You will depart from London St Pancras, located right in the city center of London, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the journey while you arrive in Bruxelles Central, also located in the heart of Brussels.
You will depart from London St Pancras, located right in the city center of London, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the journey while you arrive in Bruxelles Central, also located in the heart of Brussels.
Exploring Europe by Train: London to Brussels in the Shortest Duration!
Are you looking to explore Europe in the quickest and most efficient way possible? Look no further than the train journey from London to Brussels. This scenic ride is full of historical cities, towns, and iconic sights, all while covering the distance of 320 km (199 mi) in just 2 hours. Passing through the UK and Belgium, the journey is a perfect way to travel from one of Europe's most iconic cities to another.
From London St-Pancras, travelers pass through Lille-Europe station in France, before arriving at Brussels-Central. This journey will have you come across major cities like Ashford, Dover, and Calais, as well as smaller towns, like Hazebrouck and Mouscron. This all adds up to a truly different experience of Europe in a relatively short space of time.
When departing from London, one of the most iconic sights is the London Eye – the world’s largest Ferris wheel. Upon arrival in Brussels, travelers are treated to the iconic Grand Place – a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features a stunning Gothic Town Hall, the brilliant Breadhouse, and an array of restaurants and cafés.
Traveling by train remains one of the most exciting ways to see Europe, and the London to Brussels route is one of the most efficient connections!
London is a city of unparalleled historical and architectural significance. From the iconic clock tower of Big Ben to the grandiose Westminster Abbey, it is a place for sightseeing and exploration. With so much to see and experience, planning an ideal trip to London can be overwhelming. Here is a list of must-visit historical and architectural sites and what to eat that will help create a memorable experience in this captivating city.
Big Ben: This iconic clock tower, located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, is one of London’s most recognizable symbols. It was built in 1859 and stands at a height of 96 meters. Take a walk around the clock to take in its breathtaking interior and exterior. Opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 11 PM with entry free of charge.
Westminster Abbey: This Gothic landmark is one of the UK's most renowned religious sites, having been the site of countless royal coronations and weddings. Explore the ornate interiors and take in its architectural majesty. Open 7 days a week; 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Entrance fee is £20.
Tower of London: The Tower of London is one of the city’s oldest structures, and a historically important symbol of the monarchy. Its walls have witnessed moments from England’s history, including the imprisonment of famous figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Anne Boleyn. Opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM; entrance fee is £25.
Shakespeare’s Globe: Step inside this replica of the famous theatre where the famous bard wrote some of his best work. Take a tour of the site and its exhibition. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM; entrance fee is £17.
Buckingham Palace: Get a glimpse into the life of the Royal Family by taking a tour of this magnificent palace. Opening hours are from 8:45 AM to 3 PM; entrance fee is £19.
St. Paul's Cathedral: Explore this iconic landmark, erected in 1675 and home to the famous ‘Whispering Gallery’. Opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; entrance fee is £19.
Tate Modern: From the works of legends such as Picasso and Matisse to some of the brightest stars of the art world, this modern art museum is one of the best places to take in the city's vibrant culture.Opening hours are from 10 AM to 6 PM; entrance fee is free.
For true foodies, London is a gastronomic hotspot. As a rule of thumb, nearly everything can be found in the capital, from traditional British favourites such as fish and chips, to exotic international cuisines. For a truly unique experience, search for a food truck or a street pop-up and sample some of the best dishes from local chefs.
Whether you’re visiting alone or with a group, London has something to offer to everyone. From its iconic landmarks and monuments to its vibrant culture and international cuisine, it is a city that is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Imagine wandering through a city where every corner reveals a story, and every building whispers tales of the past. Brussels, the heart of Europe, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and culinary delights that will leave you enchanted.
Grand Place: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the city's centerpiece, surrounded by opulent guildhalls. Open year-round, it’s free to explore, but visit during the Flower Carpet event in August for a stunning display.
Atomium: An iconic structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, entrance is around €16. Don’t miss the panoramic view from the top!
Manneken Pis: This quirky statue embodies the city's humor. Located near the Grand Place, it’s free to see. Check the schedule for costume changes for a fun twist!
Royal Palace of Brussels: The official palace of the King of the Belgians, open to the public during summer. Entrance is free, and the gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Saint-Michel and Saint-Gudule Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture. Open daily, entrance is free, but donations are appreciated. Attend a mass for a unique experience.
Magritte Museum: Dive into surrealism with works by René Magritte. Open daily, tickets are about €10. Combine your visit with the nearby Fine Arts Museum for a full cultural immersion.
Belgian Waffles and Chocolate: No trip is complete without indulging in these delights. Try local shops like Maison Dandoy for waffles and Pierre Marcolini for exquisite chocolates.
Exploring Brussels is like stepping into a living museum, where each landmark and dish tells a story. From the grandeur of the Grand Place to the whimsical charm of Manneken Pis, your journey through this vibrant city will be unforgettable.
The main train station of London is London Waterloo, one of the busiest railway stations in Britain. Located in the heart of the city, it is very close to the South Bank of the Thames, providing excellent tubes, buses and taxis connections to other points in the capital. Other than Waterloo, there are important stations such as London Euston, King's Cross and Paddington.
London Waterloo is open 24/7 and offers free WiFi, shops, restaurants and pubs. It also provides online ticket services and assistance for disabled passengers. To get in contact with the station, you can call them at 020 7619 1915 or send an email to customer@networkrail.co.uk. Handily, you can store your luggage at the station for up to 24 hours, making it easier to explore London.
The main train station of Brussels is Brussels Central Station, a key hub for both local and international travel. This station connects travelers to various destinations across Belgium and beyond, including Brussels Midi and Brussels North, which are also significant stations in the city. Brussels Central is conveniently located near popular attractions, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city.
Brussels Central Station is situated at Rue de l'Intendant 1, 1000 Brussels. The station operates daily from 5:00 AM to midnight, providing ample time for travelers. For those needing to store their belongings, luggage storage services are available, ensuring a hassle-free experience while you enjoy the sights of Brussels.
Book in Advance:
Just like with airfares, train ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking weeks or even months in advance can save you a significant amount.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours:
Avoid traveling during peak times such as weekday mornings and evenings. Opt for midday, late evening, or mid-week rides when there's less demand.
Consider Slower Trains or non direct routes:
Express or high-speed trains might save time, but they're often pricier. Opting for regional or slower services can reduce your fare.
Look for Special Deals and Promotions:
Train operators occasionally have promotions or special deals, especially during off-peak seasons. It's worth signing up for newsletters. Additionally, there are sometimes group or return ticket discounts, so consider these options if they fit your travel plans.