The distance of a train trip to Paris from Brussels is about 190 miles (306 kilometers). It isnât a short distance, but if you want to get to Paris quickly, take the direct high-speed train. You can reach the French capital in around 1.5 hours.
What are the best times to travel from Brussels to Paris?
The best times to travel from Brussels to Paris are early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd during peak travel hours. Booking in advance will allow you to secure better rates and ensure availability, especially during tourist seasons.
How much does it cost to take the train from Brussels to Paris?
High-speed train fares to Paris from the Belgian capital start at around $80 (73 euros). You may still find cheaper rates if you know where to look. Also, remember that these prices vary depending on the time of booking and class of service. For lower fares, book ahead of time.
How long is the high-speed train from Brussels to Paris?
High-speed trains between these two cities complete the journey in about 1.5 hours, which is pretty fast and efficient, especially for travelers who want to maximize their time while in Paris. There are three major operators of these trains: Thalys, Eurostar, and TGH.
What is the cheapest way to get from Brussels to Paris?
The cheapest way is definitely by bus, with fares as low as $25 (23 euros) on average. However, prepare for a longer travel time, taking about 3.5 hours. You can catch a train for a quicker trip or take Daytripâs private car service for more flexibility and sightseeing.
Can you do a day trip from Brussels to Paris?
For sure. A day trip from Brussels to Paris is feasible. This itinerary is ideal for those who are exploring Paris only on a side trip, such as business travelers. Since a high-speed train is only 1.5 hours, you can do some sightseeing around the city and return to Brussels the same evening.
The car trip from Brussels to Paris covers a distance of approximately 190 miles (306 kilometers), with the travel time taking you around three to 3.5 hours, depending on your speed and traffic. Of course, among the best things about the drive is the chance to pause at various landmarks, further enriching your travel experience.
Aside from exploring the landscape along the way, traveling to Paris from the Belgian capital by car also offers the flexibility to tailor your schedule, making it a truly memorable trip.
While en route from Brussels to Paris, you can stop at some of the regionâs most important historical sights. Remember the Battle of Waterloo from atop the Lionâs Mound, or watch boats get lifted nearly 250 feet at the ingenious Strepy Thieu boat lift. Or for something a little more opulent, tour the ChĂąteau de Chantilly, a jaw-dropping water palace that happens to house one of the finest art collections in France.
About Paris
Choosing to go on a road trip from Brussels to Paris is one of the best decisions youâll ever make. Youâll be rewarded with views and experiences in a city thatâs considered among the most beautiful in the world. There are many reasons why Paris is hailed as a global icon of culture, art, and fashion.
Just look at some of the attractions and tell us you donât want to visit:
Paris also has quite a story to tell. Its establishment dates back to around 250 BC when it became a Celtic settlement. During the glorious days of the Roman civilization, the city was initially known as Lutetia, whose name probably came from the Latin word âlutaâ,meaning âswampâ or âmud,â as Julius Caesar described the marsh along the banks of the Seine.
As the 12th century got underway, Paris emerged as a leading center for commerce, education, and culture in Europe. This was evident in the founding of the University of Paris and the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral. But Paris wasnât filled with just rainbows and sunshine. It also went through dark days, such as the Black Death and the Hundred Yearsâ War. It recovered by the late 1600s, shaping what this global capital is today.
From Brussels to Paris: travel tips
Letâs discuss some important tips to keep in mind for your trip from Brussels to Paris. As soon as you plan, consider not only drafting your itinerary but also creating a timetable. This will make sure you wonât miss out on any experiences.
Learn everything you can about Paris
Paris is huge with a long history, so use online platforms, apps, and guidebooks, to learn everything you can about the city, especially if you have any specific interests. You can also obtain firsthand travel advice by engaging with the local communities. Doing so will allow you to travel on a much deeper level, turning your trip into a meaningful experience.
Stay aware and informed
Traveling between cities in Europe is generally safe, but it is still always prudent to stay informed about current travel advisories and local news. In France in particular, strikes are pretty common, but often usually scheduled in advance. Keep the necessary travel insurance documents, as well as emergency contacts, secure and on hand to avoid difficulties during your trip.
