paris to brussels day tour

A Day Trip from Paris to Brussels – All the Essentials

• Post author: Svet
• Post category: Road Trips
• Post published: March 23, 2022

Is your next holiday in the City of Light , Paris?

While there, how about you also hop on a short-day tour to Brussels, the Capital of Europe ?

Yes, this is totally achievable. You can do a day trip from Paris to Brussels and discover the best of both cities.

In fact, with good preparation and early arrival in the Belgian capital, you’ll have enough time to explore the most popular landmarks in the city.

This thorough guide will show you our best practical tips and suggestions on how to plan a trip to the Capital of Europe, so you can maximize your stay.

Ready to dive in?

Let’s sightsee!

Note : This article contains affiliate links . In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!

How to Get from Paris to Brussels

You can reach Brussels from Paris in several ways. We’ve enlisted each one below:

Our recommended way to travel from Paris to Brussels on a day trip is by train .

All trains depart from  Paris Gare du Nord  and arrive at  Brussels Midi/Zuid Station . Here’s all you need to know about this transport:

• The average train ride from Paris to Brussels is between 1:22 and 1:29 hours , depending on the type of train you choose.
• Over 20 trains run daily in both directions, every day of the week, even on Sundays.
• The first train from Paris to Brussels  leaves Gare de Nord at 6:13 AM Monday through Friday, at 7:43 AM on Saturday, and at 8:07 AM on Sunday. The last one departs at 8:55 PM Monday through Friday, at 8:46 PM on Saturday, and at 6:46 PM on Sunday.
• The first train from   Brussels to Paris  is at 6:42 AM Monday through Friday, at 7:43 AM on Saturday, and at 7:17 AM on Sunday. The last one leaves at 8:16 PM Monday through Saturday, and at 9:13 PM on Sunday.
• Purchase your tickets in advance to get the lowest prices. Tickets on weekends are sometimes cheaper.
• Important:  Make sure to be at the train station at least 20 minutes before departure, so you have time to find your platform and board without stress.

Tip : You can also visit Brussels easily on a day tour by train from these gorgeous European capitals:

• London : the train ride takes about 2 hours.
• Amsterdam : the travel time is around 2:20 hours.

The fastest route from Paris to Brussels is via A1 and E19 .

Driving takes about 3:30 hours, which is about as fast as flying (see below). The distance is 193.7 mi (311.7 km).

Driving is among the best means of transportation for your day trip from Paris to Brussels. So we recommend it.

Buses from Paris to Brussels are direct and take between 3:55 and 5:00 hours .

The earliest bus leaves at 7:00 AM, and the next one is at 8:05 AM.

The last bus from Brussels back to Paris is at 8:05 PM.

Although not ideal, this means of transportation will give you enough time to explore the Belgian capital on a day trip from Paris.

If you choose to fly from Paris to Brussels, here’s what you should know:

• Brussels Airlines is the only company that flies from Paris to Brussels and from Brussels to Paris. The flight duration is 55-60 minutes .
• The Belgian carrier flies from Paris to Brussels twice in the morning only – at 8:30 AM and at 10:15 AM.
• Brussels Airlines flies from Brussels to Paris twice per day, too. And again, it’s only in the morning – at 6:40 AM and 8:15 AM.
• It’s not possible to fly for a day trip and back, but you can mix different transportation modes.
• The airplanes land at Brussels Zaventem Airport . Traveling from Zaventem to the city center is 25-45 minutes depending on the time of the day.
• Your total trip duration should include waiting times at both airports, even if you fly with a carry-on only.

What to Do on a Full-day Trip from Paris to Brussels

Now that the nitty-gritty is out of the way, let’s dive into the exciting things!

While the population of Brussels is the humble 1.3 million, 10x more people visited it in 2019.

The capital of Belgium owes this influx of people to a blend of gorgeous attractions, top-notch food and beer, and a host of EU institutions. In fact, this amassment of European organizations has made the city the unofficial Capital of Europe .

There are a lot of things to do and see in Brussels. In the next few sections of this guide, you’ll get to know the best places for your day trip from Paris.

Note : While it’s not impossible to discover every single spot listed below, you’ll have to spend just a few minutes on each. That’s why we highly recommend you select only what interests you the most. At the end of the day, if you like Brussels on a day trip from Paris, you can always come back. If that happens, we’ve prepared an itinerary for 2 days in Brussels .

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral – Heaven for Gothic Architecture Lovers

If you love imposing Gothic architecture, you shouldn’t miss St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral .

This Roman Catholic cathedral honors the patrons of Brussels – the Saints Michael and Gudula. The building is one of the finest examples of the Brabantine Gothic style of architecture.

The church’s construction started in the 11 th century. Most of it was complete by the 16 th century, but it received cathedral status three centuries later – in 1962.

When you get inside, pay close attention to the splendid stained-glass windows. They originate in the 16 th , 17th, and 19th centuries. Many of them depict scenes from the Legend of the Miraculous Sacrament .

Address : Place Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels – The Magnificent Opulence of the Belgian Capital

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the Belgian King and Queen.

However, for a while now, it hasn’t served as a royal residence. Nowadays, the regal family lives on the outskirts of the capital – in the Royal Palace of Laeken .

That said, the Royal Palace of Brussels is the administrative dwelling of the King and Queen. Here, they welcome diplomatic delegations and discuss matters of political importance.

Here’s a Brussels fact you’ll love: every summer since 1965, the palace has been opening its doors to the public. The official opening happens after Belgium’s national holiday on July 21. The palatial complex remains open till the end of August.

So if you’d like to marvel at the Palace on your day trip from Paris to Brussels, you have to visit between July 21 and August 28.

Address : 16 Rue Brederode, 1000 Brussels

Grand Place – Brussels’ Pulsating Heart

When you’re done with the Royal Palace of Brussels, head to the Grand Place (Grote Markt) . The drop-dead gorgeous square is a must-visit spot.

With measures of 223 x 360 ft. (68 x 110 m), the plaza is about as big as a football pitch. This makes it ideal for various events. The most amazing by far is the Flower Carpet . Over 500,000 plants and flowers, among which bark, grass, dahlias, and begonias, form the enormous carpet.

On each side of the Grand Place, you can marvel at striking guildhalls and eye-catching buildings. All these make the square one of the most breathtaking places in the world. It’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

When you visit it, don’t miss The King’s House and the Town Hall . The former houses the Brussels City Museum .

Tip : Want to know the best way to feel Grote Markt’s unique vibe? Sit down at one of the quirky cafés that fill the square. Get a cold Belgian beer or a waffle topped with chocolate. Enjoy!

Manneken Pis – The Weirdest Attraction of Brussels

Less than five minutes on foot from the Grand Place lies Brussels’ most peculiar landmark – Manneken Pis .

The small bronze sculpture is actually a boy peeing into the fountain’s basin. However, the urinating boy is a replica. To see the original, visit the Brussels City Museum on Grand Place.

Now, Manneken Pis might look like a weird attraction, but it’s among the most famous symbols of Brussels. Why? Because it personifies the independent minds and the sense of humor of Belgians.

Want to learn the strangest fact about Manneken Pis?

The bronze statue has its own dresser. He’s responsible for changing the boy’s outfits several times per week. Manneken Pis’ wardrobe consists of close to 1,000 different costumes. You can marvel at most of them in the City Museum .

Tip : Checking Manneken Pis off your travel list is a typical thing to do in Brussels. But if you fancy doing something more off-the-beaten-path, don’t miss Jeanneke Pis – the urinating girl. It’s just south of Grand Place on Fidelity Alley. Jeanneke Pis is one of the most unusual things to do in Brussels .

Address : The juncture of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne

Park du Cinquantenaire – The Green Lungs of the Belgian Capital

Cinquantenaire from French means “ fiftieth “. The park was built to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of the Belgian Revolution. The government commissioned the creation of Park du Cinquantenaire for the National Exhibition in 1880.

Most of the buildings in the park originated in the 19 th century.

Belgians constructed the structures using only iron, glass, and stone. This wasn’t a random act: these elements were the symbols of the country’s industrial and economic supremacy in that period.

The Royal Military Museum awaits you in the northern part of the park. In the southern part, you can visit two unique museums:

• The Art & History Museum
• The AutoWorld , displaying vintage cars.

Address : 21A Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée, 1000 Brussels

The European Quarter – The Decision-Making Heart of the European Union

The European Union counts 27 Member States. But it makes most of its decisions in Brussels – in its European Quarter.

In 2010, Svet worked in the neighborhood and the contemporary architecture constantly left him astounded.

The area houses the headquarters of numerous EU organizations, for example:

• The European Parliament
• The European Commission
• The European Economic and Social Committee
• The Council of the European Union
• The Committee of the Regions

The European Quarter is not just EU institutions, though. In the neighborhood, you can explore peculiar museums, go on a shopping spree, or indulge in fine Belgian ales.

The quarter is also home to four gorgeous squares – Place Jourdan, Place du Luxembourg, Place Jean Rey, and Rond-Point Schuman . Each has its own unique vibe.

All these facts make many people believe the European Quarter is among the best areas to stay in Brussels .

Atomium – the Mind-Blowing Symbol of Brussels and Belgium

The Atomium is not only a modern symbol of Brussels. It’s a symbol of Belgium as a whole.

It traces its origins back to 1958 when local authorities erected it for the Brussels World Fair. Curiously, the initial plan was to demolish it soon after the exhibition.

However, Atomium’s unique design and humongous structure made it world-famous. So the government decided against dismantling it.

Nowadays, the marvelous piece of art and architecture is an important part of Brussels’ skyline. As you might tell from the name, the Atomium is actually an atom that has been magnified 65 billion times.

Getting on top will reward you with some of the best vistas of the capital.

Each year, more than 600,000 tourists visit the Atomium. That’s why if you want to avoid queuing, we highly recommend booking your tickets in advance .

Address : Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels

Mini Europe – The Greatest European Landmarks in Miniatures

While you’re in the area of the Atomium, you can visit the Mini Europe Park as well.

Inside the park, European attractions 25x smaller than normal wait for you to explore them.

The collection covers close to 80 cities and more than 350 buildings. Popular ones are Big Ben, the Grand Place, the Acropolis, the Eiffel Tower, and the Brandenburg Gate.

By visiting Mini Europe, you can “travel around Europe” in an hour. 😊

Erupting Mount Vesuvius and live-action models like mills, trains, and cable cars further add to the beauty of the park.

Mini Europe opened its doors in 1989. The attraction welcomes about 350,000 visitors per year. If you want to avoid the masses, grab your online tickets from this link .

Note : Tickets correspond to specific entry hours, so please bear that in mind when booking.

Address : 1 Avenue du Football, 1020 Brussels

Food Tips for Your Day Trip from Paris to Brussels

Want to maximize your time in Brussels on a day tour from Paris? Prep some sandwiches, protein bars, and water, and you won’t waste time on breakfast or lunch.

However, you can also choose to take it slowly, visit 2-3 landmarks, and treat yourself regally in between. For that, we’ve prepared several food tips for Brussels.

Belgian cuisine is the epitome of deliciousness. Here’s a list of the best typical Belgian foods:

• Moules-frites / Mosselen met friet . In English, this means “mussels with fries”. And it’s Belgium’s most famous dish. Dare we say, Belgians are the best at preparing mussels (sorry, France). What’s their secret? Locals either cook or steam the mussels, and add an abundance of onions and celery. If that’s not enough to make you salivate, the golden-colored fries that just melt in your mouth will.
• Carbonade flamande / Stoofvlees . Love stews? Well, this will be your new love. The dish combines beef that simmers for hours with the finest dark Belgian beer. The result? Meat that’s more tender than the night. Carbonade flamande comes with bread or fries, and lots of mustard. Foodgasms are guaranteed!
• Chocolate . More than 2,000 small and large chocolatiers call Belgium home. Every year, the country manufactures the mind-blowing 172,000 tons of chocolate. These numbers mean one thing -> if you worship chocolate, there’s no better place to go nuts on it than Belgium. Your day trip from Paris to Brussels won’t be complete if you don’t try at least one of these decadent brands: Neuhaus , Leonidas , Côte d’or, and Guylian.
• Cheese . What do abbeys and cheese have in common? Well, that’s where Belgians started producing cheese back in the Middle Ages. In fact, many cheese brands still carry the abbey’s name in which they were established. Several of these abbeys – Westmalle , Maredsous , Chimay , etc. – manufacture both cheese and beer. That’s because locals love to pair the strong Belgian beers with a good cheese.
• Gaufres / Wafels . Belgian waffles could easily take the title “Best waffles in the world”. And you won’t need more than five minutes to verify this statement as you can find them everywhere in Brussels. For the ultimate seduction, grab a Brussels waffle or the Gaufre de Liège ( Liège waffle ).

No matter what food you pick to eat, tasting Belgian beer is a must . Belgium packs an extraordinarily abundant variety of beers on a territory as small as Hawaii.

In fact, the country takes great pride in more distinct beer types per capita than any other country on the planet!

Now, you can choose the safe route and get the popular Stella Artois .

Or you can be a bit bolder and try the sour-cherry beer kriek .

However, if you want to experience the real Belgian beer behemoths, opt for Kwak , Orwal , Duvel , Rochefort , Chimay , or Westmalle .

Visa, Currency, and Language Tips for Brussels

Belgium is a member of both the Schengen Area and the European Union.

If you hold a U.S. passport, and its expiration date is in more than 6 months, you can stay in Belgium for up to 90 days (3 months) without a visa .

Consult the official website of the European Union for the entire list of visa requirements.

Besides an EU and a Schengen area member state, Belgium is also a part of the Eurozone. This means it uses the euro as its currency .

Brussels teems with ATM machines, so you can easily withdraw money from anywhere. But if you prefer cash-free payments, don’t worry. Paying with a card is possible virtually everywhere.

One of the most peculiar facts about Belgium is that the country has three official languages. Belgians speak French, Dutch, and German . In the capital, most people understand English well, so you won’t have any problem.

However, if you’d like to impress your Belgian friends, we’ve prepared a small table with five basic words and phrases for each language:

A Day Trip from Paris to Brussels – Delectable Food, Verdant Parks, and World-Famous Landmarks

When it comes to multicultural European cities, Brussels definitely takes one of the top places.

Its lush parks, quirky squares, regal opulence, and mouthwatering cuisine might even surpass your wildest expectations.

The city offers tons of things to do and see. A day trip from Paris to Brussels won’t be enough to reveal everything, but you’ll be able to feel the unique charm of the city.

However, if you follow the advice in this comprehensive guide, we bet you’ll maximize your time and admire both capitals in one trip.

Now, please share:

What would be the first thing you do when you go to Brussels?

You Might Also Like

Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting: 33 Reasons to Tour the City

The 11 Best Gaudi Buildings in Barcelona

How to Plan the Best Day Trip from Barcelona to Andorra

This post has 2 comments.

Hi, Svet! Thank you for this blog! I (60 years old), and 2 adult children, want to include in our IT a day trip from Paris to Brussels in April and this will help us a lot in planning our visit. Thank you! Btw, if it is not too much for asking, what attraction should we start with and end where? We also want to try their restaurant and cafes’ (some place that is not very expensive but serves good food) to eat brunch, lunch and light snacks before heading back to Paris. We plan to leave Paris at 7 am and also go back, same day at 8pm. Is there a map we can follow? Is it possible to cover all the 8 attractions above in one day? What is the best day of the week to go and visit? 🙂

Hi Ami, sounds like a great plan! That’s a lot of questions you have 🙂 It’s best to contact us via the Contact page from the main menu above and we can discuss further how we can assist you. Cheers and happy travels, Naddya and Svet

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Paris to Brussels Day Trip: Everything You Should Know (2024)

Are you thinking about doing a day trip from Paris to Brussels? Then you have come to the right place!

Brussels, Belgium’s capital, is a bustling city with plenty of interesting sights. With its quirky statues, Unesco World Heritage sights and comic book culture, this city has a lot to offer.

The good news is that it only takes 1,5 hours to reach Brussels from Paris, making it a perfect day trip!

As I am from Brussels and visited Paris more times than I can count , this is a route I have taken plenty of times. You will find everything you need to know about visiting Brussels from Paris in this comprehensive guide.

