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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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About the Eurostar journey from London to Brussels
Planning a trip to the Belgian capital and need more information on how to travel by train from London to Brussels? Start your journey with us!
On average, the train from London to Brussels takes 2 hours and 7 minutes but can take just 1 hour and 56 minutes on the fastest services. You'll be traveling direct on this route with Eurostar.
Once you’ve arrived at London St Pancras International station, hop on board one of Eurostar's modern and comfortable trains and enjoy wide spacious seating and free WiFi, as well as UK and EU plug sockets under the seats.
During your journey, pay a visit to Eurostar Café for snacks and drinks as you whizz through the Channel Tunnel into France and through to Belgium. If you fancy traveling in style, Premier seats are made from leather, plus you’ll be served complimentary food and be able to access the lounge at St Pancras.
After 2 hours, you’ll arrive at Brussels-Midi station, which is well-connected to public transport with the metro, trams and buses nearby for wherever you’re heading next. Not sure where to begin? Some of our favorite things to do in Brussels include:
- Grand Place – a centuries-old town square at the beating heart of the city and an obligatory photo opportunity.
- Cinquantenaire Park – home to a collection of French-style gardens boasting monuments, sculptures and museums.
- Royal Palace of Brussels – the former home of the Belgian royal family and an excellent example of neoclassical architecture.
Still not sure whether Brussels is worth visiting? Check out our comprehensive guide for more inspiration or check out where to stay with our rundown of Brussels' best hotels. Ready to book? Search for tickets in our Journey Planner above! Or, if you need more info, check out:
- Today’s train times
- Eurostar classes
- Onboard services on Eurostar
- Baggage limits on Eurostar
- Getting from the airport to London city center
- How to get to London St Pancras International station
- Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
- The Chunnel
- Arriving at Brussels Midi from London
- Public transport in Brussels
- Discover Brussels & Belgium
- Where to travel next after Brussels
- Explore Europe with Eurail
- How to get from Brussels city center to the airport
- Review: London to Brussels by Eurostar train
London to Brussels by train
It takes an average of 2h 1m to travel from London to Brussels by train, over a distance of around 197 miles (317 km). There are normally 9 trains per day traveling from London to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from $71.19 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from London to Brussels
Want to know more about your journey from London to Brussels? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Brussels by train?
Can you take a train directly from London to Brussels?
How close is London to Brussels by train?
Which train companies operate from London to Brussels?
Is it possible to get from London to Brussels without flying?
What is the best way to travel from London to Brussels?
What time does the first train from London to Brussels leave?
What time does the last train from London to Brussels leave?
How often are trains from London and Brussels?
Do you need to book the train from London to Brussels in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from London to Brussels?
Eurostar trains from London to Brussels
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 and Regiojet classes from London to Brussels
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar and Regiojet when traveling from London to Brussels.
Eurostar
Regiojet
Eurostar Standard
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.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
Eurostar Plus
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.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal (1)
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains traveling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premier
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.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
Low Cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business Class
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- In-seat meal service
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Leather seats
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Onboard services on Eurostar and Regiojet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from London to Brussels.
Eurostar
Regiojet
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.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
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.
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.
There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
Cheap train tickets from London 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 London 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.
How many bags are allowed in the different Eurostar classes?
Standard/Plus
- 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Premier
- 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
Traveling from the airport to central London
If you’re visiting London from abroad, you're likely to arrive at one of London's airports. If you want to know how to get to central London from the airport, keep reading for more details.
In total, London has six major airports:
- Heathrow Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Stansted Airport
- London City Airport
- Luton Airport
- London Southend Airport
Each airport is linked to central London through the city's comprehensive train and bus system. Typically, the fastest way to get from any airport to the city center is by taking the train.
How to get from Heathrow Airport to central London
How to get from Gatwick Airport to central London
How to get from Stansted Airport to central London
How to get from London City Airport to central London
How to get from Luton Airport to central London
How to get from London Southend Airport to central London
How to get to London St Pancras International station
You’ll need to make your way to London St Pancras International Station before your journey to Brussels. Not sure how to get there? Scroll down for more information.
Conveniently, London St. Pancras International station is located in the center of the capital and is easy to reach via National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
Due to its central location, King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines, including the Hammersmith & City (pink line), Circle (yellow line), Metropolitan (purple line), Northern (black line), Piccadilly (dark blue line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
From most places across the city, there are various buses available to London St Pancras International station. If you’re planning to travel by train, you can take the train from Euston, Victoria and Paddington stations to London St Pancras International station in around half an hour.
Driving to St Pancras International? You’ll find a Click and Park car park at the station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.
Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
Read on for more information on checking in, station facilities and First Class lounges.
How ahead of time do you need to arrive?
Where are Eurostar check-in gates?
How does Eurostar check-in work?
What’s on offer at London St Pancras International?
Which facilities are in the Eurostar Departure Lounge?
Which facilities are in the Premier Lounge?
Going through the Channel Tunnel
Does the train from London to Brussels go underwater?
Yes, trains from London to Brussels do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” if you prefer its nickname) is just over 31 miles (50 km) in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world. At a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Chunnel, it takes a Eurostar train around 35 minutes to travel this underwater stretch.
How long is the Chunnel?
In total, the Channel Tunnel is 31.3 miles (50.56 km) long and it takes a Eurostar train approximately 35 minutes to travel its full length. On average, the fastest journey time from London to Brussels is 1 hour and 56 minutes.
Arriving at Brussels Midi station from London
As soon as you’ve arrived at Brussels Midi station, you can begin to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
When you travel from London to Brussels by train, you’ll arrive in the center of the Belgian capital, at Brussels Midi station.
Step off the train and start to make your way out of the station. Good news – 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 the city’s central square, 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
In Brussels, you can take advantage of the city’s modern public transport network.
Taking the metro in Brussels
Brussels boasts 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. Typically, metro trains run every 5-10 minutes.
Public transport is managed by the Brussels Intermunicipal Transport Company (STIB) and all services can be used with the same ticket. You can choose to buy 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 do in Brussels & Belgium
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:
Where to travel next after Brussels
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:
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.
Traveling to the airport from central Brussels
If you’ve come to the end of your trip and need to fly home, 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, with 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 5:00 am and midnight, 7 days a week.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find yourself located directly below the airport. Simply take the escalator or elevator to the main terminal. Keep your ticket handy as you’ll need to scan it at the entrance gates to enter the airport.
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 ($54.74), as of January 2024.
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.
Traveling from London to Brussels by train
When I traveled from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi, I took a Eurostar train. I had a Standard class ticket. It took around 2 hours to get from London city center to Brussels by train.
What I enjoyed about the journey
The train had comfortable seats, so I was able to sit back and enjoy the good views as we sped from England’s capital to Belgium’s capital.
I was impressed by the fast journey time – the trip flew by! The journey from London to Brussels only takes around 2 hours.
There was also free WiFi on board the train, which I was happy about. Free WiFi comes as standard for all passengers on Eurostar, whether you’re traveling in Standard, Standard Premier or Business Premier.
What I didn’t like about the journey
Despite the journey time being pretty short overall, my train was delayed, which wasn’t great.
Another thing I didn’t like about my trip was that although there was free WiFi available on the train, when I used it, I found that it was quite slow.
I also thought that the trip wasn’t amazing value for money, as the tickets were still expensive even when I booked a month in advance.
That said, I really enjoyed my trip from London to Brussels in Eurostar Standard. The overall experience was very good, and the journey was fast.
About Rachel A.
Rachel, a former Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Brussels.
The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey. It was written before Standard Premier and Business Premier were rebranded as Plus and Premier respectively.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.