Paris to Brussels by train

Traveling from Paris to Brussels by train is fast, easy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know:

• Travel Time: Just 1 hour and 22 minutes on Eurostar‘s high-speed trains.
• Cost: Tickets start at $34 for Standard Class, with other options like First Class ($70) and Business Class ($150).
• Daily Departures: Around 33 trains run daily, from early morning (6:22 AM) to late evening (9:25 PM).
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, food service, and generous luggage allowances.

Quick Tips:

• Book early for the best prices.
• Travel midweek (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) for lower fares.
• Families, youth, and seniors can take advantage of discounts.

Eurostar is the sole operator on this route, offering direct connections between Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels-Midi/Zuid. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, this guide has everything you need to plan your trip.

Paris to Brussels At 300km/h in Eurostar Premier Class

Ticket Types and Classes

When traveling from Paris to Brussels, Eurostar provides three ticket options, each designed to cater to different preferences and budgets for the 1 hour and 22-minute journey.

Standard Class

Standard Class is perfect for travelers looking for comfort at an affordable price. Here’s what it includes:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi and a power outlet at every seat
• Luggage allowance: Two pieces plus one small daypack
• Free ticket changes allowed up to one hour before departure
• Refunds available up to 7 days before travel (with a $27 fee) ^[2]

First Class (Plus)

First Class, also known as "Plus", offers added comfort and convenience. Features include:

• Spacious seating with extra legroom
• Access to NS Lounges in Amsterdam, Schiphol, or Rotterdam
• All Standard Class amenities (Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage allowance)
• Free ticket changes up to one hour before departure (fare differences may apply) ^[2]

Business Class (Premier)

Business Class (Premier) takes the travel experience to the next level. It includes everything from First Class, plus additional perks:

"Premier: 1st class seating with meal & drink included in the fare & served at your seat, access to Thalys lounges in Paris & Brussels as well as the NS Lounge in Amsterdam, free WiFi, power socket at seat." ^[3]

Additional Premier features:

These ticket options provide a variety of choices to suit your travel needs, making the journey as comfortable as possible. Next, we’ll explore the range of train services available.

Train Companies and Services

Once you’ve looked into ticket options and travel classes, it’s time to check out the train operators and what they bring to the table for this route.

The Paris–Brussels route is exclusively served by Eurostar, providing frequent high-speed connections between these two capitals.

Eurostar Services

Eurostar runs direct high-speed trains between Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels-Midi/Zuid. Here’s what you can expect:

Eurostar dominates this route, and no other operators currently provide services here.

OUIGO and TGV INOUI

• OUIGO: This low-cost operator does not offer direct trains between Paris and Brussels.
• TGV INOUI: While a key player in French rail travel, TGV INOUI doesn’t operate on this route either.

Eurostar’s high-speed trains are designed with modern conveniences to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Booking Methods

You have several options to buy Paris–Brussels train tickets, making it easy to choose what works best for you.

Train Company Websites

You can book directly on the Eurostar website or SNCF Connect, France’s official rail booking platform. As of March 2025, fares on SNCF Connect start at $39 ^[4]. These sites let you view all ticket options, confirm your booking instantly, and manage your reservations online.

At Stations or Through Apps

Tickets are also available at major stations like Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels-Midi/Zuid. Use staffed counters or self-service kiosks, which offer multilingual support. Prefer using your phone? The Eurostar mobile app provides features like real-time departure updates, mobile ticket storage, seat selection, and notifications about your journey.

Prices and Discounts

Standard Fares

Eurostar offers three ticket options to suit different budgets. Standard Class tickets start at $34 one-way, Eurostar Plus tickets start at $70, and Eurostar Premier tickets start at $150. Prices depend on factors like demand and how far in advance you book.

For families, children aged 4-11 get about 50% off Standard and Eurostar Plus fares, making it easier to travel with kids ^[6].

Available Discounts

Eurostar provides several discount options:

Club Eurostar members can save even more. Members earn points for every $1 spent, which can be redeemed for discounts or upgrades ^[5].

"Booking your trip well in advance gives you the best chance to nab a low-cost fare, especially at peak times like bank holidays and weekends." – Eurostar ^[5]

Tips for saving:

• Travel midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) for cheaper fares ^[5].
• Sign up for Eurostar’s newsletter to get notified about promotions.
• Look out for seasonal sales and early bird deals.

Rail Pass Options

For those planning multi-destination trips, rail passes like Eurail and Interrail are a great choice. These passes include the Paris-Brussels route and offer flexibility, but seat reservations are required. Reservation fees start at $27 for Brussels-Paris journeys ^[8].

Key points for pass holders:

• Book reservations as early as possible since seats are limited ^[7].
• Second-class pass holders can only travel in Eurostar Standard seating ^[7].
• First-class passes allow access to both Standard and Premier seating ^[7].

As of October 1, 2023, Eurostar now operates all former Thalys routes ^[7], simplifying travel and reservations for pass users.

Train Times and Duration

Daily Schedule

Trains between Paris and Brussels operate frequently from early morning until late evening, making it convenient for travelers. Departures from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi are scheduled as follows:

The first train leaves at 6:22 AM, with the last departure at 9:25 PM ^[1]. This frequent schedule ensures flexibility for travelers throughout the day.

Travel Time

The trip between Paris and Brussels is impressively quick. High-speed trains complete the journey in just 1 hour and 22 minutes ^[2]. Standard services take slightly longer, approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes ^[9].

All trains run directly between Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi, offering a seamless connection between these two major city centers ^[2].

Extra Fees and Rules

Knowing the fees and rules for Eurostar trains between Paris and Brussels can help you plan your trip more effectively and avoid surprises.

Seat Selection

Eurostar requires seat reservations for all trains on this route ^[10]. The fees depend on the class of travel:

Baggage Rules

Your baggage allowance depends on your ticket type:

For extra or oversized items, additional fees apply ^[11]:

• Excess luggage (pre-booked): $38 (€35); max size: 85 cm x 85 cm x 36 cm
• Oversized items (pre-booked): $65 (€60); max size: 165 cm x 135 cm x 57 cm
• Bikes/sports equipment (pre-booked): Starting at $49 (€45)

If you bring extra items on the same day without pre-booking, the cost is $32 (€30), subject to availability ^[11]. While there’s no weight limit, passengers must be able to carry their bags themselves ^[11].

Changes and Refunds

Ticket changes and refunds depend on your fare type:

• Standard and Plus tickets:
  • Changes allowed up to 1 hour before departure
  • Refunds available for cancellations made at least 7 days before departure, with a $27 (€25) fee per person, per leg
  • Missed trains can be rebooked for $48 (€44), depending on availability
• Premier tickets:
  • Changes allowed up to 48 hours after the original departure time
  • Full refunds available with no fee if requested within 48 hours after departure

For children’s tickets (ages 4–11), exchange and refund policies match those of the accompanying adult’s ticket ^[12].

Quick Tips

Main Points

Here’s what you need to know about the Paris–Brussels train route:

• Route Details: The train departs from Paris Gare du Nord and arrives at Brussels Midi, covering about 164 miles (264 km) ^[1].
• Travel Time: Direct trains take just 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete the journey ^[1].
• Daily Trains: Around 33 trains run daily, with schedules broken down as follows:

• Budget Tips:
  • Reserve tickets 6 to 8 months in advance to lock in the best prices ^[13].
  • Use price alerts to get notified about discounts ^[13].
  • Travel during off-peak hours to find cheaper fares.
  • Look for special fares for children under 12 ^[13].
• Extra Savings: Turn on app notifications for deals and, if you’re a frequent traveler, consider SNCF discount cards ^[13].