Thinking of travelling from London to Brussels by train? Befitting these two marvelous modern cities, the high-speed train route connecting London and Brussels is a miracle of modernity. This guide will have all the tips you need to make the journey by train from London UK to Brussels Belgium a smashing success!

Overview of train services

The primary high-speed train operator for the route between London and Brussels is Eurostar.

Eurostar

Eurostar International Limited, often shortened to just "Eurostar," is an international high-speed railway service connecting the United Kingdom with mainland Europe. Headquartered in London, it launched in 1994 as the first high-speed train service between London and Brussels via the Channel Tunel (Chunnel).

Eurostar high-speed train service directly connects London and Brussels. There is no need to transfer trains, so your journey remains streamlined from start to finish. Eurostar operates on this route with frequent daily departures, giving passengers a lot of flexibility.

Route

The London to Brussels train route via Eurostar starts at St. Pancras International in London. What's a trip across the Channel without a passage through its hidden gem – the underwater tunnel bridging England and France? The Chunnel train from London to Brussels emerges in France and from there, it makes its way through scenic landscapes to Brussels Midi (often called Brussels Zuid in Flemish) in Belgium's capital city.

Train features

The Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi is designed for modern, high-speed travel, prioritising both passenger comfort and journey efficiency. They have spacious seating, large windows that flood the cabins with natural light and ample luggage storage. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the train and each seat is equipped with a power outlet, so you never have to worry about your devices running out of battery. There's an onboard cafe/bar offering drinks, snacks and light meals, perfect for those who wish to enjoy refreshments or a bite to eat while they travel.

Benefits

Eurostar offers several advantages. The convenience of a direct city-centre to city-centre service is a significant draw. By skipping airport transfers, you can hit the city streets running - or at least, quickly hop on public transport. No more sweating the small stuff like luggage limits or deciphering bus routes. Eurostar passengers also enjoy generous baggage allowances, so you're not restricted by the tight limitations often imposed by airlines. Plus, a journey with Eurostar provides breathtaking scenery along the route.

Schedule details

London to Brussels train time and total distance

The fastest Eurostar high speed train from London to Brussels completes the journey in 1 hour and 56 minutes from station to station.

Earliest and latest departure times

The earliest weekday train from London to Brussels departs at 06:04. The latest weekday train departs at 19:34.

The earliest weekend train from London to Brussels departs at 06:57. The latest weekend train departs at 20:03.

Average number of daily trains

Approximately 22 trains depart from London bound for Brussels on an average day.

Frequency of departures

A London to Brussels train departs from St Pancras Train Station roughly every 16 minutes.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

London to Brussels train tickets with Eurostar vary in price. The London to Brussels train cost depends on a few factors, including how far in advance you book your ticket, whether you can travel during an off-peak period, the class of service you select and whether special promotional fares are available when you're making your purchase. Our current live pricing estimates for the Eurostar train from London to Brussels are as follows:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: US$43.00

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$107

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$156

Importance of booking in advance

London to Brussls train tickets become available roughly 12 months in advance. It's best to secure London to Brussels Eurostar tickets early for a couple of key reasons. Since high-speed rail remains a popular option on this route, advanced booking gives travellers better seat selection and more control over their itinerary. Booking ahead can also result in substantial savings, as tickets often come at a premium closer to departure due to high demand.

Train stations served

The London to Brussels train route commences at London St Pancras Train Station and ends at Brussels Midi/Zuid.

London St Pancras

Situated in the London Borough of Camden, London St Pancras International Station is a historical masterpiece of architecture reborn as a contemporary gateway for travellers. Constructed during Britain's Victorian era as the terminus of the Midland Railway, it served much of central England throughout its existence.

Following an extensive period of redevelopment concluded in the early 21st century, this station is a marvel with its striking blend of the past and the present. Centrally situated in London, this station serves as many as 33 million travellers annually.