You may also like: A Day Trip from Paris to Bruges

Travelling between Paris and Brussels: Overview

Best overall Train

💰 Price: From €52 ⏰ Time: 1:30 hrs

Cheapest Bus

💰 Price: From €25 ⏰ Time: 4:00 hrs

Most flexible Rent a car

💰 Price: From €40 ⏰ Time: 3:50 hrs

Day trip from Paris to Brussels: How to travel

How to get from Paris to Brussels by train

Brussels is one of the best day trips from Paris by train and this is the fastest way to travel between both cities.

There’s a direct train between both cities and it’s just 1,5 hours of travelling, which will leave you enough time to explore Belgium’s capital. The earliest train already leaves from Paris Gare du Nord around 6 am, and there are one to two trains every hour.

• Thalys from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Central: 1,5 hours

It’s good to know that the Brussels Central Railway Station (Bruxelles Central in French or Brussel Centraal in Dutch) is the closest station to the city centre. This station is just a 5-minute walk from the famous Grand Place (Grote Markt), which is Brussels’ central square.

The last train back to Paris leaves at the Brussels Central Railway Station around 8 pm.

How to get from Paris to Brussels by bus

Although the bus takes longer , this is the cheapest way to get from one city to another. So, if you’re on a tight budget, this might be the best option for you.

There are two buses from Paris to Brussels every hour and the earliest one leaves at 6 am. This bus will drop you off at the Brussels Midi Railway Station (Bruxelles Midi or Brussel Zuid) at 11 am.

From here, can either walk (25 minutes) or take the train to the city centre. If you take the train, you will have to get off at Brussels Central Station (Bruxelles Central or Brussel Zuid). This station is a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place (Grote Markt).

The last bus back to Paris leaves from the Brussels Midi Railway Station at 8 pm.

Driving from Paris to Brussels

The distance between Paris and Brussels is 315 km (135 mi), which is a 3.40-hour drive. So if you don’t want to rely on public transportation, you can also take the car.

Although driving yourself will give you more flexibility, you will drive on toll roads in France , which will add up to the cost of travel.

Apart from that, it can also be somewhat challenging to find free parking spots in Brussels . You can find out more about the topic on the Brussels.info website .

I love using Discover Cars to rent cars in France and the rest of Europe. This is a reliable company that compares car rental companies so that you can get the best possible price.

Places to see in Brussels in 1 day

You might wonder if it’s worth heading to Brussels from Paris for just one day, and the answer is YES! Belgium’s bustling capital has a lot to offer and one day will be just enough to see this city’s highlights.

You will find the best places to visit in Brussels in one day below.

Grand Place

The Grand Place, or Grote Markt in Dutch, is one of the most beautiful places in all of Belgium ! With its beautiful guild halls and spectacular Town Hall, this place boasts some of Brussels’ most impressive architecture.

You will also find the statue of Everard t’Serclaes on this square. t’Serclaes was a Brussels citizen who was killed while he was defending the city from Flemish troops in the 14th century and it’s considered good luck to rub his statue.

Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis and Het Zinneke

Manneken Pis is, without a doubt, one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels . According to the story, this statue of a little peeing boy was dedicated to a buy who once saved Brussels from burning down by extinguishing a fire with his willy.

But this is not the only peeing statue in Brussels!

Jeanneke Pis, a little peeing girl, and Het Zinneke, a peeing dog can also be found in the streets of this city. These statues were both designed as a reference to Manneken PIs.

Mont des Arts

The Mont des Arts (which means “Mount of the Arts” in French) is close to the Brussels Central Railway Station and it offers an amazing view over Brussels.

While you’re here, it’s worth walking a little bit further and checking out the beautiful Old England Building . This is one of Brussels’ Art Nouveau buildings and it’s a place that you cannot miss if you’re into architecture.

Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert

Built in 1846, the Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe . It was designed by Belgian architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar and inside, you will find plenty of luxury shops.

The Neuhaus shop inside these galleries is the place where the praline (filled chocolate candy) was invented in 1912. So if you would like to buy some delicious Belgian chocolates , this is the perfect place to do so.

 Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

Also dubbed the Cathedral of Brussels, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is the main catholic church of Belgium . This is where royal weddings, state funerals and other official ceremonies are hosted.

It’s interesting to note that the construction of the Cathedral of St. Michael and Gudula began in the 11th century, but it took 300 years to complete it.

Sainte Catherine neighbourhood

The lively Sainte Catherine neighbourhood, in the centre of Brussels, is home to landmarks like the Sainte Catherine’s Church ,  la Tour Noire and the  Quai aux Briques  (Baksteenkaai).

A famous fish market was held here from 1884 until 1955 and while this market is no more, this area is famous for its fish and shellfish restaurants today.

Comic book murals

A fun fact about Brussels is that this city is the self-proclaimed comic book capital of the world .

In fact, some of the world’s most famous comic books originated in Belgium. This includes Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Spirou and Marsupilami.

It’s good to know that the comic book culture is very much alive in Brussels and that you will find colourful comic book murals all over this city. Make sure to see at least one or two of these before leaving – they’re pretty cool!

Delirium Cafe

Brussels’ Delirium Cafe holds the Guinness World Record for offering the largest number of beers for tasting in the entire world and you will find over 2,000 different kinds of beer here!

It’s no secret that beer is a serious business in Belgium . This is a country that’s famous for its great variety of this brew, from sweet fruit beers to sour Geuzes and Abbey beers to regular pints.

Tip: If you’re a beer lover, it’s good to know that there are fun beer tours in Brussels which will allow you to try some of the best Belgian beers.

There’s an abundance of interesting museums in Brussels, from art and architecture museums to chocolate museums and more quirky museums.

Some of my personal favourites are the Horta Museum , the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Musée Magritte Museum , which is dedicated to the work of Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte.

It all depends on your personal interests, though. There’s a museum for nearly every taste in this city. Make sure to check out my post featuring the most interesting museums in Brussels for an overview.

Paris to Brussels day trip: FAQs

Is brussels worth a day trip from paris.

Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting Brussels as a day trip from Paris. It doesn’t take too long to travel between both cities and you can see Brussels’ highlights in one day.

What is the cheapest way to go to Brussels from Paris?

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to get to Brussels from Paris. It takes 4 hours to travel between both of these cities by bus.

How long is the high-speed train from Paris to Brussels?

The Thalys from Paris to Brussels takes between 1h22 and 1h27 and it covers a distance of 262 km (163 mi).

The return trip: How to get from Brussels to Paris

The options to get from Brussels back to Paris are the same in a reversed order:

• Train: The last train from Brussels to Paris leaves at the Brussels Central Railway Station around 8 pm.
• Bus: If you’re taking the bus back, you will have to head back to the Brussels Midi Railway station. The last bus to Paris leaves from here around 8 pm.

>> Read: Souvenirs from Paris That Don’t Suck

Where to stay in Paris

There are plenty of place s to stay in Paris , it all depends on your personal taste and budget. You will find my top recommendations below.

• Hôtel Les Deux Gares (⭐ 8.3/10) : This hotel is just a 7-minute walk from the railway station, which makes it a convenient place to stay if you’re taking the train. Hôtel Les Deux Gares offers beautifully decorated rooms and it has an on-site restaurant.
• Shangri-La Paris (⭐ 8.9/10) : Shangri-La Paris is one of the city’s best luxury hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower. This place is rather expensive, but it is one of the best hotels in the French capital!
• Résidence Internationale De Paris (⭐ 7.5/10) : If you’re looking for a more affordable hotel, Résidence Internationale De Paris is the place for you. This hotel is not located in the city centre (that area is very expensive), but it’s a short walk from the metro station.

Paris to Brussels day trip: Final thoughs

And voila, I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for in this post and that it will help you plan your day trip from Paris to Brussels.

Visiting Brussels from Paris is a great way to add some variation to your trip and visit one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

As it only takes 1,5 hours to visit Brussels from Paris by train, this is one of the best day trips from the French capital!

Read more about Brussels

• One Day in Brussels: 12 Things to Do
• Monuments in Brussels You Cannot Miss
• Best Museums in Brussels: A Local’s Guide
• Best Beer Tours in Brussels: Ultimate Guide
• Best Shopping Malls in Brussels
• Indoor Activities in Brussels for Rainy Days
• Cemetery Dieweg: A Forest of Tombstones in Uccle, Brussels
• Fun Facts About Brussels that Might Surprise You
• Is Brussels Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to Visit Brussels, Belgium

You may also like:

• Brussels or Bruges: Which City Should You Visit?
• Reasons to Visit Belgium This Year
• Top Reasons Why Paris is Called the City of Love
• Catacombs of Paris: A Guide to the Parisian Underworld
• Souvenirs from Paris That Don’t Suck
• Songs About Paris That Will Bring You There Instantly
• Best Quotes About Paris to Inspire Your Next Trip

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

You may also like

12 reasons why paris is called the city..., benelux itinerary: the highlights in 10 days (+..., 34 best day trips from brussels (2024), paris to bruges day trip: 3 ways to..., 15 best belgian chocolates to try [local’s guide], 8 best heritage hotels in ghent (2024), radhadesh: a hare krishna temple in belgium (2024..., 12 reasons to visit belgium in 2024, catacombs of paris: a guide to the parisian..., 48 hours in scheldeland: scenic walks and alpacas, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Become a VIP Travel Club Member (FREE)! Get exclusive travel news, tips and experiences every week

Join the VIP Travel Club for weekly exclusive travel updates!

How to Take a Paris to Brussels Day Trip in 2024

Looking to escape the bustling streets of Paris for a day and explore another vibrant European city? Take a Paris to Brussels day trip!

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie eager for Belgian chocolates and waffles, or simply craving a new adventure in a different city, a Paris to Belgium day trip might just do the trick!

While my experience was a reverse day trip from Brussels to Paris, having explored Brussels and other Belgian cities extensively, I assure you that Brussels is a one-day delight.

In this article, I will cover: 🗸train from Paris to Brussels 🗸is Brussels worth visiting 🗸must-see in Brussels 🗸essential travel tips

So hop on board, and let’s embark on this delightful day trip from Paris to Brussels!

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to book. Please check out my  privacy policy and disclosure  for more information.

How to Get from Paris to Brussels

When it comes to travelling from Paris to Brussels, you have several options at your disposal, each with its own set of pros and cons. Unfortunately, there are no tours from Paris to Brussels.

Here’s a snapshot and then you can get more detailed information below.

1. From Paris to Brussels Train

I recommend day trips from Paris to Brussels by train, it’s not only the most popular choice but the most convenient and efficient.

Everything You Need to Know:

• All trains depart from Paris Gare du Nord (10th arrondissement) and arrive at Brussels Midi/Zuid Station
• The average train ride from Paris to Brussels is  between 1:22 and 1:29 hours (depending on the type of train you choose)
• The first train from Paris to Brussels  leaves at 6:13 AM Monday through Friday, at 7:43 AM on Saturday, and at 8:07 AM on Sunday
• The last train from Brussels to Paris leaves at 8:16 PM Monday through Saturday and at 9:13 PM on Sunday
• Arrive at the train station at least 15 minutes before departure so you have time to find your platform and board with ease
• To save money, purchase your tickets in advance to get the lowest price and the time you want (cost ranges from €30 to € 100 )
• From the Brussels Midi/Zuid Station, take Tram line 3 to the Beurs stop or take the Metro IC 3433 Binche and get off at Brussels Central – both options are 10 minutes to the city centre

Although you don’t need a car to enjoy Paris or Brussels, you can rent for your Paris to Brussels road trip.

• The fastest route from Paris to Brussels is via  A1  and  E19
• Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours, with a distance of 311 km (193 miles)
• Renting a car for the day will be approximately €50 to € 100 for the day , plus parking near the city centre will be approximately €6 to € 10 for the day

3. By Plane

Fly with Brussels Airlines, the only carrier to fly directly from Paris to Brussels and Brussels to Paris.

• The flight duration is  55-60 minutes – but keep in mind the time to board/disembark
• Brussels Airlines flies  from   Paris to Brussels  twice in the morning only – at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM and from Brussels to Paris  twice in the morning only – at 6:40 AM and 8:15 AM. This means it’s not possible to fly there and back in a day (unless you mix the modes of transportation)
• The cost of flights is depending on the time of year and snagging a flight deal
• The planes land at  Brussels Zaventem Airport and take the metro from the airport to the city centre is 25 minutes

Taking a bus from Paris to Brussels is direct, but can take  almost four hours.

• The earliest bus leaves Paris at 7:00 AM, the next one is at 8:05 AM and the latest bus to leave Brussels is at 8:05 PM
• The cost of a round-trip bus ticket will €40

Is Brussels Worth a Day Trip from Paris?

If you are asking yourself “ is Brussels worth visiting ” my answer is a big YES! A day trip from Paris to Brussels is worth it and in fact, might be one of the best day trips from Paris you will take!

Taking a day trip from Paris to Brussels by train is not only convenient but also relatively quick. With frequent departures of high-speed trains between the two cities throughout the day, it’s easy to plan your itinerary without feeling rushed.

Brussels boasts an abundance of cultural gems that are worth exploring during your day trip. The impressive Grand Place (Grote Markt), is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere.

Belgium is renowned for its culinary delights, and Brussels serves as an ideal destination for foodies. Be sure to indulge in mouthwatering Belgian specialties like chocolate, waffles, frites and beer.

Art and architecture lovers will enjoy exploring famous museums like Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (Royal Museums of Fine Arts) or Art Nouveau Horta Museum.

And, Brussels is home to some of the most unique and iconic landmarks – Atomium, Manneken Pis, and others that we will now dive into.

Paris to Brussels Day Trip: What to See & Do

This 1-day itinerary takes into consideration the locations of these things to do in Brussels on a map. Follow the order and you won’t be crisscrossing the city making the best use of your time.

1. Belgian Breakfast

Indulge in a delightful Belgian breakfast at a local café. Treat yourself to a warm croissant, freshly brewed coffee, and perhaps a traditional Belgian waffle topped with berries and whipped cream.

When it comes to indulging in mouthwatering waffles near the Grand Place in Brussels, one place stands out that I highly recommend: Maison Dandoy. Just a short walk away from the square, Maison Dandoy is a legendary establishment from 1829. Step inside this charming waffle haven, and you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked waffles.

📍Rue au Buerre, 31 🕒 10 AM to 7 PM Monday to Sunday

2. Guided Walking Tour

Take a day tou r with a local guide will bring you to medieval and Baroque marvels to modern wonders to experience the essence of Brussels. Of all the tours, this is the most popular.

The tour is divided into the Lower City, showcasing the Grand Palace and charming streets like Grands Carmes, and the Upper City, where you’ll admire the Grand Place, Galeries Royales St Hubert, and more.

Marvel at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, stroll through the Royal Park and discover the regal Royal Palace and Square.

⭐️  RATING:  4.4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2.5 hours LOCATION: Grand Place

3. Grand Place ( Grote Markt)

Ah, the Grand Place in Brussels! It’s an impressive sight, and hands down one of my favourite market squares in Europe.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the heart of Brussels. It is famous for its stunning blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV-style buildings. You’ll find yourself marvelling at the ornate details of the Town Hall, which dates back to the 15th century. And the guildhalls with their elegant facades that transport you back in time.

You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the beauty of this place. This is a must-see highlight of Brussels.

📍Grote Markt 🕒24/7

4. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert (Galeries Royales Sainte-Hubert)

The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is an elegant arcade, similar to the covered passages you find in Paris .

The gallery, constructed in 1847, is renowned for its stunning glass roof, which bathes the interior in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

I simply adored the beautiful window displays of luxury shops, boutiques, and chocolatiers lining the sides.

📍Galerie du Roi, 5 🕒24/7

5. St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral

The magnificent St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels are stunning Gothic masterpieces that must be seen while in Brussels. With its soaring spires and intricate architectural details, it’s hard not to be in awe.

The cathedral’s construction began way back in the 13th century, and it took several centuries to complete. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the grandeur of the interior, with its impressive stained glass windows casting colourful hues across the nave.

