London to Brussels train with Eurostar

Important Travel Information: EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

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.

Eurostar Cross-Border Travel Information

Traveling From London to Brussels by Train

Introduction

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.

Route Overview

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.

Transportation Experience

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!

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!

Route Details

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.

Arrival and Departure Stations

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.

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).

Schedule and Frequency

There are around nine trains per day connecting London and Brussels, and they run roughly every two hours.

Onboard Experience and Services

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.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

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:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Food can be expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget, buy something before boarding. Fill your water bottle at St Pancras Station before leaving (liquid is allowed through security, although large bottles may be screened).
• Delays can happen. Leave at least an hour if you’re connecting in Brussels. If you miss your connection, you should be able to board the next train.
• Store baggage. Stash bags overhead, between seats, or in the luggage racks at the end of the train.
• Factor in travel time to London St Pancras. Also, add some extra time, just in case of any unexpected delays. Eurostar recommends arriving at least 60 minutes before - personally, I’d give it two hours, just in case!

Conclusion

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.

About the Author: Claire Martin

Job Title: Travel Journalist and Content Creator Bio: I’m a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.