Facilities and services

• Ticket purchase desks

• Self-service ticket kiosks

• Lounges for waiting passengers

• Public restrooms

• Baby changing stations

• Accessibility support services

• Secure luggage storage areas

• Bicycle storage racks

• Designated taxi pickup points

• Car parking facilities

• Retail stores and dining options

• Bars and restaurants within the station

• Complimentary Wi-Fi service

• Device charging stations

• Customer assistance desks

• Lost and found services

• Support for passengers with disabilities

• Currency exchange services

• Car hire options

• Hotel booking services

• International rail services (e.g., Eurostar)

• High-speed train connections

• Conference and meeting rooms

Brussels Midi/Zuid

Often called Brussels-South in English or Brussel-Zuid in Dutch, Brussels Midi is one of the city's three principal stations and it's a crucial transportation hub within Belgium and for international connections. Brussels' privileged spot as a European rail hub gives the city its distinct flavor. Passengers transiting to various locations across Belgium and neighbouring countries use Brussels Midi frequently. Year after year, this bustling station caters to over 50 million travellers – from families on holiday to bleary-eyed commuters – many bypassing traffic on the London to Brussels express.

Facilities and services

• Ticket sales counters

• Self-service ticket machines

• Passenger waiting areas

• Public toilets

• Baby changing facilities

• Accessibility assistance

• Left luggage facilities

• Bicycle parking spots

• Taxi stands

• Car parking areas

• Shops and dining outlets

• Cafes and restaurants

• Wi-Fi access

• Charging stations for devices

• Information desks

• Lost property office

• Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility

• Foreign exchange services

• Car rental options

• Hotel reservation services

• International train connections (Eurostar, Thalys, etc.)

• Platforms for high-speed trains

Travelling with Eurostar – boarding process

Security and boarding procedures

Passengers on a train from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi can expect a well-organised procedure designed for both passenger flow and overall safety. When you arrive at St. Pancras Station, find the Eurostar departure area, usually easily identifiable by signage within the station. Eurostar's standard boarding procedures recommend you have your ticket (paper or digital format) and a valid passport or national identification card readily accessible.

Luggage checks before boarding are typical with dedicated security personnel and scanning equipment, just as you'd experience in any major transportation center. Baggage size is rarely an issue unless you're travelling with exceptionally oversized belongings.

Liquids follow regulations similar to airport security rules; be prepared with clear bottles or containers that fit within provided guidelines, usually available to read near screening checkpoints. Expect to pass through security scanners while carrying baggage.

As part of this security screening process, you'll place carry-on items on a conveyor belt for x-ray examination while you proceed through security screening designed to ensure prohibited items don't come aboard trains.

Listen carefully for announcements as you go through the queue because platform information, boarding group callouts and potential delays may all come through these loudspeaker systems. Staff members are positioned throughout the area as well; they can answer your questions or help you to troubleshoot boarding issues.

Navigating the stations and boarding

Eurostar provides passengers with clear signage both within London St. Pancras International Station and upon arrival in Brussels. Monitors scattered throughout public areas give details about departing trains, including the London to Brussels route. This real-time information guides travellers toward platforms as departure times draw closer, keeping everyone in the know, especially if their trip requires them to navigate across multiple levels within the stations (very common with European train systems).

Just before boarding commences for a given train, designated staff will verify your tickets and offer any essential information about your particular carriage and seat reservation if you're travelling in a First-Class cabin or in Standard Premier, as both provide passengers with a reserved seat rather than an open seating arrangement.

Once you're cleared to board, simply proceed along the platform and find your designated carriage. Stowing luggage in the overhead racks above your seat (or in dedicated luggage areas near carriage doorways) is typically simple thanks to Eurostar's ample overhead luggage storage.

The Eurostar classes of service

Whether you're headed to Paris, Amsterdam, London, Cologne or one the seasonal destinations in France that Eurostar serves, your experience will be streamlined.

Eurostar Standard (formerly known simply as Standard)

Eurostar Standard class remains the most budget-friendly option, but don't let the price tag fool you—comfort and flexibility are still top priorities. Eurostar Standard includes:

• 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm + 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

• Drinks and food available for purchase onboard at the Eurostar Café

You can exchange your Eurostar Standard ticket at no extra charge up until 1 hour before departure, only needing to pay the fare difference if applicable. Refunds are allowed up to 7 days before the scheduled departure for a €25 fee. After this period, tickets are non-refundable.

Eurostar Plus (formerly known as Standard Premier/Comfort)

For a more elevated experience, Eurostar Plus offers all the amenities of Eurostar Standard with additional perks like more spacious seats and a light meal served at your seat. Benefits include:

• 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm + 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• A light meal served directly to your seat

• Drinks and food available for purchase onboard at the Eurostar Café

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

As with Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus tickets can be exchanged at no extra cost up to 1 hour before departure, with any fare difference applicable. Refunds are allowed up to 7 days before the scheduled departure for a €25 fee. After this period, tickets are non-refundable.

