- Must visit
Magritte Museum
Major collection of René Magritte works in the Royal Museums complex, essential for Belgian surrealism fans.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harelbeke to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, and a bus costs an average of $14.
Distance: 45 miles (73 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Harelbeke to Brussels:
A train is $1 (€1) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Harelbeke to Brussels costing on average $20 (€16).
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 55m.
You'll arrive about 8m sooner (1h 2m by train vs 1h 10m by car). Tickets start at around $19 (€15) compared to roughly $18 (€14) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Intercity, SNCB.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Harelbeke to Brussels run on average 24 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:18, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 45 miles (73 km) distance in 1h 19m.
Distance 45 miles (73 km) |
Average train duration 1h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 19m |
First train 12:18 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Brussels — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brussels trip today.
Major collection of René Magritte works in the Royal Museums complex, essential for Belgian surrealism fans.
Flagship fine arts complex with Old Masters and Belgian art, one of the city’s most important museum visits.
Celebrated museum in a landmark Art Nouveau building, known for its global instrument collection and audio-guided displays.
Landscaped cultural hill with one of the city’s best postcard views, especially popular for photos at sunset.
Historic covered shopping arcade known for elegant architecture and a polished old-world atmosphere.
Stylish square in one of Brussels’ most attractive districts, appreciated for antiques, architecture, and atmosphere.
Mussels steamed with white wine, celery, and herbs, served with fries. It is one of Brussels’ most iconic brasserie dishes.
A rich Belgian beef stew slow-cooked with dark beer and onions, traditionally served with fries or bread. It is a classic comfort dish in Brussels.
A rustic mash of potatoes with seasonal vegetables such as carrots, leeks, or spinach, often served with sausage. The vegetable mash itself is a local staple.
One of Brussels’ most famous fine-dining addresses, offering refined Belgian-influenced cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
A respected Belgian bistro serving regional dishes and strong beer pairings, popular for authentic cooking and a cozy old-Brussels feel.
A beloved traditional restaurant known for generous portions of carbonnade, stoemp, and other Belgian comfort food in an informal atmosphere.
Moderate for Western Europe: budget eats are manageable, but hotels and central restaurants cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are optional.
Official public transport app
Brussels-Midi, Brussels -> Brussels-Central, Brussels
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harelbeke 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.

Most Harelbeke to Brussels trains use the Harelbeke to Bruxelles-Central station pair, with some services arriving at Bruxelles-Midi. Use this guide to compare Harelbeke and Brussels train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Harelbeke has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Harelbeke.
ATMs are available at Harelbeke.
Available at Harelbeke: Parking, WC.
Available at Harelbeke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Harelbeke.
Bruxelles-Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Starbucks, Brasserie 28 Brewery, Panos, Delitraiteur Eat & Go
Free Wi-Fi available in Starbucks. ATMs are aTM machine is downstairs from the main entrance on the right side.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:15 - 22:00. Information desks are travel Center / information desk is located on the left side from the main entrance.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 0 near Platforms 1 and 2.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Central: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with limited mobility: elevators and escalators to platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, barrier-free toilets and accessible parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Brussels Grand Palace, Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l'Europe, Hôtel The Moon.
Bruxelles-Midi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pullman Hotel Bar, Quick Gare du Midi, Subway, EXKi Zuid, Starbucks, Häagen-Dazs, Sbarro, The Coffee Club, The Belgian Chocolate House, PAUL, & many more
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Midi: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
Brussels-Nord is 1 km from Brussels city centre. Public transport options include:
Brussels-Nord has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Chabrol Brasserie, Winok Café, Félix Wine Bar
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Brussels-Nord. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Brussels-Nord. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brussels-Nord: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brussels-Nord: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Progress, Hilton Brussels City, Hotel Siru.
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