Trains to Brussels

Brussels is a major rail hub in Europe, connecting cities across Belgium and beyond. Here’s what you need to know:

• Main Stations:
  • Brussels-Midi: Handles international trains like Eurostar and Thalys.
  • Brussels-Central: Located near Grand Place, ideal for local attractions.
  • Brussels-North: Focuses on domestic routes.
• International Routes:
  • London (2h, from $62)
  • Paris (1h 22m, from $31.50)
  • Amsterdam (1h 49m, from $27.20)
• Domestic Travel:
  SNCB operates Belgium’s trains with fixed pricing, no reservations needed. Example: Brussels to Bruges, $18.50 (2nd class).
• Getting Around:
  Brussels’ metro, tram, and bus systems connect stations to hotels and attractions.
• Seasonal Tips:
  • Winter: Fewer crowds, some delays.
  • Summer: Book early due to high demand.
  • Shoulder seasons: Best for fewer tourists and affordable fares.

Whether you’re traveling internationally or exploring Belgium, Brussels’ rail system is efficient and easy to navigate.

How to travel Belgium by train

Main Train Stations in Brussels

Brussels is served by three major train stations along a north-south axis, each offering a range of services and excellent connectivity.

Brussels Midi Station

Brussels Midi (known as Gare du Midi in French and Zuidstation in Dutch) is the city’s main international rail hub, located at 47B Avenue Fonsny. With 22 platforms ^[1], it handles high-speed international services like Eurostar and Thalys.

Here’s what you’ll find at Brussels Midi:

• Separate ticket offices for domestic and international travel
• Luggage storage with lockers in various sizes, available for online booking
• Dining options, including Carrefour Express and Brasserie Europa
• A premium waiting area at the Pullman Hotel bar
• Convenient access with elevators, escalators, and stairs connecting platforms to the main concourse

"I have to admit that Brussels Midi isn’t my favourite station." – The Man in Seat 61 ^[1]

Brussels Central Station

Brussels Central (Gare Centrale/Brussel Centraal) is located in the city center, just a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place. It connects travelers to major attractions and serves all domestic Belgian trains, as well as key intercity routes like those to Luxembourg and the Brussels–Rotterdam–Amsterdam corridor.

Brussels North Station

Brussels North (Gare du Nord/Noordstation) focuses primarily on domestic routes and offers direct tram connections to downtown Brussels via lines 3 and 4.

For international travel, plan ahead: allow at least 20 minutes for standard transfers and 50 minutes for Eurostar connections, which include a check-in process.

Next, we’ll dive into the rail operators that link Brussels to the rest of Europe.

Rail Companies and Services

Brussels is a key rail hub in Europe, offering extensive international and domestic train connections. Here’s an overview of the main operators and their services.

International Train Services

Eurostar provides high-speed train connections from Brussels to major European cities. Direct routes include:

• London St Pancras
• Paris Nord
• Amsterdam Central
• Rotterdam Central
• Lille Europe

Fares start at $62 one-way to London and $32 one-way to Paris for standard class tickets ^[2]. Reservations are required, and ticket prices vary based on demand. Eurostar also offers premium service classes with access to lounges and at-seat dining.

While international routes require reservations and use dynamic pricing, domestic travel is simpler with SNCB/NMBS.

Belgian National Rail Services

The Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB/NMBS) manages all domestic train services in Belgium. These trains operate on a straightforward "turn up, buy a ticket, and board" system with fixed pricing based on distance. No advance reservations are needed, and passengers can choose between 1st and 2nd class.

Here’s a look at typical fares:

SNCB/NMBS also provides helpful services, including mobility assistance, bike spaces on most trains, pet travel policies, and special commuter arrangements. The network integrates with local public transport, offering combined tickets for seamless travel across different modes.

Train Routes and Connections

Here’s a closer look at Brussels’ key train routes and connections, building on the overview of rail companies and services.

From Brussels-Midi station, both high-speed and domestic trains make it easy to reach destinations across Europe and Belgium.

Cross-Border Train Routes

High-speed trains from Brussels-Midi connect directly to major European cities. Below are some key routes, their travel times, and starting fares:

For budget travelers, a new option launched on December 19, 2024, offers three daily trains between Brussels and Paris via the classic line. These journeys take around 3 hours, with fares ranging from $10.90 to $64.20 ^[3].

Tips for Travelers:

• For London-bound trains, arrive at the time specified on your ticket.
• For other international departures, aim to be at the station at least 20 minutes early.
• If your trip involves security checks or platform changes, allow at least one hour for connections.

Belgian Train Routes

Belgium’s domestic rail system uses a fixed, distance-based pricing model, making it easy to plan trips. Major routes from Brussels include:

• Brussels-Bruges: Two trains per hour provide regular service.
• Brussels-Ghent: Frequent connections are available throughout the day.
• Brussels-Antwerp: Multiple departures daily.
• Brussels-Liège: Modern trains run regularly on this route.

Trains depart from all three main Brussels stations – Midi, Central, and North. However, international services primarily operate from Brussels-Midi. For up-to-date schedules and platform details, visit belgianrail.be. Note that international departures from Brussels-Midi, especially those from platforms 1-6 (used by Eurostar and ICE services), include security checks ^[3].

Up next: Learn about the various ways to purchase train tickets.

Buying Train Tickets

How to Purchase Tickets

You have several ways to buy Brussels train tickets, thanks to the Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB), which offers options for different preferences.

• Online and Mobile
  Use the SNCB website or mobile app for secure payments, storing tickets digitally, rebooking your favorite routes, and checking your full ticket purchase history.
• At the Station
  Visit staffed ticket offices or use vending machines at Brussels train stations. These accept both cash and card payments, making it convenient for all travelers.

