travelling from brussels to paris via train

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Brussels to Paris trains

Take a direct Eurostar train from Brussels to Paris in just 1 hour 22 minutes.

from Brussels

City centre

to city centre travel

Take a train from Brussels to Paris

Now that Thalys has become Eurostar, travelling to Paris is easier than ever. Go direct from city centre to city centre in just 1hr 22mins. And whether you’re going for work or play, we’ll get you there feeling relaxed and rested. Read on to discover why taking Eurostar from Brussels to Paris is the only way to travel.

High-speed train from Brussels to Paris**

Located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, Brussels Midi-Zuid is well-served by the city's buses, trams and metros. Inside, you'll find various food stands and restaurants, stores, newsagents, a ticket office, luggage storage and toilets. We recommend that you arrive at the station 15 minutes before your train departure time.

On board a direct train from Brussels to Paris

Travelling with Eurostar is simple, affordable and relaxing. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge. There are no weight limits, but please ensure you can carry all items of luggage safely. Find out more about our luggage allowances . Our trains come with free and fast onboard wi-fi, so you can email, tweet and post all the way to your destination. You’ll find power sockets at your seat, so you can stay charged up while you relax. If you find yourself feeling peckish, you can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks at Eurostar Café . And if you’re travelling in Premium, you’ll be served delicious meals at your seat. Find out more about our food on board .

Whether you’re travelling for work, a special occasion, or heading away on a budget break, we’ve got the travel class for you. Check out our seats in Standard , Comfort and Premium .

Arriving at Paris Gare du Nord from Brussels-Zuid

Your train will arrive at Paris Gare du Nord station, conveniently located at the heart of the city and just a short stroll from some of the city's top attractions, including Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur. This historic station, with a neoclassical 19th-century façade, is one of Paris’s main stations, with connections for the metro, RER trains and local buses.

Timetables for trains from Brussels to Paris

See the full timetable

Frequently asked questions

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For stress-free boarding, we recommend that you arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your Brussels to Paris train.

What is the travel time from Brussels to Paris?

Travelling from Brussels to Paris takes 1hr 22mins.

How much does a train ticket from Brussels to Paris cost?

Ticket prices start from €29.

What are the luggage allowances for trains from Brussels to Paris?

Your allowance includes two items of luggage (max. 75 x 53 x 30 cm) and one item of hand luggage. There’s no weight limit, but you should be able to carry all your bags and store them in our dedicated areas.

What onboard services are available on trains between Brussels and Paris?

We have a range of onboard services that are sure to help make your journey even more enjoyable. You can connect to our wi-fi using our portal Eurostar Onboard and recharge your batteries with power sockets at each seat. Feeling peckish? Choose from a range of light bites and cold and hot drinks from Eurostar Café .

What travel classes are available on trains between Brussels and Paris?

You can choose between Standard, Comfort and Premium travel classes on our trains between Brussels and Paris.

How frequently do trains run from Brussels to Paris?

Check out our live timetable to see how often our trains travel from Brussels to Paris.

How can I change or cancel my ticket from Brussels to Paris?

You can change or cancel your ticket through Manage your booking or the Eurostar app . If you bought your ticket over the phone or booked a special fare, you’ll need to call us. Learn more about Eurostar tickets .

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Terms and conditions

*price for tickets in standard class for one way journey made on eurostar to/from paris nord, marne-la-vallée chessy, paris charles de gaulle airport, brussels midi/zuid, antwerpen centraal, liège guillemins. subject to availability., **tickets available in standard, comfort and premium class for journeys made on eurostar to/from paris nord, marne-la-vallée chessy, paris charles de gaulle airport, brussels midi/zuid, antwerpen centraal, liège guillemins. subject to availability., standard and comfort fare tickets are:, exchangeable at no extra fee until up to 7 days before the departure time, after which they are exchangeable for a fee of €15 up until departure time. they are not exchangeable after the train has departed., 100% refundable at no extra fee until up to 7 days before the departure time, after which they are no longer refundable., premium fare tickets are:, exchangeable at no extra fee until up to 1 hour after the departure time, after which they are no longer exchangeable., 100% refundable until up to 1 hour after the departure time, after which they are no longer refundable..

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• Brussels - Paris

Head straight from Brussels to Paris by train

Travelling between Brussels and Paris has never been so fast and easy as with Eurostar . The red high-speed trains will take you to Paris in a record 1 hour 22 minutes. Book your tickets up to 4 months in advance to get the best fares on offer.