📍Pt. St Gudula 🕒Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Sunday 2 PM to 6 PM

6. Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles)

Instead of walking on the busy street to the next place on your itinerary, take a stroll through the picturesque Parc de Bruxelles like I would do most days. The once hunting grounds for the royals are now a public park with beautiful statues, fountains and theatres.

📍Rue de la Loi 🕒24/7

7. Royal Palace of Brussels

This grand palace is the official residence of the Belgian king and is sure to leave you impressed. The neoclassical facade exudes elegance and reality.

While the Royal Palace is the monarch’s official residence, they reside in the Royal Palace of Laeken, just outside the city.

📍Rue Brederode, 16 🕒Closed and not open for visitors (but worth peering into the grounds)

8. Belgian Lunch

Choose any of these restaurants I recommend that are near the Royal Palace and the next stop on our itinerary, the Horta Museum.

• Au Vieux Saint Martin – long-standing restaurant serving the Belgian classics at Pl. du Grand Sablon, 38
• Orphyse Chaussette – a French bistro in menu and atmosphere at Rue Charles Hanssens, 5
• Café Des Minimes – a modern restaurant serving small plates perfect for sharing at Rue du Minimes, 60

9. Hill of the Arts (Monts des Arts)

This area of lush gardens, grand staircases, and perfectly manicured lawns was designed for the 1910 World Exposition held in Brussels.

As you ascend the steps, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city skyline, including the iconic Brussels Town Hall and the spires of the Grand Place. It’s the perfect spot to snap some Insta-worthy photos or simply take a moment to soak in the beauty of Brussels.

📍Pl de Albertine 🕒24/7

Choose Your Adventure

For the afternoon I will leave you with itinerary options that best suit your interests.

10. Horta Museum + Art Nouveau Walking Tour

The Horta Museum is a must for Art Nouveau architecture enthusiasts. This museum is dedicated to the works of Victor Horta, one of the pioneers of Art Nouveau architecture. Housed in Horta’s former residence and studio, the museum showcases his innovative designs and showcases the beauty of Art Nouveau’s design.

If you want to see more, I’ve created a self-guided Art Nouveau walking tour , bringing you to more amazing places. Spend the afternoon walking to each one and enjoy the spontaneous nature of seeing what might catch your eye.

📍Rue Americaine, 27 🕒Tuesday to Saturday 2 PM to 5:30 PM, Saturday to Sunday 11 AM to 5:30 PM

11. Manneken Pis + Exploring Upper and Lower City

Visit the charming little statue that has captured the hearts of many in Brussels: Manneken Pis. This iconic bronze sculpture of a boy urinating is a quirky symbol of the city.

You can’t help but chuckle when you see it, but it’s been a part of Brussels’ folklore since the early 17th century and has a wardrobe of over 1,000 outfits, which are rotated throughout the year for various occasions and celebrations.

I visited this statue almost daily and it was always a surprise to see what attire the mischievous little fellow was sporting. One thing is for sure, he draws a crowd!

Next, simply get lost in the streets of Upper and Lower City. Be sure to stop for some frites and a beer and do some people-watching.

12. Atomium + Mini-Europe

The Atomium is a futuristic marvel that was built for the 1958 World Expo. It stands tall with its interconnected spheres, representing the structure of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Just nearby, you’ll find Mini-Europe, a delightful park where you can explore famous European landmarks in miniature form. Take a stroll through this enchanting world and marvel at the intricate details of iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and the Acropolis. It’s like embarking on a whirlwind tour of Europe in just a few steps!

📍Pl de l’Atomium, 1 🕒Open daily 10 AM to 6 PM 🎟️ Entrance Tickets

📍Av. du Football, 1 🕒Open daily 9:30 AM to 6 PM 🎟️ Entrance Tickets

13. Park du Cinquatenaire + Museums

Parc du Cinquantenaire, also known as Jubelpark, is a spacious park with beautiful pathways and picturesque fountains just as beautiful as Paris parks . It was built in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence.

Within the park, you’ll find three Brussels museums that cater to different interests.

• Art & History Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts spanning various periods and cultures.
• Autoworld is dedicated to vintage and classic cars, showcasing the evolution of automobile design.
• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, includes equipment through the ages, including 20th-century tanks & medieval armour.

5 Tips for Your Paris to Brussels Train Day Trip

• Plan and book in advance : decide how you will get to Brussels from Paris and book your tickets ahead of time to secure the best prices and ensure availability.
• Learn a few basic phrases : While many people in Brussels speak English, it’s always helpful and appreciated to know a few basic greetings and common courtesy expressions in French or Dutch.
• Choose the top attractions: Use this itinerary for the must-visit museums , attractions and landmarks in Brussels, and customize your afternoon activities to optimize your time and make the most of your day.
• Keep track of time: Pay attention to the train (or other schedules) to ensure you have enough time to explore Brussels and return to Paris. Factor in travel time, queueing, and potential delays.
• Try the local cuisine: Brussels is famous for its culinary delights, so be sure to sample traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) and indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates and waffles, and their delicious beer.

What Festivals in Brussels are Worth Visiting?

If you can time your day trips from Paris to Belgium, visiting Brussels around these festivals would be perfect timing.

• Brussels Jazz Festival : Jazz enthusiasts should not miss the Brussels Jazz Festival held every January. This multi-day event presents a diverse lineup of renowned jazz artists, both local and international.
• Brussels Summer Festival: is one of the major music festivals in Brussels held in August and features a multi-genre lineup of local and international artists.
• Flower Carpet : every two years in August in the Grand Place a massive carpet-like design made entirely out of colourful flowers 1,680 m² of begonias and dahlias cover the square.
• Belgian Beer Weekend : the annual festival in early September is a celebration of Belgium’s rich beer culture and heritage showcasing an extensive selection of Belgian beers.
• Winter Wonders: Just like in Paris, the Christmas Markets start in late November to early January and include an ice-skating rink, a Ferris wheel, enchanting light displays and Christmas markets.

FAQ About Brussels Day Trip from Paris

How to get to brussels from paris.

There are several ways to get to Brussels from Paris. The most popular option is taking a high-speed train from Paris Nord station to Brussels Midi station.

How far is Brussels from Paris?

The distance from Paris to Brussels by train is approximately 315 kilometres (196 miles). The travel time between the two cities by train is around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a convenient option for a day trip.

How much time should I allocate for Brussels to Paris day trip?

For a day trip, it’s recommended to allocate a minimum of 8 to 10 hours, considering the travel time between Paris and Brussels. This allows sufficient time to explore the main attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the essence of the city before returning to Paris.

What are the must-see attractions in Brussels for a day trip?

Must-see attractions in Brussels include the Grand Place, Atomium, Manneken Pis, Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, and the Royal Palace of Brussels. And, enjoy Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolate, and beer.

Can I visit other cities in Belgium during a day trip from Paris to Brussels?

While a day trip from Paris to Brussels primarily focuses on exploring Brussels, it is possible to visit other cities in Belgium, such as Bruges or Ghent, depending on your available time. However, keep in mind that it may limit the time you can spend in each location.

Is a Paris to Brussels day trip worth it?

Yes, a Paris to Brussels day trip is worth it. In just a few hours, you can experience the unique charm of Belgium’s capital city. Explore iconic attractions, indulge in delicious Belgian cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Is a day trip to Brussels enough?

While a day trip to Brussels allows you to get a taste of the city’s highlights, it is not enough to fully explore everything it has to offer. With limited time, a well-planned itinerary allows you to visit key attractions and enjoy the Belgian food and drink scene.

As a Holidaymaker

A Paris day trip to Brussels (or a day trip to Paris from Brussels) is an adventure filled with delightful landmarks and delicious cuisine. If you decide to eat and drink your way through Brussels, I don’t blame you!

Next, I’ll leave you with a few more resources that might interest you

• day trips from Brussels worth taking
• day trip or weekend getaway from Paris to London by train
• what to do in Paris for one week’s itinerary
• planning your Paris trip

Creator, Founder of Dream Plan Experience

She specializes exclusively in European travel and crafting unforgettable day trips within her home province of Ontario, Canada.

She has been travelling to Europe for over 35 years and has lived abroad in Germany twice. Revisiting countries and exploring them extensively to create in depth travel itineraries, destination guides and helping travellers plan their trips to Europe through her customized services.

She also is a co-partner in a woman-led company that offers luxury retreats in Europe offering immersive cultural experiences.

Similar Posts

Autumn in France: 15 Magical Destinations to Visit in Fall 2024

As the leaves start to change and the air gets a bit crisper, there’s no denying that France in autumn is magical.

12 of the Best Seine River Cruises in Paris in 2024

Paris is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and romantic ambiance. But did you know…

35 Best Streets in Paris to Stroll in 2024

Paris is the kind of city you can visit over and over again without ever feeling like you’ve seen it all. Want to know…

15 Best Things to Do in Nice France: Your Riviera Adventure Awaits

Welcome to Nice France – the Queen of the Riviera! The jewel of the Mediterranean! If you are visiting Nice…

Reims Champagne: Your Very Best Guide

The world-famous Champagne region in France is a top-tier destination, with Reims being the ultimate city to explore. While this area is…

Reims Champagne Tours: 5 Unforgettable Experiences

If you’re a lover of champagne, then a visit to the Champagne region in Reims France is an absolute must.

• Virginia Beach
• History & facts
• Famous people
• Famous landmarks
• AI interviews
• Science & Nature
• Tech & Business

Discover something new everyday

• Famous places
• Food & Drinks
• Tech & Business

Belgium , Paris , Travel

From Paris to Brussels: Your Guide to the Perfect Day Trip

Brussels - by Miguel Suárez - Unsplash

Read Next →

Paris - Food & restaurants

Top 20 non-touristy restaurants in Montmartre

Barcelona - Activities & Things to do

20 Best Thrift Stores of Barcelona (with map)

Paris - By month

10 Best Techno Clubs in Paris

Royal Palace in Brussels Photo by Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons

The Journey Between Paris and Brussels

What to Expect in Brussels

Brussels – by Alex Vasey – Unsplash

Things to Do in a Day in Brussels

Brussels – by Stephanie LeBlanc – Unsplash

Brussels – by Renee Van Wesep – Unsplash

Getting There

Brussels – by Léonard Cotte – Unsplash

Brussels – by Kaan Nyström – Unsplash

5 Best Foods to try when visiting Brussels

1. belgian waffles.

Photo by Viktoria Alipatova from Pexels

2. Moules-frites

LittleGun , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Chocolate

Photo by Dina Nasyrova from Pexels

4. Brussels pork carbonnade

Photo by SenuScape from Pexels

5. Speculoos

Queeste , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

These are  Amazon’s best-selling  travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

• The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
• Fodor’s Paris 2024 –  Learn more here

Travel Gear

• Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –  Learn more here
• Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –  Learn more here
• Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle –  Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Natalie is a film photographer and is fascinated by both humans and astrology. She enjoys roaming the streets of Paris by foot, and is inspired by the city’s timeless, Bohemian flair and the soul in districts such as Le Marais and Menilmontant.

Hello & Welcome

Popular Articles

Top 20 Streets to See in Paris

Paris in two days

Top 15 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower

The Best Way to Visit Paris Museums

Top 15 Fashion Stores in Le Marais

Visit europe with discover walks.

• Paris walking tours
• Montmartre walking tour
• Lisbon walking tours
• Prague walking tours
• Barcelona walking tours
• Private tours in Europe
• Privacy policy

© 2024 Charing Cross Corporation

One Day Trip From Paris to Brussels

Head out of France on a day trip from Paris to Brussels. The capital of Europe has a great culinary scene, abundant museums and the very best beer on the continent. The city is blissfully walkable and the highlights can easily be seen in one day, without feeling too rushed. Time to get moving!

Brussels, a multicultural and vibrant capital serving both Belgium and Europe, entices swarms of tourists each year – and rightly so! Taking a day trip from Paris ( France ) to Brussels means exploring the opulent Grand Place, diving into an array of delectable Belgian chocolates and beers, and learning about the origins of Art Nouveau. Like the “French” fries, it actually originated right here in Belgium.

You might think Paris is beautiful, just wait until you see Brussels! Embarking on a Brussels day trip from Paris is wonderfully easy and well worth the journey. As a local from Brussels, it’s a privilege to curate the best experience in my beloved city.

Good to know: In case you are a little curious and debating whether to extend your time, check out this full weekend itinerary to Brussels or 31 fun day trips from Brussels to explore more of Belgium.

Caroline Muller is an award-winning travel blogger. She writes and photographs full-time while oscillating between Sicily and Brussels as a home base.  She has documented over 60 countries across six continents and does not plan to stop any time soon. A staunch vegetarian for over 25 years, she loves exploring local cuisine in search of that perfect (plant-based) mouthful. With this blog, she hopes to help you travel slower, more sustainably and a hella lot more meaningfully. Pack your bags!

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

Day Trip Paris to Brussels Planning Guide

BRUSSELS AT A GLANCE

• Money Saver: Brussels Card
• Train Paris to Brussels: Book via Omio
• Private Transport: Paris to Brussels Car

BRUSSELS FOR FOODIES

• Best Restaurant: Vegetarian-Friendly Spots
• First Timers: Brussels Walking & Tasting Tour
• Top Rated: Hungry Mary Beer & Chocolate
• Brussels Card: Includes the entrance to 49 museums in Brussels as well as all public transportation in the city. The Brussels Card is a great time and money saver.
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus: See the highlights of Brussels in a hop-on hop-off bus (100% electrical). Perfect if the weather is rainy. Get your tickets online before you go.
• Public Transportation: Brussels inner-city public transport uses one single ticket across the various bus, metro & tram systems and gets you all across Brussels and the suburbs.
• Accommodation: 15 Sustainable Boutique Hotels in Brussels or 10 Cute B&Bs in Brussels
• More Day Trips : One day trip from Paris to Bruges

WHERE TO STAY IN BRUSSELS

It doesn’t matter what type of traveler you are Brussels has 10 areas that I would recommend choosing to stay in. As a local, I’ve got the inside scoop to help you make a decision!

Is It Worth Taking a One Day Trip From Paris to Brussels

The distance from Paris to Brussels is a little over 300 km (186 mi) and can easily be traversed in a solid two hours. In practice, this could mean you have nearly an entire day to explore the capital of Europe. That is if you get yourself out of bed on time and jump straight onto the high-speed train.

Contrary to most capital cities, most of the main highlights are within walking distance from each other, ensuring you can cover a fair amount of ground in just one day. The Brussels Card gives you access to all the public transportation in the city, allowing you to easily reach further out attractions like the Atomium.

I have been living in Brussels for a few years and thoroughly enjoy the omnipresent look of utter surprise when showing around friends from abroad. For some reason, Brussels has garnered the rep of being both dull and uninteresting. It is anything but! Read why Brussels is worth visiting !

How to Travel Between Paris and Brussels

Getting to Brussels from Paris can be done in a variety of different ways. Personally, I would really recommend taking the train. Make sure to book your tickets in advance because they can be very expensive if you purchase them last minute. I always compare prices via Omio before I book anything.

GOOD TO KNOW | Brussels has three train stations: Bruxelles Gare du Nord (North Station); Bruxelles Gare Central (Brussels Central); and Bruxelles Gare du Midi (Brussels South Station). The closest station to the main highlights is Bruxelles Gare Central .

Train Paris to Brussels (time saver)

There are two types of trains you can take between Paris and Brussels and both of them require purchasing tickets in advance as they operate with reserved seats.

• HIGH-SPEED TRAIN: Eurostar – prior reservation needed – 2 hours. Travel between Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Gare du Midi . Ticket prices start at €40 ($45) single journey.
• TGV TRAIN: France’s intercity high-speed rail service – prior reservation needed – 2h15 Travel between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Bruxelles Gare du Midi . Ticket prices start at €40 ($45) single journey.

Bus from Paris to Brussels (budget pick)

Flixbus runs multiple times a day connecting Paris to Brussels. Busses leave from Paris Bercy Seine and the vast majority drop you off at Bruxelles Gare du Midi . Travel time varies between 3h50 and 4h15 with prices starting as low as €12 ($15).

Drive from Paris to Brussels for a day trip (not recommended)

Driving from Paris to Brussels will take anywhere between 3h30 and 5h30 depending on where exactly you need to be in Paris. Unless you are a fervent fan of driving, I would not recommend taking the car from Paris to Brussels for one day.

