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Travelling by train from London to Brussels in under 2 hours
Planning a trip to the Belgian capital and want more information on how to take the train from London to Brussels? Look no further!
On average, the train from London to Brussels takes 2 hours and 2 minutes but can take just 1 hour and 56 minutes on the fastest services. You'll be travelling directly on this route with Eurostar.
Once you’ve checked in at London St Pancras International station, hop on board one of Eurostar's modern and comfortable trains and enjoy wide spacious seating, free WiFi and UK and EU plug sockets under the seats.
Pay a visit to Café Metropole for snacks and drinks as you whizz through the Channel Tunnel into France and through to Belgium. If you fancy travelling in style, Business Premier seats are made from plush leather, plus you’ll be served complimentary food and be able to access the lounge at St Pancras.
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 favourite 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.
Why not start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Brussels with us today? If you want to find out more, keep reading for FAQs and money-saving tips, or keep an eye out on our European deals & discounts page for Eurostar promos.
What's in this guide?
- Today's train times
- Information about Eurostar
- Eurostar classes
- Onboard services on Eurostar
- Eurostar luggage allowance
- How to get to London St Pancras International station
- Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
- Arriving in Brussels from London
- Public transport in Brussels
- The Chunnel
- Things to see and do in Brussels and Belgium
- Popular train journeys from Brussels
- Explore Europe with an Interrail pass
- Review: London to Brussels by 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 travelling from London to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from £51 when you book in advance.
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). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage carriage. 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 1st October, 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 colour scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
Eurostar and RegioJet classes from London to Brussels
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar and RegioJet when travelling from London to Brussels.
Eurostar
RegioJet
Standard
In Standard class, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
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 travelling 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat (1)
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Business Premier
For trains to and from London, Business Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- (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.
Eurostar Standard
From 4th November 2024: 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
Eurostar Plus
From 4th November 2024: 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat (1)
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premium
From 4th November 2024: Eurostar Premium 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 Premium Class, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- (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
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- 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, comfy leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business
Travel in RegioJet’s Business class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet carriage and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- 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 luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).
Are you travelling 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 café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling 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 sweet and savoury 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 plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.
Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.
You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.
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 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.
The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling 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 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), 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 the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're travelling 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 travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 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, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling 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 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm 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 75 mm 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 luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by 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.
Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage.
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 carriages 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/Standard Premier
- 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Business Premier
- 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm long
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
How to get to London St Pancras International station
Before your journey to Brussels, you’ll need to make your way to London St Pancras International Station. Continue reading for more information on how to get there.
Located in the heart of the capital, London St Pancras International Station is conveniently located in the King’s Cross area and is easy to reach with National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
Taking the Tube to King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is easy because it’s served by six London Underground lines, including Victoria (light blue line), Northern (black line), Metropolitan (purple line), Circle (yellow line), Hammersmith & City (pink line) and Piccadilly (dark blue line).
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.
Hoping to drive? At the station, you’ll find a 24-hour Click and Park car park with 315 spaces and staff on hand. If you’re going to cycle to the station, there are plenty of spaces to store your bike safely.
Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
After you’ve arrived at London St Pancras International station, you’ll need to check-in. Read on for more information on checking in, station facilities and First-class lounges.
How far 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 Business Premier Lounge?
Arriving at Brussels Midi station from London
Once you’ve arrived in Brussels, you can begin to soak up the city’s atmosphere!
With Eurostar, your train will arrive in the hub 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 centre 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
The metro network in Brussels is one of the most modern metros in Europe. Consisting of 4 lines, the metro can take you to and from anywhere in the city, seven days a week from 5:30am until midnight. Generally, metro trains run every 5-10 minutes.
In Brussels, all public transport is managed by the Brussels Intermunicipal Transport Company (STIB) and can be used with the same ticket. You can buy either a standard fare for a single journey, as well as 5 and 10 single tickets. You can also buy 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 metro, Premetro, trams and buses.
Taking the tram in Brussels
Comprising 17 lines, the Brussels tram network is one of the largest in the world. Opening at 6am and closing at midnight, the tram is an excellent way to navigate the city while sightseeing along the way! The tram lines run from the city centre, past some of the city’s most famous landmarks and into the city’s outskirts.
Taking the bus in Brussels
Including more than 50 lines, the Brussels bus network is another great way to see the city while you get from one destination to another. At night, the bus is a great way to navigate Brussels, as the night buses (Noctis) operate around the city on Friday and Saturday until 3am.
Going through the Channel Tunnel
Does the train from London to Brussels go underwater?
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 length, the Channel Tunnel is 31.3 miles (50.56 km) and it takes a Eurostar train approximately 35 minutes to travel its full length. In total, the fastest journey time from London to Brussels is 1 hour and 56 minutes.
Things to see and do in Brussels and Belgium
From Gothic architecture to delicious chocolate and golden beer, Brussels is the ideal location for anyone looking for a short break. Whether you’re looking for fascinating history, mouth-watering cuisine or vibrant nightlife, Brussels has it all! To help inspire your next trip, here are some ideas for things to do during your trip to Brussels:
Popular train journeys from Brussels
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Brussels and want to explore more of Belgium and 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 an Interrail Pass
Once you’ve finished exploring Brussels, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail 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.
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. If you’re an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Journey details
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.
How long does the train from London to Brussels take?
The average journey time by train between London and Brussels is 2 hours and 1 minute, with around 9 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 London and Brussels by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Brussels is 1 hour and 57 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Brussels cost?
Train ticket prices from London to Brussels can start from as little as £51 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from London to Brussels?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Brussels without having to change trains. There are 9 direct trains from London 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 London to Brussels leave?
The first train from London to Brussels leaves at 06:16. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Brussels leave?
The last train from London to Brussels leaves at 19:34. 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 London and Brussels by train?
Trains travelling from London to Brussels cover a distance of around 197 miles (317 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Brussels to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Brussels.
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.
Travelling from London to Brussels by train
When I travelled 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 centre 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 travelling 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 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.