Eurostar Premier (Formerly known as Business Premier/Premium)

This class of service includes more luxe service and amenities; you’ll get access to exclusive lounges, enjoy seat-side service, ensuring a an elevated train journey, start to finish:

• Get on the fast-track to ticket gates and Business Premier Lounges at available locations

• Bring up to three pieces of luggage (up to 85cm) plus 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• Enjoy a three-course meal brought straight to your seat, designed by Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Any dietary restrictions can be accommodated with 48-hour advance notice

• Spacious seating

• Free wine, champagne and hot and cold beverages

• Free newspapers and magazines

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

All passengers can exchange or refund their Eurostar Premier tickets up until two days after the departure date of the ticket purchase. With ticket exchanges, you only pay the fare difference, if applicable.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Though the journey from London to Brussels occurs on a single train and feels relatively simple in its flow, don't forget that this is, in fact, international travel. This means passport control is something travellers need to consider.

Travel documents required

Both the UK and Belgium are members of the Schengen Area, but because of Brexit, Britain is no longer party to those regulations. That's why customs officers will conduct passport checks at both London St. Pancras and upon arrival at Brussels Midi. Make sure to also have your ticket close in hand, as well as your visa if necessary.

Customs requirements

You will need to make a customs declaration on the train when transiting from London to Brussels. Consider any items you bring on board that might incur a customs duty.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from London to Brussels?

Yes, Eurostar offers direct trains between the two capitals.

Is there a direct train from London to Brussels Airport?

There is no direct train to Brussels Airport from London. You'll arrive at Brussels Midi (the main train station in Brussels). You can easily get a local train straight to the Brussels Airport. The airport train station is conveniently situated within the airport terminals.

Is there a direct train from London Heathrow to Brussels?

There is no direct London Heathrow to Brussels train. However, you can easily get a local train straight from London Heathrow (LHR) to London St Pancras Train Station. The airport train station is conveniently situated within the airport terminals.

Is there a direct train from London Gatwick to Brussels?

There is no direct London Gatwick to Brussels train. However, you can easily get a local train straight from London Gatwick (GTW) to London St Pancras Train Station. The airport train station is conveniently situated within the airport terminals.

Which train station in London goes to Brussels?

Eurostar services from London to Brussels depart from St. Pancras International Station in London.

How long is the train journey from London to Brussels?

The quickest direct journey between London and Brussels is 1 hour and 56 minutes.

How far is London to Brussels by train?

The train journey from London to Brussels covers a distance of roughly 320 kilometres.

Is there a night train from London to Brussels?

While no overnight trains currently serve the London to Brussels route, remember that the high-speed rail line through the Channel Tunnel went into commercial service in 1994. It's entirely possible future expansions to passenger services may add this route to nighttime schedules if demand is sufficient.

Can you take a day trip from London to Brussels by train?

Of course. While we generally recommend savouring at least a night or two in Brussels thanks to the numerous attractions it has to offer travellers, a day trip is completely doable by train. The Eurostar train service is fast and direct, offering easy access between these two heritage cities.

However, keep in mind you will be spending at least 4 hours on a train even if your outbound journey from London and inbound journey at the end of your Brussels visit happen on the quickest scheduled trains. Try to catch the earliest and latest trains of the day to maximise the experience.

Does the train from London to Brussels go underwater?

Yes…in a sense. The train from London to Brussels Midi passes through the Channel Tunnel, shortened to the “Chunnel.” The Chunnel passes under the English Channel, the body of water that separates the island of Britain from mainland Europe. The Chunnel begins in London and emerges in France.

Will you get to see fish and water out the window? Unfortunately no. The Channel train from London to Brussels is not a submarine. The tunnel is dug into the bedrock underneath the tunnel, so you’re always surrounded by solid ground. However, you can enjoy the fact that you are travelling through a marvel of modern technology, with an ancient body of water above your head — the body of water that centuries’ worth of British and French nationals sailed diplomatic missions war ships against each other!

Is the train from London to Brussels scenic?

The Chunnel train from London to Brussels is not exceptionally scenic. The views vary quite a bit between London and Brussels. Upon leaving London and passing through southeast England's landscapes (and urban sprawls) by rail, the views tend to focus more on charming countrysides and smaller villages before you descend into the Channel Tunnel. That said, upon emerging in France and depending on the specific train's route, you may get glimpses of the countryside and perhaps French vineyards as your Eurostar makes its way toward Belgium.