Brussels One Day Itinerary

PRACTICAL | If you are traveling from Paris to Brussels by train, your train gets in at Bruxelles Gare du Midi . If you are visiting Brussels for the first time, you will want to make your way to Bruxelles Gare Central to see the historical center and the Grand Place of Brussels.

As you have but one day, I have opted to add activities that are mostly within the historical center of Brussels and can easily be reached by walking. Scroll down a little further to find practical info on public transportation, luggage storage options, and a few of my favorite restaurants.

BRUSSELS IN WINTER | Read through my local guide to the Brussels Christmas market . BRUSSELS IN SPRING | Visit the Bluebell forest around Brussels

Tip: If it is not your first time visiting Brussels, check out hidden gems in Brussels or some of the prettiest castles around Brussels for an alternative Brussels itinerary

1. Explore the Grand Place of Brussels

I might be a bit biased, but I have to say that the Grand Place in Brussels stands out as one of the most exquisite main squares in all of Europe. As a local, I’ve strolled past this square countless times, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Your trip from Paris to Brussels should start right here, in splendor!

Since 1998, the Grand Place of Brussels has earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status. Most of the structures surrounding the square date back to the 18th century, a period when the Grand Place underwent a significant reconstruction funded by the wealthy city’s guilds.

When you’re admiring the ornate guild houses, make sure to take a moment to appreciate the Brussels City Town Hall. Afterward, shift your gaze to admire the splendid King’s Building. These days, the King’s Building serves as the residence of the Brussels City Museum. What to do on the Grand Place: Visit the Brussels City Museum; Learn about the history of Brussels via a guided walking tour ; visit the Brussels Brewers Museum

Best views over the Grand Place : Head inside the Brussels City Hall on a guided visit; the Brussels City Museum has a little balcony which is sometimes open to the public and offers a beautiful view.

The Grand Place with a cocktail The Warwick Grand Place has a beautiful terrace overlooking the Grand Place of Brussels. The hotel is within walking distance from both the square and Brussels Central Station.

2. Get lost in the historical center of Brussels

Do not expect a vast urban sprawl like neighboring Paris , Amsterdam , or further afield, Rome . In fact, the historical center of Brussels is rather intimate, which adds to the overall charm. Absolutely bursting with Art Nouveau houses, hidden galleries, and ornate gabled houses. Here are a few of my favorite places to visit.

MONT DES ARTS: Walk from the Grand Place to Mont des Arts, and peek inside the Galerie Bortier bookstore before heading towards the little park lined with whitewashed trees. Head up the stairs and turn around for a beautiful view of Brussels. Grab a drink at the Art Nouveau Musical Instruments Museums at the top.

ROYAL GALLERY OF SAINT HUBERT: The gallery was inaugurated in 1847 and is in fact one of the very first shopping arcades in the world. The gallery houses an array of high-end boutiques, chocolatiers, and theaters. Make a stop for hot chocolate at Cafe Dandoy and sneak into the 19th-century Tropismes Library.

SABLON: The Sablon is a more affluent part of Brussels centered around the eponymous cobblestoned square. Here you will find plenty of little coffee shops rubbing shoulders with antique stores.

3. Escape the rain in one of the many museums in Brussels

Your Brussels day trip from Paris might coincide with a bout of rainy weather. The good news however is that we are more than used to it, and there are tons of rainproof things to do in Brussels, starting off with a visit to one of the many museums.

MONEY SAVING TIP | The 24h Brussels Card includes entrance to 49 museums.

Brussels City Museum : Located on the Grand Place . The museum houses the original Mannekes Pis as well as the history of Brussels.

Belgian Beer World : Housed in the fully renovated former stock exchange of Brussels ( known as La Bourse// De Beurs). A highly interactive museum about Belgian beer (with tastings!).

Magritte Museum : The iconic surrealist painter René Magritte was born and raised in Belgium. This centrally located museum runs through his life & inspiration and houses a few original works.

Victor Horta Museum : My all-time favorite museum in Brussels and an absolute must for all Art Nouveau lovers. Located slightly outside the historical center, but well worth visiting!

TIME SAVER | These places are all included in the guided walking tour of Brussels run by locals.

4. Find Manneken Pis and his friends

A Paris to Brussels journey is incomplete without encountering the city’s famous yet surprisingly small tourist attraction. Just a casual 5-minute walk from the Grand Place leads you to the iconic Manneken Pis , affectionately known as Little Julien.

The stories surrounding Little Julien’s origin are numerous, with the most plausible one suggesting a tribute to the city’s medieval tanneries. In historical times, children’s urine played a role in leather processing—an intriguing tidbit to share with friends nowadays.

LOCAL TIP | Do not try any of the waffles in the storefronts around Manneken Pis. They are decidedly not local and a true tourist trap. Instead, try Café Dandoy on the way from the Grand Place to Manneken Pis . TIP | Little Julien has two friends the other so-called “peeing-statues”. Jeanneke-Pis, a little peeing girl, and Het Zinneke , the peeing dog.

5. Taste Belgian food with a local

Brussels has tons of spots to grab a bite to eat. Sifting through the well-decorated tourist traps around the Grand Place, however, might not be as easy as it seems. In fact, a quick Google search will turn up a surprising amount of negative reviews on the Brussels Culinary scene. A real pity!

When friends come to visit, I always recommend them taking a food tour. The tours involve some of the best chocolate, beer, and waffle shops the city has to offer.

TOP RATED BEER TOUR: Mark’s Belgian Beer Tour

TOP RATED CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP: Brussels Chocolate Tasting & Workshop

TOP RATED WAFFLE WORKSHOP: The Brussels Waffles Workshop

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION | When I first moved to Brussels I booked the Hungry Mary’s Beer and Chocolate tour to find the very best chocolate shops and local wateringholes. It was so much fun!

6. Oogle the many Art Nouveau façades in Brussels

The hodgepodge of architectural styles dotted around the city is what makes Brussels so quintessentially charming. The lack of coherent urban planning, a thorn in the eye of many a local, has actually allowed for a flourish of architectural creativity over the centuries.

A little closer look reveals the plethora of Art Nouveau façades scattered throughout the city. Originating right here in Brussels, the Art Nouveau movement started in the late 19th century with notable architects such as Victor Horta, Paul Hankar, and Paul Cauchie. Over 500 Art Nouveau buildings are still in Brussels, most of them in the Ixelles and Uccle neighborhoods. If you have the time I truly recommend visiting at least one Art Nouveau house in Brussels.

How to explore Art Nouveau in Brussels

FREE : Every Saturday of the year, the free 2-hour Art Nouveau Walking Tour takes you to the main Art Nouveau buildings in the city.

3-HOUR TOUR ($) : Have a knowledgeable local guide take you around Ixelles and Saint Gilles. Ends at the Victor Horta Museum. Check prices and availability.

RECOMMENDED | If you really love Art Nouveau, check out the Art Nouveau Pass Brussels has recently launched. Starting at €20 ($22) and allows you to visit 3 Art Nouveau houses.

7. Walk the Comic Strip Walk

A one-day trip from Paris to Brussels will include a fair amount of walking. As you traipse through the city, make sure to look out for the beautiful murals depicting comic strip figures like Tintin.

How to explore the street art on your Paris to Brussels day trip

Free: Simply walk around town and look up. Works wonderfully, though you might not get to see all the artwork that is available. $: Comic Strip Walk- Pick up the €2.5 brochure at the VisitBrussels office.

$$: Visit the Comic Strip Museum – included in the Brussels Card . Make sure to grab a drink in the Art Nouveau Victor Horta Café on site. $$: Walk through Brussels with a knowledgeable guide and explore the coolest comic strip murals as well as some much lesser-known street art. Tours usually last around 2 hours.  Check rates and availabilities

8. Head inside the Atomium

I left a visit to the Atomium to the bottom of the list as I’ve never quite grasped the allure of this monument. Personally, I’d suggest maximizing your time within the historical center of Brussels rather than venturing out to the Atomium.

Constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, the Atomium represents a magnified iron crystal, expanding 165 billion times. Despite my reservations, I must admit that the interior is quite impressive. Delve into the different spheres hosting diverse exhibitions, all connected by a network of illuminated escalators.

The top sphere offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Brussels and houses a restaurant. Which to this day I have not tried yet! Avoid the lines and get your tickets online before you go.

Paris to Brussels Day Trip: Where & What to Eat

READ | 10 Best vegetarian & vegan restaurants in Brussels ; Locals guide to Brunch in Brussels

Brussels is home to a plethora of outstanding dining and drinking spots! The culinary landscape is so enticing that one could effortlessly devote an entire day trip to savoring delectable meals and beverages.

It’s worth mentioning that traditional Belgian cuisine often leans heavily towards meat, presenting a potential challenge for vegetarians. If you’re a vegetarian planning a visit to Brussels, make sure to browse the abovementioned guide for my favorite spots to eat (as a vegetarian).

• Noordzee, Saint Catherine : Authentic Schrimp Krokettes: Noordzee, Saint Catherine
• Choux de Bruxelles : Flemish Carbonade
• Mussels and Fries : Aux Armes de Bruxelles, La Quincaillerie
• Cocktails in an Art Nouveau Bar : La Belladone
• Lively bars with great beer selection : Zebra, Moeder Lambic, Café Belga
• Best Frietkot (for fries): Maison Antoine or Flagey frietkot

Where to store my luggage in Brussels

If your day trip from Paris to Brussels is a pitstop on a longer journey, you might want to store your luggage while exploring the city. Brussels doesn’t offer an extensive array of locations for luggage storage, so your optimal choice is to find storage facilities near Bruxelles Gare Central or Bruxelles Gare du Midi stations.

BRUSSELS MIDI (SOUTH):  Near platform 6, you’ll find lockers available for use. Prices begin at approximately €4 per day for a small locker and €12 for larger ones. The storage facility is accessible 24/7, and payments can be made with (credit) cards or coins.

ADDITIONAL LUGGAGE STORAGE FACILITIES: Nannybag is slightly pricier but does offer more locations where one can drop off their luggage (payment is done online).

Where to store my luggage in Paris

INSIDE THE GARE DU NORD STATION : If you happen to be taking the train from Paris to Brussels, you can store your luggage in the Gare du Nord station itself.

AROUND THE MAIN SIGHTS: Store your luggage around the Eiffel Tower, Gare du Nord, Gare Saint Lazare or the Louvre Museum. Prices start at €7.42 per person. Pick-up and drop-off times differ according to the location. Book online and in advance .

Paris Day Trip to Brussels Practical Tips

Distance from paris to brussels.

Paris is roughly 320 km (200 mi) from Brussels.

Fastest way to travel from Paris to Brussels

The fastest way to get to Brussels from Paris is by taking the high-speed train (Eurostar) which takes a little under 2 hours to travel between Paris Gare du Nord and Bruxelles Midi . Check prices .

Alternative things to do in Brussels if you have been before

Read through a few of my other articles on Brussels: Hidden Gems in Brussels , Weekend in Brussels , Castles near Brussels .

Where do I purchase my train tickets in Paris

Purchase your ticket in advance via the Omio platform. Tickets must be purchased in advance as the seating is fixed.

Best tours to take in Brussels

If you are a foodie, do not miss out on Hungry Mary’s Beer and Chocolate tour . For the best general tour look into a locally run guided walking tour .

How many train stations are there in Brussels

Brussels has three main train stations, each of which has a name in both French and Dutch according to the bilingual nature of the city: Brussel Noord/Bruxelles Nord; Brussel Centraal/Bruxelles Gare Central and Brussel Zuid/ Bruxelles Midi. The high-speed train will drop you off in Bruxelles Midi. The closest station to the Grand Place is Bruxelles Gare Central, which is a 2-minute train ride from Bruxelles Midi.

Getting around Brussels during your day trip

Weather permitting, you can effortlessly spend your day exploring on foot, completely bypassing public transport. A significant portion of the historical center has been converted into pedestrian zones, ensuring a safe and pleasant walking experience.

USEFUL TIP | You may have read advice suggesting that biking in Brussels is safe. Let me make this very clear: It is not! Unless you know the city very well. Navigating the city on a bike is challenging due to the lack of suitable infrastructure. Even as a local, I don’t personally choose to bike around. MAKE IT EASIER | Purchase the Brussels Card and get free access to public transportation in Brussels

Taking the metro and tram around Brussels

METRO: The Brussels Metro comprises six lines, operating from 05:30 am to 12:00 am on weekdays and from 06:00 am to 12:00 am on weekends and public holidays. Metro stations are marked by a blue sign featuring a prominent white “M.”

TRAM: With 17 tram lines, all adhering to the same operating hours as the metro, lines 3 and 4 are referred to as “pre-metro” due to a portion of their route being underground in the metro tunnels. Tram stops are conveniently placed along the route, easily identifiable by following the tracks.

Busses in Brussels

Brussels is served by three distinct bus companies: De Lijn, STIB/MIVB, and TEC, each with its own ticketing system, which can make bus travel a bit intricate.

DE LIJN: Identified by yellow and white buses, tickets can be bought on the bus (no cash payments accepted) or by texting “DL” to 4884 (valid for Belgian numbers only).

STIB: Recognizable by orange and gray buses, they use the same tickets as the tram and metro. If you have a one-day pass, there’s no need for an additional ticket for these buses.

TEC: Operating bright yellow buses, tickets can be purchased on their website or app, or alternatively, on the bus (cash only).

Wrapping up Your Brussels Day Trip From Paris

Brussels is a wonderfully easy day trip from Paris to take. Simply hop on the high-speed train in Paris Gare du Nord and two hours later disembark at Bruxelles Midi. From here continue your journey by taking a train into Bruxelles Central to start a day of exploring.

The capital of Europe is wildly diverse and very different from Paris in every which way. It’s a hodgepodge of architectural styles and cultures. Taking a day trip from Paris to Brussels is well worth it, if only to compare these stark contrasting cities to each other and of course to indulge in delicious Belgian chocolate and a nice cold Belgian beer!

MORE INSPIRATION FOR VISITING PARIS & BRUSSELS

Brussels: A local guide to 2-days in Brussels Brussels: 10 Most beautiful castles around Brussels Brussels: Best brunch places in Brussels Brussels: Best pizza in Brussels Brussels: Where to stay in Brussels Brussels: 16 day trips from Brussels by train Paris: 26 Easy Day Trips from Paris

Paris to Brussels Day Trip: Pin it

RELATED POSTS

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

Thanks for dropping in! With this blog I hope to harness the power of travel to do good in the world. Think connecting with local cultures, sustainable tourism and in-depth guides to known and lesser-known adventures. 

Looking for something?

Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

How to Travel from Paris to Brussels (The Easy Way!)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

A lot of European tourists want to visit both Paris and Brussels on their vacation. The good news is that it is very easy to travel from Paris to Brussels!

You can even visit Brussels as a day trip from Paris if you choose!

Although I suggest spending at least two days in Brussels to see all the city has to offer!

The two easiest ways to travel from Paris to Brussels are taking the train or a bus. Most people choose to take the train from Paris to Brussels. It takes half the time as the bus, but it is significantly more expensive. If you’re on a tight budget and not in a rush, you should consider taking the bus rather than the train.

It all comes down to your travel preferences though!

If you only have a short time in Europe and want to pack in as much as possible, it is well worth paying the extra money to take the train to Brussels from Paris.

If you’re on a longer European trip and want to stretch your money as far as possible, the bus is the best option for you.

And this post is going to help you figure out what the best choice for you is!

We’re covering all the different ways to travel from Paris to Brussels and breaking down the pros and cons of each method.

You’ll have a much better idea of how you should travel from Brussels to Paris after reading this post!

You’ll probably have to take the metro from your accommodation to the train/bus station. Read this post on how to use the Paris metro like a local!

Table of Contents

Before We Get Started

One of my least favourite parts about travel is figuring out how to travel from one city to another.

It is a time suck, and you normally have to go to a number of different websites just to figure out how to travel between cities.

That’s why I write these transportation guides for you!

I want to make your travel experience the best it can be and give you all the information you need in one place!

Here are the other France transportation guides I’ve written. Hopefully they help you plan your perfect vacation!

