- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
A major complex of art museums covering Flemish masters, Old Masters, and modern art. One of Brussels' essential cultural visits for its scale and national importance.
Cheapest price
$261
Average price
$343
Fastest journey
1 h 57 m
Average duration
1 h 59 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
320 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Brussels is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Brussels will cost around $343 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $261.
Of the 10 trains that leave London for Brussels on Fri, Jun 05, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 320 km distance in an average of 1 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 57 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 1 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9110
9158
9152
9106
9148
9106
9114
9126
9158
9110Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $129.
Distance: 198 miles (320 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$307 Average price | $78 Average price Cheapest | $377 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Brussels:
A bus is $229 (€185) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Brussels costing on average $307 (€248).
A bus is $299 (€241) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Brussels costing on average $377 (€305).
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 18m.
Bus takes on average 6h 40m.
Tickets start at around $307 (€248) compared to roughly $45 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-262.58 (€-211.99). The journey takes 5h 18m versus 5h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for London to Brussels trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9158 | 7:34 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h01 | 10:35 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 5 | |||||
9106 | 6:16 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 1h57 | 9:13 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9110 | 7:04 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h01 | 10:05 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9114 | 8:16 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 1h57 | 11:13 AM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9116 | 9:01 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h04 | 12:05 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9126 | 11:04 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h01 | 2:05 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9132 | 1:01 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h05 | 4:06 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9140 | 3:04 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h01 | 6:05 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9148 | 5:04 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h01 | 8:05 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
9152 | 6:04 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 2h05 | 9:09 PM Brussels-Midi | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
By Claire Martin
One of the easiest ways to travel from the UK to mainland Europe is the London to Brussels train. I recently took it for the first time, so this guide will detail all you need to know, including a budget breakdown, the travel experience and my helpful insider tips.

The departure board and a large clock inside London St Pancras International station.
This train journey connects London St Pancras with Brussels-Midi/Zuid. The London to Brussels train time is only two hours and two minutes. I left at 10 am, had just one quick stop in Lille, and was there at 1 pm local time (as Belgium is one hour ahead of the UK). The route includes the Channel Tunnel, an underwater passageway linking Folkestone in the UK to Calais in France. Then, it journeys to and crosses the Belgian border before reaching the capital.
For me, taking the train from London to Brussels was an obvious choice. Its start and end points are both in the city centers, and the wait time at either end is minimal, making it by far the most convenient way to travel from the UK to Belgium. Making the same journey? You can easily secure tickets on Omio — I simply selected the ticket and time, and it was ready to go on my app after paying. I only needed to scan the QR code at the gates!
After departing London, the train traveled through Kent to make its way to Folkestone, following the same route as the London to Paris train. Although I couldn’t see much, a highlight was passing through the Channel Tunnel – it sits 75 meters underwater in the seabed. In Calais, the train heads north to Lille and over the French/Belgian border before reaching the capital, nearly 320 kilometers from the starting point. In Brussels, Midi-Zuid is around a 10-minute train ride to Brussels Central Train Station. You can also transit here for stations in Germany and the Netherlands (I went to Aachen in Germany).
London St Pancras Station is in the city center and easy to reach on the London Underground. Trains from the Midlands and South London stop here, and it’s next to King’s Cross Station with trains to the north of England and Scotland. I arrived 90 minutes before the train left and went through security (liquids are permitted, and you don’t need to remove electronics) before passing British and French immigration. In the waiting area, there’s a Pret a Manger cafe and World Duty Free. Lots of seats are available, although they fill up at peak times.
There are around nine trains per day connecting London and Brussels, and they run roughly every two hours.
I traveled in Standard Class, which had comfy seats with lots of legroom, fold-down tables and charging outlets; there are sometimes upgrade deals, but on this occasion I thought standard was best value for money. Food is only provided in Standard Premier and Business Class, but there’s a cafe selling sandwiches and drinks. Business Premier has all the perks of Standard Premier, plus flexible tickets and lounge access. The cafe can be a bit pricey, though. I paid £7.50 for a coffee and pastry, but visiting the onboard cafe is a nice way to break up the journey! WiFi is also available on the train, but it can be spotty throughout the journey. I wouldn’t recommend relying on it.

The interior of the Eurostar cafe bar with a passenger standing at the counter.
Should I take the train or bus from London to Brussels? Buses from London to Brussels take between 7 hours 30 minutes and 9 hours 30 minutes. Personally, I’d always book the train because it’s so much quicker, which means I don’t need to waste a day traveling or have an uncomfortable overnight sleep. Should I take the train or fly from London to Brussels? Flights from London to Brussels take around 1 hour 10 minutes. However, it typically takes longer to get to and from the airport, and you need to arrive several hours earlier. Taking the train is cheaper, not to mention better for the environment, too! Book as early as possible! You can reserve your tickets from 8 months before the departure. Prices vary throughout the day, with late morning and early afternoon usually being the most expensive. Here’s a breakdown of everything I spent:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €80 |
| Food & drinks | €7.50 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 87.5 |
The London to Brussels train is a quick, easy hop from the UK to the European mainland – and it’s often the same price as flying or less. It's just as scenic as a journey by bus yet much more comfortable. So next time you need to travel, get your tickets on Omio for a hassle-free experience.
Trains from London to Brussels run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $133 (€107) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:50, the last at 21:26. The fastest train covers the 198 miles (320 km) distance in 1h 57m.
