and Saturday from 07:00 am to 8:30 pm. You can buy your bus ticket from Métro stations, or the driver as long as you use cash.
If you want to get a taxi, you can find a line of taxis parked near Eurostar arrivals at Paris Gare du Nord station. Just head to the concourse at the front of the train, then take the exit on the right where you'll see the line of taxis.
Boasting fascinating architecture, delicious cuisine and monument-lined boulevards, Paris is always a great idea! To help inspire your trip to the French capital, here are some ideas for things to do in Paris:
After visiting Paris, 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.
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Paris 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 Paris:
Is Paris the last stop on your European tour? If you’re flying back home to the States and want to know how to get from central Paris to the airport, keep reading for more details.
There are three major airports in Paris:
Each airport offers a bus and taxi service, but only Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is nearby Beauvais station). Find out more about transfers to the main airports in Paris.