• How to Travel from Paris to Strasbourg
• How to Travel from Paris to Lille
• How to Travel from Paris to Château de Fontainebleau
• How to Travel from London to Disneyland Paris

Option One: Taking the Train from Paris to Brussels

The first (and in my opinion the best) way to travel from Paris to Brussels is to take the train.

It is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities.

Plus who doesn’t love taking a high-speed train. I know I do!

The downfall of taking the train to Brussels from Paris is the price. It is certainly the most expensive way to travel between the two cities, but it is worth it when you consider what your time is worth!

The train from Paris to Brussels is equipped with pretty reliable wifi. I’ve never had an issue connecting to it, and it makes the trip go by that much faster!

Just be sure you’re being internet safe and have a VPN installed on your phone to keep prying eyes out of your personal and private online information!

How Long Does the Train from Paris to Brussels Take?

The train from Paris to Brussels takes less than 90 minutes!

That’s super fast considering the two cities are over 300km apart!

There can be some variability on the time it takes to get between the two cities depending on the time of day and train traffic.

But, in general, you’ll be in Brussels about an hour and a half after you depart Paris!

How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?

Well, this is where it get a bit painful.

Train tickets to Brussels from Paris generally cost €99 as a base price and go up from there.

You get a better price on your ticket the earlier you book it, so be sure to buy your ticket as soon as you know what day you’re travelling to Brussels.

Tickets go up for sale three months before the departure date.

If you can book it exactly three months before you travel, do it! You’ll save a lot of money.

You do not want to leave booking your train ticket until the last moment. You will be paying a premium price for it and run the risk of tickets being sold out.

I know a lot of people (me included) don’t like to do a ton of planning and kind of wing their trips.

I get it, but this is not the time for it.

Your wallet will thank you for being prepared and pre-buying your train tickets well in advance!

Where to Purchase Train Tickets

There are a few different ways you can purchase train tickets.

You can purchase them online or buy them at the train station in Paris.

I highly recommend you buy your tickets online in advance. It saves you money and is super easy to book online.

They have an English version of their website and accept foreign credit cards with no issue!

I like to buy my train ticket to Brussels from Paris through the Thalys website , but you can also purchase them through the Rail Europe website if you prefer.

I’ve had better luck finding less expensive tickets through Thalys, but I know people who have found cheaper tickets through Rail Europe.

You should check out both websites before making your final purchase!

If you’re purchasing tickets in person at the train station, I highl y recommend you go to the train station a few days before you leave for Brussels and buy them in advance.

You can either purchase them at an in-person ticket booth or use the electronic ticket booth.

Just make sure you use the right electronic ticket booth! You want the one that is yellow!

You won’t be able to find the tickets you want if you go to one of the other electronic ticket booths.

The electronic ticket booth accepts foreign credit cards, so you don’t need to worry about having enough cash on hand to pay for your tickets!

Where Does the Train Depart from in Paris?

The train to Brussels from Paris departs from Gare du Nord.

Gare du Nord is the busiest train station in Paris, so you want to arrive early and give yourself time to navigate the station.

Plus you want to be one of the first people on the train, so you can get a good place to store your luggage!

Learn everything you need to know about wifi in Paris

Where Does the Train Arrive at in Brussels?

Trains from Paris arrive at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussels-Zuid train station.

It is a slightly outside the main core of Brussels, but it is really easy to get there.

You can take a metro from the train station to the centre of Brussels in less than five minutes.

Alternatively, you can walk from the station to the core of the city in about 25 minutes. It is an easy walk and is essentially a straight line, so it is nearly impossible to get lost along the way!

I love walking and highly recommend walking from the station to your accommodation. It is a nice way to stretch your legs and get a feel for the city.

Pros of Taking the Train from Paris to Brussels

• The quickest way to travel between the two cities
• Central departure and arrival locations
• Trains are comfortable

Cons of Taking the Train from Paris to Brussels

• It is the most expensive option
• You have to book your tickets in advance
• Most of the luggage storage space is overhead, which might be a problem for people living with disabilities or older/younger people

Option Two: Taking the Bus from Paris to Brussels

This is the best option for budget travellers.

The bus is significantly less expensive than the train, but it takes significantly longer.

You need to weigh out the pros and cons of saving money versus saving time.

Like I said at the beginning of this post, if you’re spending quite a while in Europe and aren’t in a rush, then the bus is a great option.

Probably the best option!

If, however, you’re only in Europe for a week or two and want to make the most out of your trip, the bus probably isn’t worth it.

Sure you save money, but you’re spending a lot more time travelling from Paris to Brussels than you need to.

How Long Does the Bus from Paris to Brussels Take?

It is a little bit harder to peg down exactly how long the bus to Brussels from Paris takes. It all depends on the traffic and if you get stuck in a traffic jam or not.

You can expect the bus journey from Paris to Brussels to take at least 4 hours.

It will probably be longer on weekends and if you travel during peak hours when the roads are busy.

As you can see, the bus takes more than twice as long as the train does!

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

The bus from Paris to Brussels cost anywhere from € 9 to € 35.

It all depends on what time of day, week, and year you travel.

Your ticket will be more expensive during peak times on weekends in the summer and less expensive during off-peak times on a weekday in the winter.

But, overall, the price of a bus ticket is at least three times less expensive than a train ticket!

You also don’t have to worry about purchasing your tickets in advance.

Bus tickets don’t fluctuate in price as dramatically as train tickets.

Buying your bus ticket early doesn’t necessarily mean you’re paying less than if you purchase your ticket the day of departure.

Learn why Paris and Brussels are two of the most overrated cities in Europe

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

You can either purchase your bus tickets online in advance or purchase them at the station right before you depart.

The bus from Paris to Brussels normally doesn’t sell out (excluding super peak times like summer), so you can purchase your ticket at the bus station right before you depart with little to no issue.

My preference is to buy my tickets online in advance still.

That way you know for sure you’ll get a seat on the bus you want and can sometimes (but not always) select what bus seat you want directly on the website when you’re booking it.

There are a few website where you can purchase bus tickets online in advance:

I’ve tended to have the best luck with the Omio website, but you should check them all out to find the best price before you purchase your ticket.

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Paris?

Buses depart from Bercy Seine Station .

It is about 5km south of The Louvre, and Cour Saint Émilion is the closest metro station.

The bus station is about a five minute walk from the metro station.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Brussels?

Just like the train, buses from Paris arrive at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussels-Zuid station.

It is a super convenient arrival location, and it is easy to get anywhere in Brussels in just a few minutes with public transportation.

Pros of Taking the Bus from Paris to Brussels

• Significantly less expensive than the train
• Designated luggage storage under the bus
• Convenient arrival location

Cons of Taking the Bus from Paris to Brussels

• It takes more than twice as long as the train
• Departure location is a bit out of the way
• Most buses don’t have wifi on board

Other Ways to Travel from Paris to Brussels

There are a few other ways you can travel from Paris to Brussels.

I don’t really recommend any of these travel methods, so I’m not going to go into great detail about them.

I still wanted you to be aware of them though!

Flying to Brussels from Paris

Both Paris and Brussels have airports, so you could fly between the cities.

I don’t recommend it though!

It will end up being more expensive and time consuming than the train.

Especially when you take into consideration the fact that you have to arrive at the airport early enough to check in, go through security, and board the plane.

You also have to wait for any checked luggage you have and get to and from the airports in both Paris and Brussels.

It is a major pain, and you are infinitely better off taking the train than flying to Brussels from Paris.

You can rent a car and drive from Paris to Brussels, but it isn’t the best option.

You have to go through the process of renting a car, navigating how to drive between the two cities, figure out parking, and return the car when you’re done.

The only time I recommend driving between Paris and Brussels is if it is part of a larger road trip across Europe.

Don’t rent a car for the sole purpose of driving to Brussels from Paris!

Ride Sharing

The final option you have is to take a ride share from Paris to Brussels.

Europe has an extensive network of ride shares available that drive between cities and countries.

You can hop in a car and split the cost of the trip with the rest of the passengers.

I don’t really recommend this though!

They often cost the same (if not more) than a bus ticket, and you’re stuck sharing a car with strangers you may or may not get along with.

Plus you’re completely dependant on the driver.

When they choose to stop, you have to stop. If their care breaks down or runs out of gas, you’re stranded.

There are just too many things that could go wrong in my opinion!

The bus is the superior option in my mind.

If you’re interested in the ride share option, you can look for available rides through this website .

As you can see, there are a few different ways you can travel from Paris to Brussels, and it all comes down to your travel preferences and budget.

Without a doubt the two best options are taking the train or bus to Brussels from Paris, so you should choose between those two transportation methods.

One important thing to remember is that while both countries are part of the EU and have open boarders, you may still be asked to show your passport when you enter Belgium.

This rarely happens (and most often happens when you take the bus), but you need to have your passport on you just in case you are asked to show it.

You do not want to be in a situation where you left your passport in Paris and get turned away at the Belgium boarded.

I know Europe is a magical place, and we often forget that we are crossing into other countries because there are rarely boarder checks, but you need to be prepared in the rare instance they occur.

Because the one time you don’t have your passport will be the time you’re asked to show it!

Related Posts

• How to Travel from Paris to Lille (The Easy Way!)
• How to Travel from Paris to Strasbourg (The Easy Way)
• How to get from Paris to Château de Fontainebleau

Complete Guide to A Day Trip to Paris from Brussels

While Paris is certainly more common as a European city base, we are big fans of Brussels. And not because they have the best french fries in the universe. Here are all the details for how to day trip to Paris from Brussels.

Some of the links in this blog may be affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission at no extra charge to you.  We only recommend activities or places we have experienced, and all opinions are our own.

One Day trip to Paris from Brussels

When our son was 8, we decided it was time for him to have the “big” European trip. Several countries were already chosen for us because we had family or friends who could host us, but one place loomed larger for him (probably because he had seen it in Ratatouille): Paris.

But how to do Paris on a budget ? Enter the idea to day trip to Paris from Brussels.

A day trip to Paris from Brussels is not only extremely easy, it is a great way to travel more sustainably. Paris is one of the most overtouristed places in Europe. And we get it…it is magical.

But so many visitors means high prices, crowds, and, often, the general unhappiness of locals.

Why Brussels as Your European Base

“Wait, Brussels? You said this was going to be on Paris.”  Now let me explain. With 15 high speed Thalys trains each day going each way and at about 1.5 hours to make the trip, you should choose Brussels for several reasons.

Cost of accommodations in Brussels Versus Paris

According to statista.org, the average cost for a hotel in Paris per night is 146€-187€ depending on the time of year. Brussels is 111€.

While the difference in price isn’t extreme, a week-long stay in Brussels over Paris would be a savings of 530€. That is something.

And again, a day trip to Paris does still contribute to the overtourism of the city for that day. But after a day of the crowds of Paris, you can return to the more relaxed vibe of Brussels.

The Location of Brussels Versus Paris

We don’t hop. Part of our travel philosophy and frankly, a big budget travel strategy , is staying in a location for a minimum of 3 days and choosing short-term vacation rentals both for cost and convenience, and rentals often have minimum night stays.

If you are less concerned about overtourism, you can definitely chose Paris as your hub. And from Paris there is good connectivity not only to Brussels, but also Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp in Belgium.

You can also day trip from Paris to London and Amsterdam.

But for us, we were more interested in the more central location of Brussels and its connections: Bruges in 58 minutes; Cologne in 1 hour, 48 minutes. Amsterdam in 1 hour, 50 minutes.

Brussels is A Great (Less Visited City) in Its Own Right

Not only is there the 17th century pissing boy, the Manneken Pis , Brussel’s humorous mascot, but there is also amazing gothic architecture at the Grand Palace, and also many parks including Parc du Cinquantenaire .

And of course, there is the Belgium Beer. For me, it is about the wine. But Matthew is a true hop snob and so the chance to have a beer at Le Falstaff was not to be missed.

How to Get to Paris from Brussels

Day trip to paris from brussels by train.

While we will walk you through, plane, bus and car, train is really the very best choice to day trip to Paris from Brussels. For two reasons, time and cost.

With a day trip, traveling time is the most important thing to consider. And at 1 hour and 20 minutes travel time to Paris from Brussels, high speed trains are definitely the way to go. Especially given that bus and car will take you just under 4 hours.

And here is the beauty of Thalys’ high speed trains: in addition to speed, there are so many to choose from.

The earliest train leaves from Brussels at 6:45 a.m. and arrives in Paris at 8:05 a.m. And if you want a very full day in Paris, the last train from Paris to Brussels is at 9:45 p.m., arriving in Brussels at just after 11 p.m.

Thalys runs 25 trains going to Paris from Brussels and 17 returning. During peak hours in the morning and evening, trains depart every 30 minutes.

The cost of the train varies from 39€ to 89€ one-way based on the time of day. But a good rule of thumb is if you want to ride when it is perfectly convenient for you, it will cost you a bit more.

That early-morning first train at 6:45 a.m is going to be cheaper than the 8:45 a.m. since that’s when everyone wants to slowly meander to the station after coffee and croissants.

You will also save money by booking tickets in advance on the Thalys website .

Trains depart from the central station in Brussels called Brussels Midi/Zuid. And arrive in Paris’ Gare de Nord.

Another great benefit of taking a train over a plane is that trains tend to take you from city center to city center so you don’t have the cost or time of transferring from outside of the city.

Once you arrive at Paris Gare de Nord Station, you will take a quick, 3-minute train operated by Paris RER. The train ticket is very inexpensive, around 1€. But you will want to get a 1-day public transit card, called the Carte Mobilis, which costs 7.50€. See the section on using public transit in Paris for more details.

The RER train will take you to the metro station Châtelet les Halles.

Day trip to Paris from Brussels by Plane

The flight between Brussels to Paris is just 50 minutes. However, when you add transit to the airport from city center and the time needed to clear airport security, a flight to Paris from Brussels doesn’t save you time. Especially given that once you arrive in Paris, you’ve got to get into the city from the airport.

But, if you are committed to flying, Brussels Airlines does have a nonstop flight to Paris from Brussels at 6:40 a.m. The cost of a flight will be much higher than train.

For your return to Brussels, the only nonstop flight from Paris back to Brussels is early in the morning. So you would need to take a flight that includes a stop to get back to Brussels.

See what we mean about the beauty of the train?

However, if flying is really important, you might consider flying in the morning and taking the train home, especially if you are staying near the airport in Brussels.

Day trip to Paris from Brussels by Bus

Bus is the most economical way to travel between Brussels and Paris. A round trip ride can run just 20€.

Buses are also very frequent. There are over 60 buses that run daily from Brussels to Paris. And buses start early — like 1:30 a.m. early.

Buses leave from both the centrally located Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi. And buses also leave from Zaventem at Brussels airport.

The three different bus carriers are Eurolines, Flixbus and Ouibus. Most routes drop passengers in Paris at Gare Routière Internacionale Gallieni Bus terminal. However, some drop at the two Parisian airports so it is important to check the arrival.

Even though buses are the most economical, they (along with car rentals) really don’t make a lot of sense given the time. With a one-way journey time of 3 hours and 45 minutes for a direct route and then the same for your return, you are really losing too much of your day to travel time.

Day trip to Paris from Brussels by Car

Driving to Paris from Brussels takes roughly the same time as taking a bus: 3 hours, 45 minutes.

But let’s be honest….why would you drive? The beauty of Europe is its train connectivity. And with a high speed train that gets you there 2 hours faster than driving yourself, there is really no reason to drive.

Especially since Paris is a very walkable city. And what is not walkable is easily navigated by the city’s amazing metro system.

However, if you do need to rent a car, there are car rental companies at the airport and at Brussel’s South Train station.

Things to Do on Your Day Trip to Paris from Brussels

So perhaps the only down sides of a day trip to Paris is that you won’t be able to see everything that Paris has to offer. A day trip will mean hitting the highlights. These are your must sees.

The Tour de Eiffel

Let’s be honest. This a big part of what you are coming for. And we get it.

We have been to Paris numerous time. But when we brought our son, O, here as a daytrip from Brussel, we made a beeline to the Eiffel Tower.

The site opens at 9 a.m. so if you take the first train into Paris, you will arrive about an hour before it opens.