Ticket Classes and Pricing

SNCB offers two ticket classes: standard (2nd class) and first class, with first class providing extra comfort and perks. Ticket prices depend on the distance traveled, starting at $2.50 for short trips and going up to $26.00 for longer journeys within Belgium. This range ensures options for all budgets.

Here’s a quick overview of ticket types:

*On-board purchases may include an extra service fee.
**Discount options cover journalists, military personnel, kids, large families, and others eligible for preferential rates.

Special Ticket Options

SNCB also offers tickets tailored to specific needs:

• Weekend Tickets: Reduced rates for travel on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Youth Tickets: Affordable fares for travelers under 26.
• Senior Tickets: Discounts for passengers aged 65 and over.
• Family Discounts: Savings for groups traveling together.

For airport connections, note that Brussels Airport routes require an additional supplement, while Charleroi Airport tickets must be purchased ahead of time.

Extra Services

Need to bring your bike or pet? SNCB has you covered. You can buy supplementary tickets for both through any booking channel.

Station to Hotel Transport

Public Transit Links

Brussels boasts a well-connected public transit system managed by STIB/MIVB. From Brussels-Midi, you can hop on metro, tram, or bus services that take you straight into central Brussels. Brussels-Central, right in the middle of the tourist hub, offers easy access to many hotels with frequent transit options. At Brussels-North, you’ll find connections to metro, tram, and bus lines, although amenities like luggage storage are currently limited due to ongoing renovations. If public transit isn’t your preference, there are other ways to get around.

Other Transport Methods

If you’d rather skip public transit, taxis and luggage storage services are worth considering.

Taxi Services: Taking a taxi without a reservation typically starts at $2.85, with an additional $2.52 per kilometer and $0.66 per minute of waiting time. Between 10 PM and 6 AM, there’s a night surcharge of about $2.19, and the minimum fare is around $8.77. Pre-booking a taxi can save you some money, with starting fees reduced to about $1.64 ^[5].

Luggage Storage: At Brussels-Midi Station, lockers are available 24/7. Brussels-Central also offers storage, though availability is limited. However, Brussels-North currently doesn’t have locker facilities due to ongoing reconstruction. Alternatively, services like Nannybag provide storage options across Brussels for a flat fee of approximately $6.57 per day, regardless of luggage size ^[6].

Getting Around Brussels

City Transit System

Brussels has a well-connected transit network managed by STIB-MIVB, which includes metro, tram, and bus services. The metro consists of four lines linking key areas of the city, while the tram system spans 87 miles (140.6 km) of track. Some tram lines even run underground, forming part of the Premetro system.

For travel within the city, you can use the Brupass system and the MoBIB card. These allow for single rides, day passes, or subscriptions across metro, tram, bus, and regional services. The Floya app makes it easy to plan routes and buy tickets ^[7]. If you’re out late on weekends, the Noctis night buses provide service when regular transit options stop running.

If you’re planning to explore beyond Brussels, the city’s integrated transit network makes day trips simple and hassle-free.

Popular Day Trips

Brussels’ transit system also serves as a gateway to nearby attractions. The Belgian rail network offers convenient access to regional destinations, and from May 1 to October 31, the Waterbus connects Vilvoorde to central Brussels via a scenic water route.

The Infrabel railway network operates eight lines and serves 29 stations across Brussels ^[4]. Recent upgrades include better cycling paths and improved connections at train stations. With integrated ticketing, you can use a single MoBIB card or the SNCB app to switch between different transit modes with ease ^[8].

Travel by Season

Winter Train Travel

Winter in Brussels is cold and often rainy, with daytime temperatures ranging from 39-45°F and overnight lows in the mid-30s°F ^[10]. While trains generally run on schedule, occasional weather-related delays can happen. December’s Christmas markets near Brussels Central Station are a major attraction, drawing large crowds ^[9]. Shorter daylight hours might influence your travel plans, but off-peak travel during this season means fewer crowds and better ticket availability ^[9]. As temperatures begin to rise later in the season, travel conditions and crowd sizes start to shift.

Summer Train Travel

Summers in Brussels bring temperatures in the low 70s°F, along with peak tourist activity ^[9]. Domestic and international train routes, especially Eurostar services to London and Paris, often operate at full capacity. During this busy period, booking your tickets well in advance is crucial, as fares can vary widely depending on availability ^[2].

Holiday Period Travel

Holidays in Brussels mean larger crowds and possible schedule adjustments. Cultural events during these times can further increase foot traffic, so be prepared for potential changes in service. The shoulder seasons – March through May and September through October – offer milder temperatures and fewer tourists, making them an excellent choice for those seeking more affordable fares and less crowded trains. Train schedules generally remain stable during these months, without the challenges of summer crowds or winter weather.

Here’s a quick breakdown of seasonal patterns:

With Brussels’ oceanic climate, rain is possible year-round ^[10]. Be prepared for wet conditions when traveling between stations. Knowing these seasonal trends can help you plan smarter and enjoy a smoother travel experience throughout the year.

Summary

Brussels is a key rail hub in Europe, anchored by its three main stations: Midi, Central, and North. Brussels Midi serves as the primary station for international travel, Brussels Central connects visitors to the historic center, and Brussels North completes this critical network. Together, these stations form the core of the city’s transport system.

Managed by STIB/MIVB, Brussels’ public transit network includes metro, tram, and bus services, ensuring extensive connectivity across the city. For those looking for alternative options, the Villo! bike-sharing program offers an eco-friendly way to get around.

With SNCB’s domestic rail services seamlessly linked to international routes and the city’s public transit, Brussels provides a smooth and efficient travel experience. This well-connected system operates reliably year-round, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Related Blog Posts

• London to Brussels by train
• Brussels to Antwerp by train
• Trains to Bruges
• Brussels to Amsterdam by train