Paris to Brussels train with Eurostar

Transportation experience

I discovered Ouigo’s offer through the Omio app. As always, the booking process was seamless, and I was able to easily compare Ouigo’s fares with those of Eurostar.

The grand facade of Paris Gare du Nord train station.

Schedule & frequency

There are three round trips per day between the two capitals (but you can always rely on Eurostar’s hourly service if the Ouigo schedule doesn’t work for you). You’ll find one departure in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening in each direction. The journey takes around three hours, which is twice as long as Eurostar—but at a fraction of the cost.

Onboard experience & services

Ouigo offers only one class of service, although one coach has “XL seats.” There’s no onboard service since it’s a low-cost offering. There’s no Wi-Fi onboard, but according to Ouigo, it’s planned for the future. As for power outlets, I found some on my train, but it seems to be random—some coaches are equipped with outlets on the wall, while others are not. However, the staff is quite friendly. I personally found the seat more comfortable compared to Eurostar. It’s older but comfier. Since there’s no food or drink service onboard, be sure to bring your own snacks and water. I just brought a bottle of water, and that was more than enough for the three-hour journey. Scenery The scenery is especially beautiful near Saint-Quentin and Mons, as the route winds through the hilly terrain close to the Belgian Ardennes. You’ll pass picturesque little villages with brick façades, which are very typical of northern France and the Wallonia region of Belgium.

The interior of an Ouigo train car with rows of seats.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

I paid €19 for my journey, even when booking just a week in advance. Ouigo prices are consistently affordable and rarely exceed €30. Total cost for one passenger:

Top tips & recommendations

• Book early to get the best fares.
• Bring your own food and drinks onboard.
• Visit Brussels Central station for a more beautiful experience.

Conclusion

Even though it takes twice as long as Eurostar, the price is unbeatable. I found the classic route much more relaxed and scenic. So, if you’re not in a hurry, taking the Ouigo train from Paris to Brussels might just be the best decision you can make for your trip.