The train will drop you at Nord station. Then you will take the RER train to Châtelet les Halles. From here you will hop the metro. You’ll start on line 1, in the direction of La Defense.

Line 1 is one of the main lines through Paris. From this line, you can access Champs-Élysées avenue and the Louvre Museum.

However, we recommend you start the day going past these sites and go directly to the Eiffel Tower, which requires a change to line 8 at Concorde. You will get off at the stop École Militaire.

École Militaire is not the official Eiffel Tower stop; that stop is called Bir-Hakeim, which you will use later if you are following our suggested itinerary and steps here. École Militaire is just the closest stop to the Eiffel Tower on the Metro line 8. From École Militaire you will walk about 14 minutes to get to the Eiffel Tower.

There are many ways to experience the Eiffel Tower. You can walk the 674 steps to the second level and stop there. Or you can walk to the second floor and then take a lift the the top. Or you can take a lift all the way either stopping on the second floor or taking it to the top.

We actually love taking the stairs to the second floor and then the elevator the rest of the way.

Going up on your own power saves you about 6€ a ticket. But more than that, it is just a beautiful view and a great challenge to ascend this marvel of the 1889 World’s Fair.

However, be aware: if you have any fear of heights, you might opt not to take the stairs. The last time we visited, we were on the stairs with someone who has a fear of heights and they really struggled.

Plan around 2 hours for your Eiffel Tower experience.

Seine River Cruise

Since time is limited, one of the great ways to see Paris is by traveling on the Seine, Paris’ central river, on the famous Bateaux Parisiens river cruise .

Cruises leave from Port de la Bourdonnais, which is a quick, 4-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Cruises are 1 hour in duration and take you past such iconic sites as the Musée de Orsay and Notre Dame Cathedral.

But our favorite part of this cruise is crossing under all the beautiful bridges that crisscross the city.

Plan 1.5 hours for this experience

 Musée de  l ‘ Orangerie   and the Tulleries

From the river cruise, you can either walk the entire way to Musée de l’Orangerie. Or walk to the Jena Bridge bus stop and take the 72 bus towards Gare de Lyon to the Concorde-Quai des Tuileries stop.

Both walking and bus take about 25 minutes.

 Musée de l’Orangerie is one of our very favorite small museums in Paris . The museum was literally built to house 8 panels of Monet’s The Water Lilies . It is one of the most serene places with some of Monet’s most famous works.

The museum is also home to works by Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir.

As a small museum, l’Orangerie takes about an hour to explore.

From here walk through the beautiful Jardin de Tuileries towards the Louvre. On a sunny day in Paris, this is THE place to be.

If you are budget travelers like us, this is a great time and place to pull out that picnic lunch .

A note on the Louvre: while we definitely recommend walking by to see the glass pyramid and the huge expanse of buildings that make up the Louvre, we don’t recommend going in.

While the Louvre is certainly a must-see experience in Paris, it is so massive and far too overwhelming for a day trip.

We also love the museum the Musée d’Orsay, home to so many of the impressionist masters. But again, even the Musée d’Orsay is a lot of museum for such a short time. So, save both these iconic museums for the next time you visit Paris. Instead, walk on to Sainte-Chappelle.

Your time at l’Orangerie and walking in the Tuileries with a view of the Louvre should take you about 2 hours.

Sainte-Chappelle

Sainte-Chappelle is a gothic chapel built to hold such Christian relics as Christ’s crown of thorns.

However, while it no longer serves as a chapel, it houses some of the most stunning stained glass windows, perhaps in the entire world.

The chapel has fifteen windows, each 15 meters high. The windows depict 1,113 scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.

Even if you are not a religious person, you can not miss Sainte-Chappelle. So spectacular.

By now, you are probably feeling all the walking and seeing. If you did the river cruise or you are running out of time, you might actually skip Notre Dame.

Since the fire in 2019, you can no longer enter the cathedral as they are currently renovating it.

If you have the leg power, you can get up close to the front façade should you walk to the site. So the trip is definitely worth the trip.

The cathedral is set to open in 2024. However, when we were there in February of 2022, the locals had very little hope that the builders would meet this date. It remains to be seen.

While you are near Notre Dame, be sure to swing by Shakespeare and Company. The book store has been in operation since 1951 as the meeting place for English-speaking writers and readers.

Plan 2 hours for your time at Sainte-Chappelle plus Notre Dame and Shakespeare and Co.

Time’s Up on your Day Trip to Paris from Brussels

Tired yet? Well, even if you are not, you are probably out of time.

The beautiful thing about Paris is you can never really get enough. So next time back you can check out Montmartre, the Arc De Triomphe, and people watch along the Champs-Élysées. Or stroll through the neighborhoods of Le Marais and the Latin Quarter.

But for now, walk back to the Palais de Justice and grab the N14 bus to Gare de Nord. The trip should take you about 25 minutes.

Need Another Day Trip from Brussels? How about Bruges?

At just over 1 hour by train, Bruges is a wonderful day trip from Brussels. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And everywhere you turn is quaint, quaint, quaint.

We recommend two tourist “must dos” in Bruges: canals tour and belfry climb.

Canal Tours

A day trip to Bruges is not complete without a tour of its canals. We have done canal tours in Amsterdam and Copenhagen and enjoyed both. However, what makes Bruges unique is the scale and well…quaintness. No large touristy signs with a huge cue to embark. No, here you just find one of the five boarding spots , buy a tickets from the captain and enjoy the 30 minute ride.

Climb the Belfry

The Belfry is one of the oldest examples of medieval architecture. As such, it is a protected building by UNESCO. And yet, you can still experience its grandeur by climbing the 272 ft. tall tower.

There are over 300 steps to get to the top. So families be wary. At 8-years of age, O made it easily up and down. While kids under 5 are free, I don’t think I would have taken O before he was 6 or 7. At the time of writing, it was 14€ for adults and 12€ for kids up to 25.

Paris will always be the city where Matthew and I began our travel love story, but as a family, we couldn’t beat Brussels.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Day Trip to Paris from Brussels

How long is the train journey from paris to brussels.

Paris is only an hour and 20 minutes by high speed train from Brussels. Making it a very easy day trip from Brussels.

What is the driving distance from Brussels to Paris?

Paris is roughly 313 miles from Brussels. I can be driven in 3 hours and 45 minutes. High speed train travel is much faster at 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Is it worth going to Paris for a day?

Absolutely. Trains from Brussels arrive in Paris as early as 8 a.m. and leave after 9 p.m. So a day trip to Paris from Brussels can give you 13 hours to experience the City of Lights.

How to travel to Paris from Brussels?

You can travel to Paris from Brussels by train, plane, bus and car. However, train travel is the fastest and best choice for a day trip.

Is Brussels better to visit then Paris?

One of the benefits of Brussels is that it does not have as much overtourism as Paris. And it is very easy to day trip to Paris from Brussels.

How many trains travel between Brussels and Paris?

There are over 20 trains that run daily between Brussels and Paris.

If after reading this post, you are still interested in staying in Paris…And let’s be honest, we have seen Paris both as a day trip and as a week-long stay…then our ultimate Paris guide for families on a budget is for you.

We also have a post on our favorite small museums in Pari s. And how we save as much as we can while seeing as much as we can using the Paris Pass .

Faith, along with her husband and her son make up 3TicketsPlease. We have adventured to over 25 countries together. Budget travel allows us to live our philosophy of "why wait to travel," and we'd love to help you and your family see the world now.

Similar Posts

Is the Paris Pass Worth It?

We used the Paris Pass to save over $200 experiencing so much of what Paris has to offer. Read to discover if this pass is for you.

18 Unforgettable Senior Trip Ideas for 2024

Looking for the best senior trip ideas for your soon-to-be-graduated teenager? As high school teachers, the parents of a high schooler, and world travelers, we have a lot of experience traveling and talking about travel with young people. Here are our 18 senior trip ideas for places to travel to celebrate with your graduate. High…

Plan Your Best Madrid to Segovia Day Trip

One of the benefits of staying in centrally located Madrid when visiting Spain is the opportunity to day trip. And one of our favorites is the Madrid to Segovia day trip. With its Roman aqueducts and stunning Alcázar, Segovia is the perfect day away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid. And is on our…

The Perfect Madrid 4 Day Itinerary

Looking for the ideal Madrid 4-Day itinerary? We have you covered. Move over Paris and London, Madrid is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. We lived in Spain and travel back to the country whenever possible. It is one of our favorite countries. If you need some help planning your time in the…

5 Best Murano Glass Workshops

Looking for the best Murano glass workshops? On our most recent trip to Italy, we chose to break from the crowd and take a Murano glass workshop instead of just watching glass being made. Turns out it was one of our favorite experiences in all of Italy.  If you are interested in taking a Murano…

Real Venetian Kayak Tour Review

Kayaking Venice is a unique way to see the city’s canals under your own paddle power.

• Home »
• Tour of Europe »
• One day trip to Belgium from Paris

One day trip to Brussels

Brus­sels is the cap­i­tal of Bel­gium and the largest city in the coun­try, where most peo­ple speak French. Cur­rent­ly, Brus­sels is known as the cap­i­tal of the Euro­pean Union. How­ev­er, this does not pre­vent it from remain­ing a small, cozy city with ancient, incred­i­bly beau­ti­ful archi­tec­ture and rich tra­di­tions. In the cen­ter of Brus­sels, it seems that it was cre­at­ed specif­i­cal­ly for tourists. There are many beau­ti­ful sights, fra­grant cafes and bright mod­ern bou­tiques. Rel­a­tive­ly few peo­ple live in the cap­i­tal, so you can for­get about traf­fic jams and crowds here. You will enjoy qui­et walks in the very cen­ter of Brus­sels and an overview of the sights, which are very many ones!

7 Day Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam Itinerary

And finally in fall 2022, my husband, Colin, and I visited all three of these cities together and I realized Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam make the perfect week in Europe!

Not only are all three of these cities easily and quickly connected by train, they also offer so much to see and do from museums and boat rides to parks and famous monuments. Plus, each of these cities offers unique languages, cuisines and styles so you’ll feel like you’re visiting three distinct places.

I know you might not have the time or budget to spend many weeks in Europe. Or perhaps you’re looking for just a taste of these popular cities to see which ones you want to revisit in the future. My 7 day Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam itinerary below will give you a great sample of these European icons.

If you have a week in Europe and are looking to hit some of the best cities on the continent, check out my itinerary below! 

I’m sharing a detailed day-by-day breakdown of what to see, where to stay and how to get there. Plus, at the end of the post I share alternatives if you have more or less time in Europe, plus some Amsterdam, Brussels & Paris FAQs!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support! And thanks to Visit Brussels for supporting my trip to their city. 

Table of Contents

Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam itinerary map

Summary: 7 days in Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris, see the city’s icons and Montmartre
• Day 2: Visit the Louvre Museum and Jardin du Luxembourg
• Day 3: Train to Belgium (90 minutes), see Manneken Pis & comic museums
• Day 4: Visit Mini-Europe and the EU Parlamentarium
• Day 5: Train to Amsterdam (2 hours), go on a walking tour
• Day 6: Visit the Anne Frank House, go on a canal cruise & explore Jordaan
• Day 7: Go to an art museum and relax in Vondel Park

Now let’s dive into the details of this awesome week in Europe!

Day 1: See Paris icons & explore Montmartre

Morning: walk through paris to the eiffel tower.

Bonjour & bienvenue! Your week in Europe starts off in Paris. If you’re coming from outside of Europe, the best way to arrive is likely flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport.

My favourite way to beat jet lag is to get some fresh air and sunshine. So we’ll start this European itinerary off by walking past some of the city’s top sights in the historic center ( follow this walking map !).

Start at the Arc de Triomphe, which you can view up close or even head up for a nice view over the city. From there, you can stroll straight down the famous shopping street, Champs-Élysées. Even if the stores are out of your budget (they’re certainly out of mine!), it’s still a nice street to walk down.

Continue until you get to Av. Winston Churchill, where you’ll turn right. You’ll pass the impressive Grand Palais and Petit Palais museums before walking across the stunning Pont Alexandre III bridge.

Once on the other side of the Seine, head towards Rue Cler. This adorable street is the perfect place to pick up everything you’ll need for a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, which is our next stop!

Croissants and cheese in hand, find a spot in the Champs-de-Mars for a picnic with a view of Paris’ most famous icon. If the lawn isn’t open, there are benches all along the grass. This was something I did on my very first trip to Paris (and on quite a few trips afterwards) and it’s always so magical!

If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, you’re going to want to book your tickets in advance . I highly recommend getting skip-the-line tickets since you’ll be moving pretty fast on this week in Europe itinerary and don’t have time to wait around. Get your skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets here and your skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe tickets here !

Afternoon: Get artsy in Montmartre

After you enjoy your Eiffel Tower picnic and maybe head up the tower for a view, it’s time to Montmartre. Traditionally, this was the bohemian area of Paris and you’ll still find lots of artists there today.

The easiest way to get from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre is bus (apx 40 minutes) or you can grab a cab/Uber (apx 20 minutes).

Our first stop in Montmartre is Sacré-Coeur, the famous church with a lovely view over the city. You’ll have to take some stairs to get up to the church, or else there’s a funicular if stairs aren’t for you.

Once up there, enjoy a panoramic view over Paris and take a walk through the church (it’s free!). If you want to climb the dome, you’ll need to pay and check that it’s open, as the hours vary.

From Sacré-Coeur you can continue walking through the Montmartre neighbourhood. There are lots of shops and street vendors to peruse, cute cafes and a few museums.

Montmartre is also where you’ll find the famous Moulin Rouge. You can splurge on a show ( grab your Moulin Rouge tickets here ) or simply snap a photo outside.

Where to stay in Paris:

On our most recent trip to Paris, we stayed at OKKO Hotels and I highly recommend it. The hotel was incredibly stylish, modern and clean while not being too expensive.

Most importantly, it was located just a few minutes from the train station, which is helpful if you’re going to or from Paris by train. And as a bonus, it’s just around the corner from my favourite Italian restaurant and favourite bakery in Paris!

If you need more options for where to stay, check out 12 budget stays in Paris as recommended by travel experts!

Day 2: Discover Paris museums & parks

Morning: wander the louvre & cross the seine.

On day 2 in Paris, head to the Louvre museum before the crowds and get your fill of art history, plus the must-take selfie with Mona Lisa.

I’ve been to the Louvre twice and have still barely scratched the surface of what this giant museum has to offer. And I’m not even that into art! So even if you’re not a museum person or very artsy, I still recommend visiting the Louvre and I promise you will find something appealing.

Of course, you have to see the Mona Lisa. Is she underwhelming? Absolutely. But she’s still a must-see. So brave the crowds, get in line and prepare to be disappointed.

But after Mona, you’re free to discover whatever you want! There are huge rooms of tapestries and paintings (the busiest ones will be closest to Mona Lisa) but also recreated rooms, ceramics, statues and art from all over the world.

In 2018, my dad and I went to Paris and had entire Louvre exhibits all to ourselves. So if you’re finding the Louvre too busy, all you need to do is get farther from Mona Lisa!

7.5 million people visit the Louvre each year. Don’t want to stand in line behind them all? Get your skip-the-line Louvre tickets here!

Once you’ve seen as much art as you can handle, enjoy a walk along the Seine towards the famous churches, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.

They’re both worth seeing from the inside and outside, though keep in mind that Notre Dame is not scheduled to reopen until December 2024.

Once you’ve checked out the churches, cross the Seine and pop into Shakespeare and Company. This English bookstore is famous for being the first publishers of James Joyce’s Ulysses and a hangout for writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac and Ernest Hemingway.

They also have a resident cat you should be on the lookout for!

Afternoon: Relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg and explore the Marais district

For lunch, I’m recommending another picnic. This time, head to the Jardin du Luxembourg, a 60-acre park full of amenities to entertain you all afternoon. On your way there, pop into a bakery to pick up your picnic supplies.

After lunch, you have the afternoon free to explore some of Paris’s best neighbourhoods. You’re right next door to the Latin Quarter, famous for gardens, student-friendly cafes and the Panthéon. Or back across the water is everyone’s favourite, the Marais district, great for shopping and drinking.