How to get from Brussels to Paris
There are several ways to get from Brussels to Paris. You can ride the train or the bus, or book a private car service like Daytrip (donât bother flying though). But remember, these modes of transport differ in terms of cost, convenience, and speed, among various other things, so you must choose based on what suits you best.
Brussels to Paris by train
The best recommendation is to take the Thalys, a high-speed train that can bring you from Brussels to Paris in just 1.5 hours. Considering the distance between these two cities, this is the fastest option, but the fare isnât cheap. Ticket price starts at around $80 (73 euros).
Brussels to Paris by bus
If the high-speed train is too expensive for you, you can take the bus. The bus fare starts at around $25 (23 euros), way cheaper than the cost of the train ticket. But, the travel time is longer, taking about 3.5-4 hours. Be sure to check the bus operatorâs timetable where you can find numerous departures throughout the day.
Brussels to Paris by flight
Boarding a flight to Paris from Brussels isn't as fast as it sounds. While the flight itself only takes about an hour, you'll spend at least an hour getting to and from the airport, 2 hours at the airport for check-in and security, plus usually an hour for deplaning and getting your luggage.
This brings the total travel time to around 4 hours---slower than the train! And the fare isnât cheap. The price of a nonstop flight ticket is around $230 (211 euros). Skip this option.
Daytrip private car transfer from Brussels to Paris
The bus, train, and plane definitely wonât make stops along the way. So, if you want a more customized travel experience that will allow you to experience as much as possible, book a private car transfer with Daytrip. It's worth it just for the chance to visit the Chateau de Chantilly!
Not only is Daytrip door-to-door, meaning you don't even need to get to a station or airport, but youâll love how your English-speaking driver will bring you safely to your destination and even provide insightful commentary about the places.
Things to do when you get to Paris
Once you get from Brussels to Paris, there are plenty of things to do. Take your time, as the city offers a myriad of experiences, day and night. Hereâs a guide for you.
Explore Parisâ star attractions
They say you havenât been to Paris if you havenât seen the Eiffel Towel, so you better start your day here. Or, wait until the sun is down to see the worldwide icon lit up against the Parisian skies. Not far from here, the Louvre Museum awaits art enthusiasts, housing thousands of artworks from various eras and regions. Donât forget to take a picture of the legendary Mona Lisa.
Aside from those historical and culinary experiences, Paris is also opening its arms to tourists who want leisure and entertainment. The cruise along the Seine River is an opportunity for you to see many of the cityâs famous sites from a unique perspective. For party animals, head to the cityâs nightclubs and cabarets, such as the Moulin Rouge, Pigalle, The Latin Quarter, and Bastille.
Enroll in artistic and educational workshops
For those who want a more hands-on Parisian experience, enroll in workshops around town where you can learn a new craft or skill. There are perfume-making workshops and photography tours that will change the way you look at Paris. There are also lessons on drawing, painting, crafting luxury bags, creating a custom denim jacket, making jewelry, and more.
When is the best time to visit Paris
Before you plan your tour from Brussels to Paris, itâs important to know the best time to visit Paris. Unless you want to see massive crowds in your travel fashion photos, the best times to explore the city are during spring (from March to May) and fall (from September to November).
If you don't mind the crowds, you might also want to schedule your trip based on the popular events happening in Paris. These include the blooming of Parisian cherry blossoms around the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, Paris Fashion Week held twice a year (the shows are strictly by invite, but you can still see fashionistas flaunting their stuff in the street), and the Chocolate Festival every October.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Waterloo
In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was finally defeated on this fateful battlefield. That Fateful FightÂ
Strepy Thieu boat lift
This marvel of engineering transports boats, water and all, 73 vertical meters. An Elevator for BoatsÂ
Grand-Hornu
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a visionary industrial city, and now houses a visionary art and design museum. Visionary DesignÂ
Notre Dame de Lorette
This moving military cemetery remembers the hundreds of thousands who fell in the Great War, and wars after. Remembering the LostÂ
Chateau de Compiegne
Napoleon had this enormous royal palace redecorated to suit his vision of luxury. Imperial VisionÂ
Chateau de Chantilly
This gorgeous chateau has hosted several kings, and has been preserved exactly as its last owner left it. Water and WhimsyÂ