Distance 198 miles (320 km) |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 (€107) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 5:50 AM |
Last train 9:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
A major complex of art museums covering Flemish masters, Old Masters, and modern art. One of Brussels' essential cultural visits for its scale and national importance.
Dedicated to René Magritte, this museum holds the world's largest collection of his works. It is a standout stop for surrealism lovers and one of Brussels' most famous museums.
A contemporary art museum known for street art, digital culture, and youth-oriented exhibitions. It became especially popular with younger visitors and on social media.
A landscaped cultural hill linking the upper and lower city, known for its formal gardens and classic skyline view. It is one of Brussels' best walking and photography spots.
A beautiful 19th-century covered arcade with elegant glass roofing and historic atmosphere. It is one of the city's most photogenic and fashionable passages.
A grand urban park laid out around monumental buildings and the Cinquantenaire Arch. Ideal for a walk, photos, and combining with nearby museums.
Brussels’ classic pairing of mussels steamed with white wine, celery, and herbs, served with crisp fries. It is one of the city’s most iconic and widely loved meals.
A traditional Belgian beef and onion stew slowly cooked with dark beer, often slightly sweet-sour and served with fries or bread. It is a staple of local brasserie cuisine.
A comforting Brussels side dish of mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or spinach, often served with sausage or meat.
Well-regarded Belgian restaurant serving regional classics, strong beer pairings, and seasonal ingredients in a cozy, old-Brussels dining room.
One of Brussels’ landmark fine-dining restaurants, celebrated for refined Belgian-influenced cuisine, polished service, and an elegant Art Nouveau setting.
Popular traditional restaurant near Sainte-Catherine known for generous Belgian comfort food, beer-based stews, and an unfussy, bustling atmosphere.
Moderate by Western European standards. Beer, waffles, and transit are reasonable; hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Brussels-Midi -> Brussels-Central
With the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) by the European Union, it is now required for non-EU nationals to register each time they enter or leave the Schengen Area. This new system is especially relevant for UK travelers on services like Eurostar. While a valid passport has always been required for border crossings, the EES adds a new step to the process. To ensure a smooth journey, please make sure you have all necessary travel documents prepared.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| General Information | Eurostar is a high-speed train service connecting London (UK) with cities in mainland Europe including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Lille. All immigration and customs checks are performed before boarding the train. |
| Visa Required | ✅ |
| Visa Requirement Details | UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the Schengen Area. Other nationalities may require a Schengen visa. |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | ✅ |
| ETA Details | From 2025, non-visa nationals (including most EU citizens) traveling to the UK will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This is a separate requirement from the EU's EES. |
| E-Visa | ❌ |
| E-Visa Link | Visas are not arranged through an e-visa system for most short-stay purposes; they must be applied for in advance through the relevant embassy or consulate. |
| Visa On Arrival (At The Border) | ❌ |
| Visa On Arrival Details | Visas are not issued at the Eurostar terminal. You must have all required travel documents and visas in advance of your journey. |
| Passport Validity | For travel to the Schengen Area, your passport must be less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the EU. For travel to the UK, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. |
| Immigration Process | Passengers pass through both UK exit checks and the destination country's entry immigration at the departure station before boarding. This is different from bus travel where the process is at the border. |
| Entry/Exit System (EES) | ✅ |
| EES Details | The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamping for non-EU nationals (including UK citizens). You will register your fingerprints and have a facial scan at a self-service kiosk. This information is stored for three years. On subsequent trips, you will only need to provide a facial scan. |
| Border Crossing Time | The entire pre-boarding process (including security, immigration, and customs) typically takes 45-60 minutes, though it can be longer during peak periods. It is recommended to arrive 60-90 minutes before departure. |
| Luggage Check Or Custom Inspection | ✅ |
| Luggage Check Or Custom Inspection Details | All luggage is X-rayed at the security check before you proceed to passport control. Customs checks are conducted by border officials, with a focus on restricted and prohibited items. |
| Luggage Allowance | 2 pieces of luggage (up to 85cm long) + 1 piece of hand luggage for Standard and Standard Premier tickets. Business Premier tickets allow 3 main bags. There is no weight limit, but you must be able to carry your own bags. |
| Prohibited Items | E-scooters, hoverboards, and knives with blades longer than 75mm are prohibited. There are restrictions on the amount of alcohol you can carry. |
| Bus Companies | Not applicable; this is a train service. |
| Loyalty Program | ✅ |
| Loyalty Program Details | Club Eurostar is the loyalty program. Members earn points for every Euro spent on tickets, which can be redeemed for free tickets, upgrades, and discounts. You can add your membership details when booking. |
| Check-in Process | You must check in by scanning your ticket at the automated gates. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure for most tickets. |
| Common Scams | Not applicable at the secure station terminals. Passengers should be aware of standard travel scams (e.g., pickpocketing in crowded areas). |
| Tips For A Smooth Trip | Arrive early (60-90 minutes before departure). Have your passport and tickets ready. Use the new EES kiosks for a quicker process. Place luggage on the X-ray scanner belt and walk through the metal detector. |
| Border Opening Hours | The Eurostar terminal's security and passport control area typically opens 90 minutes before the first departure and closes 30 minutes before the last departure. The train service itself does not run 24/7. |
| Travel Insurance | Strongly recommended. Not checked at the border, but essential for medical emergencies, delays, or theft. |
| Photos And Phones | Do not take photos or videos inside the secure immigration and customs areas. It may be considered a security breach. |
| Emergency Contact | Keep the local embassy/consulate contact details for the country you are visiting, along with Eurostar's customer service number. |
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Brussels by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Brussels, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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