Trains from Paris to Brussels
is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
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.
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.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Traveling from Paris to Brussels by train
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 Premium 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, waffles 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! 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:
- Today's train times
- Information about Thalys
- Thalys classes
- Onboard services on Thalys
- Finding cheap train tickets from Paris to Brussels
- Traveling from the airport to central Paris
- How to get to Paris Gare du Nord
- Everything you need to know about Paris Gare du Nord
- Arriving at Brussels Midi from Paris
- Using public transport in Brussels
- Things to do in Brussels
- Popular train journeys from Brussels
- Traveling from central Brussels to the airport
- Explore Europe with a Eurail pass
- Review: Paris to Brussels on a Eurostar train
Paris to Brussels by train
It takes an average of 1h 47m 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 $32.59 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:22 | |
| 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 $32.59 | |
| Train and bus operators |
SNCF, Eurostar and SNCB trains from Paris to Brussels
SNCF
Eurostar
SNCB
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).
More information
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). 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 – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On October 1, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red color scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
More information
Eurostar and SNCB classes from Paris to Brussels
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar and SNCB when traveling from Paris to Brussels.
Eurostar
SNCB
Standard
In Standard class, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard bar car.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
Standard Premier
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Standard Class, in Eurostar Standard Premier you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Instead of Standard Premier, Red trains traveling around Europe have Comfort Class. 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.
Business Premier
For trains to and from London, Business Premier gives you the freedom to travel on your own timetable, with speedy boarding and Eurostar's exclusive Business Premier lounges where you can relax before your trip. In Premium Class, exclusively on trains in Europe, you'll 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 (2)
- 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.
- (2) Access to the Business Premier lounge is only available for passengers traveling between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Second Class
If you're traveling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of baggage storage and power outlets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- More legroom
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfortable seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- More legroom
Onboard services on Eurostar and SNCB
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Brussels.
Eurostar
SNCB
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 Class, 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 Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat. Travel in Business 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 Premium class, 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 Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of 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.
When traveling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of baggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg (66.1 pounds). Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your baggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following baggage on board for free:
- Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
- Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
- Pushchairs and prams
- Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
- Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are traveling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children traveling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re traveling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm (11.8 x 21.6 x 11.8 inches), you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
Cheap train tickets from Paris 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 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.
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 from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tillé Airport to central Paris
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:
Popular train journeys from 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:
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.
FAQs for 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 long does the train from Paris to Brussels take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and Brussels is 1 hour and 47 minutes, with around 23 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paris and Brussels by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Brussels is 1 hour and 22 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to Brussels cost?
Train tickets from Paris to Brussels can start from as little as $32.59 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Brussels?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Brussels without having to change trains. There are 20 direct trains from Paris to Brussels each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to Brussels leave?
The first train from Paris to Brussels leaves at 06:21. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to Brussels leave?
The last train from Paris to Brussels leaves at 22:22. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paris and Brussels by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to Brussels cover a distance of around 164 miles (264 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Brussels to Paris.
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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.