Or, if you’ve got a hankering for more art or history, you can check out some nearby museums. Musee D’Orsay is a popular pick for lovers of 19th and 20th Century European art.

The National Museum of Natural History is a great family-friendly option. And if you love Les Mis like I do, you might want to visit the Victor Hugo Museum.

Need more ideas for things to do in Paris? Check out my 2 days in Paris itinerary!

Where to stay in Paris : OKKO Hotels

Day 3: Meet Brussels’s famous statue & comic book characters

How to get from Paris to Brussels by train

The best way to get from Paris to Brussels is by train. The train from Paris Gare du Nord station to Brussels Midi station only takes 90 minutes! You can pre-book your Paris to Brussels train tickets here .

Morning: Train to Brussels and see its mascot

After two days in Paris we’re saying au revoir and heading to Belgium! I recommend taking an early train so you can arrive in Brussels by mid-morning.

Once you arrive at Brussels Midi, drop your bags off at your accommodation and then make your way to Manneken Pis, the official mascot of the city.

Just like the Mona Lisa, expect a crowd and expect to be surprised at just how tiny this mascot is. Manneken Pis (which translates to Little Pissing Man) is only 22 inches tall and tucked away at the top of a fountain. But just like Mona, you’ve got to see him while you’re in Brussels!

The rest of our morning in Brussels will be all about Manneken Pis . Once you’ve taken your photos with the statue, head a few minutes up the street to Garderobe Manneken Pis where you’ll be able to see his impressive wardrobe of over 1000 costumes.

You’ll even have the opportunity to try your hand at dressing him (it’s harder than it looks!).

After that, head to the Brussels City Museum to learn more about the history of the city and to see the original Manneken Pis. That’s right, the one at the fountain is a replica!

The Brussels City Museum is also located in The Grand-Place (aka Grote Markt), which is one of the most beautiful places in Belgium. Take a few minutes to admire the architecture!

PS: If you’re into beautiful buildings, Brussels is known for its art nouveau architecture. Check out these houses around the city!

We had a Brussels City Card for our visit to Brussels and it made it so easy to visit all the top attractions, plus the card includes public transit rides. I highly recommend it if you want to follow this itinerary and save some money. Visit all of the top sights in Brussels with the Brussels City Card!

Afternoon: Check out the comic scene in Brussels

After a lunch break of fries, waffles and beer (you have to in Belgium!), it’s time to lean into Brussels’ other hobby: comics!

Belgium has a long history with comic books and is famous for creating some of the greats, like The Smurfs and Tin Tin. Brussels is even known as the comic strip capital!

Spend some time at the Comic Arts Museum, where you can read old comic strips (most are in French, but you’ll get the gist from the pictures) and see larger scale replicas of some beloved characters.

Then, head over to MOOF (Museum of Original Figurines) where you’ll meet even more action figures, comic book characters and super heroes. As the name implies, this museum is more focused on the figurines than the comic strips.

Despite not being hugely into comics, I really enjoyed visiting both of these places (and they’re both included in the Brussels City Card !)

If the weather is nice, you can finish out your first day in Brussels with a stroll through Brussels Park and admire the Royal Palace.

Where to stay in Brussels

While in Brussels, we stayed at Mercure Hotel Brussels Centre and I highly recommend it. While it wasn’t particularly fancy or stylish, the rooms were spacious, clean and affordable. Plus, the breakfast buffet was great!

Best of all, it was just steps from the train station making travel to/from Brussels, and any day trips, super convenient.

Day 4: Get to know Brussels, the EU capital

Morning: visit mini-europe and the atomium.

On your second day in Brussels, embrace the city’s prominence in the European Union . Home to many important EU organizations, Brussels is often called the capital of the European Union.

A little outside of the city center, you can visit Mini-Europe, an open-air museum displaying over 350 monuments from the EU at 1/25th their actual size. If you didn’t get a good selfie with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, now’s your chance!

Colin and I had absolute blast exploring Mini-Europe. It was so fun to see miniature versions of huge monuments we’ve seen in real life. Plus, most of the displays were interactive, making it even more fun.

After you’ve traipsed all through Europe, head next door to the Atomium . Built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958, the Atomium is now a tourist attraction, museum and art gallery, and still stands as one of the tallest structures in the city.

Get up close to check out the Atomium from the ground and then head up to visit the museum and see the views from up high.

Afternoon: Tour the EU Parlamentarium

Head back into the city to continue learning all about the EU, this time at the EU Parlamentarium, a free museum all about the history and workings of the European Union.

As a Canadian and someone who is only vaguely interested in European history and politics, it may surprise you to learn that I loved the EU Parlamentarium and highly recommend it. This is not your average history museum!

While the EU Parlamentarium is chock full of information and historic artifacts, it’s also incredibly interactive. You can experience what it’s like to sit in on EU meetings, vote on political issues and see how past decisions have been made.

Plus, it’s free (though reservations are required ), so you might as well check it out!

After all that geography and history, you deserve a drink. Head to Delirium Café, Brussels’ most famous bar with over 2000 beers on offer. Even if you don’t like beer, they’ll probably have something that you’ll enjoy!

If it’s raining in Brussels, check out my list of rain-proof itinerary ideas!

Where to stay in Brussels : Mercure Hotel

Day 5: Walk around Amsterdam

How to get from Brussels to Amsterdam by train

From Brussels, it’s an easy two hour direct train ride to Amsterdam. You can take a Eurostar train from Brussels Midi and arrive in Amsterdam Centraal.

Morning: Train to Amsterdam

Since the train from Brussels to Amsterdam takes two hours and you’ll have 2.5 days in Amsterdam, I think it’s fine to have a bit of a sleep in and spend your morning getting to Amsterdam.

I’d recommend getting on a train around 10am so you can arrive in Amsterdam in time for lunch. Trust me, you’re going to love this city !

First time in Amsterdam? Check out my 12 tips for a first visit to Amsterdam!

Afternoon: Go on a free walking tour

Once you arrive in Amsterdam, head to your hotel to drop off your bags, grab lunch and then get ready to explore.

One of my favourite things to do in a new city is go on a free walking tour. This is a great way to get an introduction to a city, learn some history and culture, receive recommendations from your guide and even make some new friends. Just don’t forget to tip!

On a typical Amsterdam walking tour, you’ll explore Dam Square, the Red Light District, and have a chance to check out the Royal Palace. If you’re particularly interested in an aspect of Amsterdam, such as the Jewish Quarter or Red Light District , you can go on specialized paid tours.

Or do like the Dutch do and head out on a bike tour of the city !

After touring the city for the afternoon, end your first day in Amsterdam with a dinner of rijstaffel, which is an Indonesian rice table local to the Dutch-Indonesian population in the Netherlands. Think of it like Indonesian tapas!

Where to stay in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for an extremely memorable stay in Amsterdam, check out SWEETS Hotel where you can stay in an iconic bridge house right on the canals.

They have converted bridge houses all over Amsterdam so you’ll be sure your stay is unique with unbeatable views. Don’t miss my review of our SWEETS Hotel stay!

Or, if you’re on a budget and want to be as close to the train station as possible, check out THIS HO(S)TEL cube hotel .

Instead of a full-size room, you’ll stay in a private cube, similar to a capsule hotel. But rather than a rowdy and dirty hostel, expect a surprisingly spacious room (for a cube!), clean and stylish shared bathrooms, and a very funky vibe to the whole place!

Day 6: Learn about Amsterdam’s history and waterways

Morning: eat apple pie & visit the anne frank house.

Stroll down the beautiful canal streets on your second day in Amsterdam until you find Winkel 43, the famous apple pie restaurant. Indulge in a thick piece of Dutch apple pie, because of course you can have pie for breakfast!

Just nearby is the Anne Frank House, which is a must-visit while in Amsterdam. I’ve been through the museum five times and am blown away each time. It’s an extremely impactful visit.

If you don’t know, Anne Frank and her family hid in the attic of a warehouse in Amsterdam during WWII. They became famous because of a diary that Anne kept while they were in hiding which her father, sadly the only survivor, had published after the war. It was also turned into a play and has become a story known around the world.

The Anne Frank House is now a museum set in the very same place where the Franks hid. You’ll get to walk through the rooms where they lived and learn all about their lives, as well as the lives of Jewish people during the Holocaust.

You MUST book your tickets to the Anne Frank House in advance . Tickets are only sold online on the official website . As per the website, “Every Tuesday at 10am CET all tickets become available for a visit six weeks later.”

Afternoon: Go on a canal boat tour & explore Amsterdam neighbourhoods

While it can be difficult to go back to touristing after a visit to the Anne Frank House, I find the perfect thing is jumping on a canal boat tour. It’s a nice way to clear your mind with some fresh air and process what you’ve just experienced while sitting back on a relaxing cruise.

Conveniently, many canal boat tours leave from right out from of the Anne Frank House!

Check out the most popular canal cruises here – from private boats or small groups to unlimited drinks and cheese tastings!

As you’ll learn on your cruise, the canals are the lifeblood of Amsterdam. It’s impressive to see how they’ve designed all the waterways and it’s a great way to explore the city.

If your boat tour was a round trip, you’ll return to the Anne Frank House about an hour later. From there, walk a few buildings down to The Pancake Bakery for a late lunch. This is one of my favourite places for pancakes in the city!

After lunch, I recommend spending the rest of your day exploring the Jordaan neighbourhood. I used to walk through this neighbourhood all the time when I lived in Amsterdam and I always found it so charming.

People watch while enjoying a coffee, check out boutique shops on the Nine Streets or pop into local museums like the Houseboat Museum or Cheese Museum.

Only have 1 day in Amsterdam? Check out my 1 day in Amsterdam itinerary!

Where to stay in Amsterdam : SWEETS Hotel or THIS HO(S)TEL

Day 7: Wander through Amsterdam museums & parks

Morning: discover museumplein.

On the final day of your Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam itinerary, you’ll head out to Amsterdam’s museum district aptly named, Museumplein.

Here you can visit one (or more!) of Amsterdam’s famous art museums. Check out Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum , modern art at Moco Museum or Van Gogh’s best work at the Van Gogh Museum .

I’ve visited all three of these museums and can highly recommend them all. If you don’t have a huge appetite for art and prefer Banksy to Rembrandt, head for Moco. This museum is smaller than the others and features very funky modern art.

The Van Gogh Museum is a great pick if you want to check out the famous Dutch artist’s work. Or if you can’t decide which Dutch artist you like best, head to the Rijksmuseum and see them all!

Afternoon: Relax in Vondel Park

Once you’re museum-ed out, it’s time for a picnic in the park! You can grab picnic supplies at the nearby Albert Hejn grocery store or check out the Albert Cuyp market for more local produce.

Once you have your supplies, walk over to Vondel Park, Amsterdam’s largest park. This is the perfect place to relax, people watch and enjoy nature as you wrap up your week in Europe.

For your final dinner in Amsterdam, I highly recommend Moeders (the Dutch word for mothers), a traditional Dutch restaurant with a really fun atmosphere.

Sadly, we’ve reached the end of your time in Europe! From Amsterdam you can fly or train home, dreaming of when you can return and explore more.

For more ideas, check out my 3 day Amsterdam itinerary!

Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam itinerary FAQs

How many days do you need for Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris?

As you may have guessed from the title of this post, you can visit Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris in a week . They’re all very close to one another and if you want a fast-paced 7 days in Europe, this is a good way to spend them.

However, if you have more time, I’d recommend using it. With 10-14 days, you can slow down and explore each of these cities more in-depth . You would also have time for day trips or to add another city to your itinerary (more on that below).

When should you visit Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam?

Spring would be the best time to visit Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam . The weather is nice and you can avoid the heavy crowds of summer. Plus, you’ll be able to catch the cities in bloom and exciting holidays, like King’s Day in Amsterdam.

Autumn is also a great time to visit – the leaves are changing, the weather is still usually nice and, again, the crowds aren’t as bad as they would be in summer. We visited all three of these cities in late September 2022 and it was a great time to be there!

Summer in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam will be packed and warm. And winter can be cold. But if those are the only times you can visit, it’s still worth the trip!

How to train from Paris to Brussels or Paris to Amsterdam

Thalys trains connect Paris and Brussels directly in less than 90 minutes. The fastest direct train from Paris to Amsterdam takes three hours.

Train tickets can be bought in advance through Trainline or directly through the national train services. Though I always recommend checking Seat 61 first for the best train advice in Europe!

It’s very easy to take the train from Paris to Brussels or Paris to Amsterdam. That’s how we got from city to city and it was easy and affordable.

Can you bus from Paris to Brussels?

Yes, you can bus from Paris to Brussels in about four hours. While the bus takes longer than the train (4 hours vs 90 minutes), it is usually cheaper, especially if you’re booking last minute.

How to train from Amsterdam to Brussels

The fastest direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels takes two hours on the Eurostar. Like the Paris routes, tickets can be bought through Trainline or directly with the train service. I always recommend booking in advance to get the lowest fare!

3 European itinerary alternatives

1) more time how to spend 10 days in paris, brussels & amsterdam.

If you have 10 days in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, that’s the perfect opportunity to add a few more things to your itinerary!

Many people will argue that just two days in Paris is not enough time, so you can definitely add another day to the City of Lights. Spend it shopping, visiting more museums or just people watching in fashionable Paris.

You may also want to add on a popular Paris side trip, such as a day trip to Versailles or day trip to Mont Saint Michel .

Your extra days could also be spent on a day trip from Brussels. I’d highly recommend going on a day trip to Ghent and/or Bruges (there’s so much to do in Ghent! ) or to Antwerp .

2) Only have time for two? Check out my Paris and Amsterdam itinerary

If you have less time, or want to travel a little slower through these cities, you can definitely just visit Amsterdam and Paris during your week in Europe.

These two cities pair well together, are connected in three hours by direct train, and both offer lots to see and do to fill a vacation.

Check out my Paris and Amsterdam itinerary for more inspiration! 

3) Want to add London? Plan a London, Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam itinerary

If you have even more time, why not add another of Europe’s big cities (and my favourite city in the world ) to your itinerary? London is a convenient add-on to this itinerary since it is also well connected to these cities by train.

In fact, I took the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam in January 2023 and highly recommend it – it beats flying! Book your train from London here.

From London you can train directly to Brussels (2 hrs), Paris (2.5 hrs) or Amsterdam (4 hrs). Because the UK is no longer part of the EU, you’ll need to arrive at the train station early to go through passport control.

If you plan to visit London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, I’d recommend at least 10 days for your trip.

If you’re visiting London, don’t miss my 3 day London itinerary!

Wrapping up: 7 days in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam

There you have it, a whirlwind 7 days through Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam! While all of these cities deserve more time, you can get a great taste of them on a week-long trip. Plus, it’s just an excuse to come back and explore more on your next trip!

I’ve visited each of these cities a few times – even living in Amsterdam for six months – and have never gotten bored of revisiting. There’s always something new to do, a new sight to see and many new restaurants to try.

Plus, I love the feeling of coming back to a familiar place and introducing a favourite spot to a loved one. My trips to Amsterdam with my dad and my husband have been some of my most special adventures.

I’d love to know: Have you been to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam? What do you think of this 7 day itinerary? 

Plan your Amsterdam, Brussels & Paris trip with these posts:

• The Essential Amsterdam and Paris Itinerary
• One Day in Amsterdam Itinerary
• 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary
• 12 Things to Know Before Visiting Amsterdam
• Where to Stay in Amsterdam: SWEETS Hotel Review
• A Manneken Pis Brussels Day Trip Itinerary
• How to Explore All of Europe While Visiting Brussels
• The 16 Best Rainy Day Activities in Brussels, Belgium
• 2 Days in Paris – Your Perfect Itinerary
• How to Visit Paris with a Dog
• Where to Stay in Paris on a Budget

Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

Similar Posts

The 10 Best Places to Eat in Kauai

How to Spend a Weekend in Penticton, BC

Moving Abroad FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About Moving to Europe & Life Abroad

How to Get Through the Airport Fast, Stress-Free and Without Losing Your Shit

The Best Places I’ve Stayed Around the World

Month in Review: January 2022

10 comments.

Great post! I’m saving these itineraries in case we ever get to make this trip. I enjoyed seeing your photos, too.

