- Must visit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Premier fine arts complex with Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections, essential for understanding Belgian and European art.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Cardiff to Brussels
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff 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 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €42, and a flight costs an average of €25.
Distance: 328 miles (529 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€105 Average price Cheapest | €355 Average price | €65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 59m Average total duration 15h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Brussels is a bus with an average price of €105.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Brussels:
A bus is €250 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cardiff to Brussels costing on average €355.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Brussels is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 4m.
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 29m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Brussels including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Brussels among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Brussels by bus or flight
Compare 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Brussels
United Kingdom
Belgium
Take a train from Cardiff to Brussels and enjoy the approximately 328 miles (529 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:53, the last at 17:30.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €25
Distance 328 miles (529 km) |
First train 5:53 AM |
Last train 5:30 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €25
Complete guide to Brussels
Things to do in Brussels
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
- Must visit
Magritte Museum
Dedicated to surrealist René Magritte, this popular museum presents major works and context for one of Belgium’s most celebrated artists.
- Must visit
Comics Art Museum
Leading comic art museum in a Horta-designed building, highlighting Tintin, the Smurfs, and Belgium’s influential comics culture.
- Must visit
Grand Place
Grand square at Brussels’ heart, lined with ornate guildhalls and lively events, perfect for first-time visitors and evening atmosphere.
- Must visit
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Large urban park with the triumphal arch, museums, and wide lawns, excellent for walking, picnics, and classic city photographs.
- Must visit
Mont des Arts
Popular hilltop viewpoint and garden terrace with one of the best panoramas over central Brussels, especially at sunset.
Moules-Frites
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery and onion, often served with fries. A Brussels brasserie classic, especially popular in mussel season.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Frites
Double-fried potato fries, traditionally served in paper cones with sauces. They are a point of national pride and central to everyday Belgian street food.
Carbonnade Flamande
A rich beef and onion stew braised with Belgian dark beer. It is a beloved comfort dish found in traditional Brussels restaurants.
Bozar Restaurant
Two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Karen Torosyan, celebrated for pâté en croûte and inventive fine dining in an intimate setting.
Brasserie La Paix
Elegant Belle Époque brasserie serving refined Belgian classics, seafood and game in a grand old-world dining room.
Maison Dandoy
Famous casual stop for Brussels waffles with many toppings. Popular, fast-moving and central for a classic sweet local treat.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and transit are manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €3-5 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
STIB-MIVB
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
Brussels-Midi -> Brussels-Central
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Contactless payment works on STIB-MIVB buses, trams, and metro via tap validators. A contactless fare is valid for 60 min.
- Brussels-Midi is served by SNCB/NMBS trains and STIB-MIVB metro, tram, and bus. Validate the correct ticket or payment method before boarding.
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Brussels
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Brussels is 328 miles (529 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Brussels leaves at 5:53 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Brussels leaves at 5:30 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to Brussels.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Brussels is by bus, with a cost of around €42.
The train journey from Cardiff to Brussels offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. As you travel through the UK, you can enjoy views of the rolling countryside and picturesque towns. Crossing the English Channel provides a unique experience via the Eurotunnel, although the tunnel itself is not scenic. Once in Belgium, the route includes charming villages and lush greenery before arriving in the vibrant city of Brussels.
In Brussels, explore the vibrant Marolles district with its antique shops and street art, and enjoy a stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire with its impressive arches and museums. Sample Belgian chocolates at the city's renowned chocolatiers, and experience the lively Saint-Géry district's trendy bars and cafes. Attend a performance at the historic La Monnaie opera house. Don't miss top sights like the opulent Grand Place, Atomium for panoramic views, the iconic Manneken Pis statue, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Magritte Museum.
For a fulfilling experience in Brussels, plan on spending 2 to 3 days to explore key attractions such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and various museums, as well as to enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
No, you cannot take the train from Cardiff to Brussels.
Brussels is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Brussels include Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille, Rotterdam.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Brussels among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Belgium uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find card payments widely accepted in cities, restaurants, and shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Brussels, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Grand Place, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake petitions. It's advisable to stay vigilant, avoid displaying expensive items, and use official taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Brussels
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Brussels and Cardiff
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