Thanks so much, Kellye! Hope you get to make the trip one day!

All the photographs are very attractive. I enjoyed reading this 7-day itinerary.

Thanks so much!

I love following your blog! We spent the day in Amsterdam yesterday and took in the Anne Frank museum & a canal boat tour. Very good recommendations.

Thank you so much, Kellie! Love to hear that you’re enjoying Amsterdam!

How much is your 7 days package Paris,Brussels,Armsterdam for 6 pax ?Leaving July 10 or 11 fr Geneva

Hi Maria, thanks for checking out the post! This isn’t a package holiday, just some itinerary suggestions, so there isn’t a price. However, if you see this and want to send me an email, I’d be happy to see if there’s anything I can help with (rianaac [at] gmail [dot] com). It seems like you’re leaving quite soon so I hope it’s a great trip either way!

I assume we can do this itinerary in reverse? My husband, adult daughter and I are taking a last minute trip flying into Amsterdam (to meet briefly with another adult daughter) and out of Paris in early November. We were hoping to go to Brussels too. First time trip to Europe for our daughter so want her to see several places.

Absolutely! You can definitely do this itinerary in reverse – all the same trains, just in the other direction. Have an amazing time in Europe with your daughters!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Central Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Northern Europe
• Southern Europe
• Western Europe
• How it works

Recently Added Tours

Magical christmas market tour, discover austria(starts in vienna), the jewels of europe.

• EUR, €
• GBP, £
• RUB, руб.
• SEK, kr
• NOK, kr
• INR, ₹

Other Tours

Private day tour from paris to brussels.

Visit Brussels beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy your time in traditional cafes while having a taste of real Belgium chocolate. Introduce yourself to magnificent Europe center.

• Departure Paris
• Departure Time 08:00
• Return Time 20:30
• Included Minivan with driver Hotel Pick up/drop off (1 hotel) Assistance before/after Tour
• Not Included Guided (available on request 450EUR) Entrance fees Any Private Expenses Other activities and services not included

Departure from Paris central train station or your centrally located hotel

Arrival at Brussels

Enjoy your time in Brussels. Grand Place Brussels Main Square, Square de l’Atomium, National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame du Sablon, European Parliamentand free time.

Return Paris

Arrival at Paris central train station or your centrally located hotel

Related products

Bratislava to Driny Cave Day Trip

Barcelona to Vall De Nuria Day Trip

Barcelona to lloret de Mar Day Trip

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Privacy Overview

Country and language

United Kingdom

United States

Deutschland

@media (max-width: 37.5rem){.css-vo707v{font-size:1.5rem;}} Log in

Verify it's you, @media (max-width: 52.5rem){.css-1qvpg8e{font-size:1.375rem;}} no account.

Join Club Eurostar for FREE

• Travelling with Eurostar
• Frequent travellers
• Manage your booking

Frequent or Premium Pass

Please log in to use your subscription pass.

Didn't get the code? Send again

Paris to Brussels trains

Take a direct Eurostar train from Paris to Brussels in just 1 hour 22 minutes.

City centre

to city centre travel

Take a train from Paris to Brussels

Now that Thalys has become Eurostar, travelling to Brussels is easier than ever. Go direct from city centre to city centre in just 1hr 22mins. And whether you’re going for work or play, we’ll get you there feeling relaxed and rested. Read on to discover why taking Eurostar from Paris to Brussels is the only way to travel.

High-speed train from Paris to Brussels**

Paris Gare du Nord, with a neoclassical 19th-century façade, is conveniently located at the heart of the city in the 10th arrondissement - connected with several urban transport lines, including Paris Metro, RER and local buses. Please make sure you arrive at least 20 minutes before your train's scheduled departure time. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants at Paris Gare du Nord to keep you occupied before you jump on one of our Eurostar trains.

On board a direct train from Paris to Brussels

Travelling with Eurostar is simple, affordable and relaxing. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge. There are no weight limits, but please ensure you can carry all items of luggage safely. Find out more about our luggage allowances . Our trains come with free and fast onboard wi-fi, so you can email, tweet and post all the way to your destination. You’ll find power sockets at your seat, so you can stay charged up while you relax. If you find yourself feeling peckish, you can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks at Eurostar Café . And if you’re travelling in Premium, you’ll be served delicious meals at your seat. Find out more about our food on board .

Whether you’re travelling for work, a special occasion, or heading away on a budget break, we’ve got the travel class for you. Check out our seats in Standard , Comfort and Premium .

Arriving at Brussels-Midi/Zuid from Paris Gare du Nord

Eurostar trains arrive in the centre of town at Brussels-Midi/Zuid station. On arrival, you’ve plenty of choice of public transport with STIB trams and metros, and the De Lijn or Tec bus networks. Alternatively, hop in a taxi or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not walk, it’s only about 20 minutes to some of the best shopping areas in town.

Timetables for trains from Paris to Brussels

See full timetable

Frequently asked questions

.css-5vuhm9{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;max-width:100%;border:none;text-align:left;width:100%;background:none;cursor:pointer;position:relative;padding:1.5rem 1rem;}.css-5vuhm9:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#00286a;}.css-5vuhm9:focus-visible{border-radius:1px;outline:2px solid #00286a;outline-offset:2px;}@media (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-5vuhm9{padding:1.5rem;}} .css-4ujqbu{height:0.188rem;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;right:0;top:0;margin:-2px 0 0;opacity:0.4;border-bottom:2px solid #00286a;border-radius:60%;} .css-1ro6ief{--grid-columns:12;--grid-columnspacing:0rem;--grid-rowspacing:0rem;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--grid-rowspacing) / -2) calc(var(--grid-columnspacing) / -2);-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;padding:0rem;} .css-1fiqx1u{--grid-columns:12;--grid-columnspacing:0rem;--grid-rowspacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 10 / var(--grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--grid-rowspacing) / -2) calc(var(--grid-columnspacing) / -2);-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-1fiqx1u{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 12 / var(--grid-columns));}} .css-2pnwxm{--grid-columns:12;--grid-columnspacing:0rem;--grid-rowspacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 12 / var(--grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--grid-rowspacing) / -2) calc(var(--grid-columnspacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-2pnwxm{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 10 / var(--grid-columns));}} .css-11yytic{font-family:'abc social bold','arial','sans-serif';font-weight:normal;color:#00286a;text-align:left;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:1rem;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5rem;color:#00286aimportant;margin:0remimportant;display:blockimportant;}@media (min-width: 52.5rem){.css-11yytic{font-size:1.375rem;}} how much does a train ticket from paris to brussels cost .css-1k89mew{--grid-columns:12;--grid-columnspacing:0rem;--grid-rowspacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 12 / var(--grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--grid-rowspacing) / -2) calc(var(--grid-columnspacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-1k89mew{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 1 / var(--grid-columns));}}@media (min-width:0rem){.css-1k89mew{-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-1k89mew{-webkit-box-pack:end;-ms-flex-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;justify-content:flex-end;}} .css-h58ukj{--grid-columns:12;--grid-columnspacing:0rem;--grid-rowspacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 2 / var(--grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--grid-rowspacing) / -2) calc(var(--grid-columnspacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:end;-ms-flex-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;justify-content:flex-end;} .css-19f252s{-webkit-align-self:center;-ms-flex-item-align:center;align-self:center;padding-top:2px;} .css-16gm2n{margin:0rem 0rem 0rem 1remimportant;width:1.5remimportant;height:1.5remimportant;display:inline-block;background-color:#00286a;-webkit-mask:url(https://static.eurostar.com/ui/design-system/icons/chevronbrandeddown.svg);mask:url(https://static.eurostar.com/ui/design-system/icons/chevronbrandeddown.svg);-webkit-mask-size:contain;mask-size:contain;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;mask-position:center;-webkit-mask-size:contain;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;}@media (forced-colors: active){.css-16gm2n{background-color:buttontext;}.css-16gm2n:hover{background-color:buttontext;}}.

Eurostar Paris to Brussels train ticket prices start from from $34.

What is the travel time from Paris to Brussels?

Travelling from Paris to Brussels takes 1hr 22mins.

When should I arrive at the station for my Eurostar Paris to Brussels train?

For stress-free boarding, we recommend that you arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your train.

What are the luggage allowances for trains from Paris to Brussels?

Your allowance includes two items of luggage (max. 75 x 53 x 30 cm) and one item of hand luggage. There’s no weight limit, but you should be able to carry all your bags and store them in our dedicated areas.

What travel classes are available on trains between Paris and Brussels?

You can choose between Standard, Comfort and Premium travel classes on our trains between Paris and Brussels.

How frequently do trains run from Paris to Brussels?

Check out our live timetable to see how often our trains travel from Paris to Brussels.

You may also like

Brussels to Paris trains

Travelling with Eurostar to Paris is quick, easy and affordable – you’ll journey from city centre to city centre in as little as 1hr 22mins.

Brussels city breaks

Beer, waffles, chocolate and culture, find out everything this iconic city has to offer.

All Eurostar trains

Discover Europe’s best destinations with Eurostar across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK.

Terms and conditions

*price for tickets in standard class for one way journey made on eurostar to/from paris nord, marne-la-vallée chessy, paris charles de gaulle airport, brussels midi/zuid, antwerpen centraal, liège guillemins. subject to availability., **tickets available in standard, comfort and premium class for journeys made on eurostar to/from paris nord, marne-la-vallée chessy, paris charles de gaulle airport, brussels midi/zuid, antwerpen centraal, liège guillemins. subject to availability., standard and comfort fare tickets are:, exchangeable at no extra fee until up to 7 days before the departure time, after which they are exchangeable for a fee of €15 up until departure time. they are not exchangeable after the train has departed., 100% refundable at no extra fee until up to 7 days before the departure time, after which they are no longer refundable., premium fare tickets are:, exchangeable at no extra fee until up to 1 hour after the departure time, after which they are no longer exchangeable., 100% refundable until up to 1 hour after the departure time, after which they are no longer refundable..

  Call us +31 20 700 83 00       [email protected]

• Destinations

Day trip Brussels to Paris

Explore the city of lights and love with our private day trip from Brussels to Paris. Paris is known for its museums, architecture and nice boulevards. With our Paris tour, you can explore this amazing city in only 1-day (with the possibility of adding more days) and enjoy all the convenience of having a private guide, driver & fast access tickets.

A few highlights Paris day trip:

Enjoy the iconic Eiffel Tower from above (324 meters high);

Walk along with the beautiful Champs-Elysées;

Discover the iconic Louvre museum;

Visit the historic Arc de Triomphe.

You will enjoy at least 8 hours in the city with this Paris tour. The tour includes the program mentioned in the morning and you will also have some leisure time to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. We make sure to provide everything you need in this journey: from transfers, professional guide, and official entrance tickets. This tour is available for private and group bookings.

Personalize your day trip from Brussels to Paris

Our mission in ZOYO travel is to personalized travel experiences and make a real and local experience for our clients. Therefore, you can adjust this tour to your wishes and preferences by adding on the experiences below.

Explore the Montmartre: the most popular neighborhood of Paris;

Enjoy Disneyland instead of the city center;

Visit the Foundation Louis Vuitton;

The magnificent Versailles palace;

Walk along the “Berges de la Seine”.

Just ask our ZOYO travel advisors.

Do you want to share some thoughts? I'm happy to assist you

Our 5 private tour guarantees

It's all about you. This means that all our tours will be customized to your wishes and requirements.

Our promises: 

• You are always in control
• We match the finest local guides based on your preferences.
• Well-organized transportation with high-class vehicles (individual/groups)
• Expect local & real tour programs that avoid fake experiences.
• We book official tickets only without queuing (skip-the-line).

Our tours are well-known for a perfect combination between the well-known highlights and the real (true) local hidden gems and experiences.

How can we help you?

Our team is ready to discuss your wishes & thoughts. Easily get in touch below

Let's start your journey

Full-Day Private Tour of Brussels from Paris

• Hotel Pickup and drop in private vehicle
• Parking Fees
• Enjoy the scenic drive as you travel from Paris to Belgium
• Make a photo stop in front of the Atomium
• Taste some famous Belgian chocolate
• Atomium Square Laeken €17
• Entry/Admission - Atomium
• We will pick you up from your hotel in Paris and drive to Brussels. After sightseeing, we will bring you back to the hotel.
• Near public transportation
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• Grand Place
• Royal Palace (Palais Royal)

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Atomium Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Royal Palace (Palais Royal) Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 3 Grand Place Stop: 4 hours See details
• 4 Paris Stop: 7 hours See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• 356suresha 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great places and great team good service. Good service. Especially easy to book and no catch 22. you can spend whole day and have good amount of food and water so that you are always access when you need Read more Written March 18, 2024
• yvettew8 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Paris Our tour guide was friendly, considerate, knowledgeable and accommodating. Fully enjoyed the day and the sights. We had the best view of the Eiffel Tower. Read more Written October 27, 2023
• S8942VSclaire 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Romantic! We booked this during a weekend break and it was such a romantic experience. Very well organized, the staff were all very welcoming and accommodating. The main course food options weren’t what I would usually pick but overall was ok. Definatley worth the money with food and wine including in the price. Read more Written October 26, 2023
• 246wikusd 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Eiffel Tour tour rip-off !!! We Paid € 400 to go up the Eiffel tower. We we got there the Guid was unprepared, and said we have to stand in line and buy tickets ourselves. What do we pay € 400 euro for if we still need to stand inline and pay ourselves. We then refused and the operator refused to refund us. Trip advisor was not of much help as they only offer a 15% refund that un exemptible. Read more Written October 13, 2023
• dainelr2023 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great time ! It was really great for me to come and visit the city of Paris on a cruise, I never thought I'd see so many monuments! Read more Written September 28, 2023
• Roving578812 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Not what we expected Not recommended. Could not hear the narration and the audio app didn’t work either. People’s were talking non stop throughout. Read more Written September 22, 2023
• PatriciaL1800 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Nothing special - but adequate Boarding crew were not really helpful when we asked for advice about where to queue. They got people on & off boat pretty quickly when it happened. The audio app provided was then spoke over by a general loudspeaker giving scant information in multiple languages. With the audio, this was distracting and unnecessary. Cruise was basic and allowed a perspective of Paris from the Seine. Read more Written September 6, 2023
• K3917TBgordonb 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles great short boat ride on the Seine. great short cruise on the Seine for a view of Paris from the water. Good if you are trying to squeeze in a few activities for the day of site seeing. Crowds are big but there is a line of boats to take you so the wait wasn't long (efficient system to get you on). Read more Written August 10, 2023
• BermudaIsles 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good value As described and good value. Great way to see some of the city’s important sites and informative. Get there early if you want seats on top deck. Read more Written August 4, 2023
• Batul W 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Paris by water The boat was lovely but the seating upstairs ( where you get the best views) was very tight and limited. We had to sit on the main level. The boat wasn’t the easiest to find as there are many cruises. Also the PA system was difficult to hear so we missed some points the tour announcer made. Cost was reasonable Read more Written July 6, 2023
• PalmBeachFamily 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly reccomend It was an excellent tour for the price. Board early to get seats on the top of the boat with the best views. Easy boarding process with friendly crews. Read more Written July 4, 2023
• Susan P 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor There was no clear communication about where to board etc. Tickets didn’t come as they stated (in what’s app). The tickets didn’t work but the people were just nice and let us on the boat. A very stressful experience. The cruise itself was great but…. Read more Written June 30, 2023
• T2230USnathanb 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Never received tickets and couldn’t board the ship Didn’t get sent tickets and couldn’t get on the cruise with the email they did send over, great time. Read more Written June 26, 2023
• Lorissa S 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Beware! We were unable to board with provided passes that were sent to my email. Unfortunately, the tickets wouldn’t scan and we had to buy new ones. I tried calling the phone number provided and it stated “this caller is not accepting calls.” I believe this is not a legitimate company. Read more Written June 23, 2023
• Anita A 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Commentary leaves a lot to be desired Commentary not very good - hard to hear and it didn’t say much. If doing it again I would get a tour with an actual person. Pluses were that it wasn’t crowded and was quite relaxing Read more Written June 20, 2023

More to explore in Paris

Buy it with

Full-Day Private Tour of Brussels from Paris provided by Tour Passion