Thanks to SNCB and the special Eurocity Brussels-Paris connection, you can travel directly to Paris via the classic railway lines this summer. Plan your trip between 24/07/2024 and 11/08/2024 or between 28/08/2024 and 08/09/2024.

Board Eurostar in Brussels and get straight to the City of Light

The high-speed Eurostar trains will take you to Paris in all comfort from Brussels-Midi , the city’s principal train station. There are 23 daily trains connecting both capitals in only 1h22, without intermediate stops.

Upon arrival at Paris Nord  station, set in the heart of Paris, you can start your visit of the city or continue your journey in France with the broad public transport offer (metro, regional express trains (RER), buses or national railway services). If you’re an active person, you can even benefit from the station’s central location by walking or biking to your destination.

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Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid train station

Paris nord train station, other connections from brussels.

Do you travel to or from another Belgian location than Brussels, Liège or Antwerp? Our 'Connection' ticket allows you to take any domestic SNCB train between Brussels-Midi, Antwerp-Central and Liège-Guillemins (your departure or arrival station for Eurostar) and the Belgian station of your choice . This 'Connection' ticket is available from €7.80 each way in 2nd class or €11.90 each way in 1st class, regardless of your Belgian departure or arrival station.

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Brussels to Paris by train

Travel from Brussels (Belgium) to Paris (France) by train (264km): schedule and information to the train connection. Compare fares and buy your ticket.

The train connection from Brussels to Paris may include one of the regular high speed trains (TGV inoui, Thalys). For the exact train schedule and ticket prices, please refer to the booking links provided.

Your travel route could be like that.

1 Brussels (Belgium) - Paris (France)

The following links could be interesting for you.

train connections : popular connections travelled by other users

1a Travelling from Brussels (Belgium) to Paris (France)

To travel from Brussels to Paris by train, use a direct high-speed-train like Thalys, TGV or TGV inOui. There are saver-fares available starting from 29 EUR. The journey time from Brussels to Paris by high-speed-train is about 1,5 hours. Departure station in Brussels ins "Bruxelles-Midi". Arrival station in Paris is "Paris Gare du Nord". Find train-schedules and ticket prices via our booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Brussels to Paris?

Cheap train tickets! Buy your train ticket online on Omio. The easy to use booking system with very good prices and e-tickets.

Cheap international train tickets Official online shop of Netherlands railways (NS International). International train tickets for Europe including overnight trains. Buy your saver fare tickets easily and securely here.

train types: Train types you are likely to travel with. Transport Express Régional (TER) / THALYS (THY) / TGV France - Belgium (TGV) / inOui (INOUI)

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Paris - Brussels

search for train schedules here: Online timetable information, on which you can find relevant, up-to-date connections. rail.cc Deutsche Bahn

First-class ride with fast and elegant Thalys

Introducing three travel classes, the high speed connection., the direct thalys train or as option by ice/ic/ter trains (interrail/eurail), need a cheap place to sleep we recommend booking.com, find a cheap flight compare prices on kiwi.com.

Do you have questions about the connection between Brussels and Paris? Does something not work as it should? Just ask in our forum and get competent answers from our rail travel experts.

Eurail: if you want to travel this route by Eurail instead of train tickets, have a look here for reservation fees and further information.

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Before you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets .  They answer all the usual questions, such as "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a €35 point-to-point ticket online?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

European train travel FAQ

Which station in brussels.

Brussels Midi is the main station in Brussels - it's Brussels Midi in French, Brussels Zuid in Flemish, and Brussels South station in English, it's all the same place.  Unless otherwise stated all trains leave from there, including Eurostar.  Frequent local trains cross the city, linking Brussels Midi, Brussels Central and Brussels Nord.  See Brussels Midi station guide .

Brussels Central is 5 min walk from the famous Grande Place, most domestic trains stop there, as do the hourly Brussels-Rotterdam-Amsterdam intercity trains (but not Eurostar high-speed trains or Brussels-Germany ICEs ).

Brussels Nord is in the north of the city, served by many domestic trains and some international expresses including ICEs on their way to and from Brussels Midi.

Brussels to Bruges, Ghent & other destinations in Belgium

Brussels to bruges.

Fixed price, buy a ticket & hop on. 

A Weekend return is €17.40.

Youth fare €7.10 for anyone under 26.

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Brussels to London from €57

Option 1, Brussels to London by Eurostar

Buy onward tickets from London to other British towns & cities at www.thetrainline.com .

You collect tickets from the self-service ticket machines or in many cases you can print them out or show it on your phone.

If you're booking a train-specific Advance fare and your onward train leaves from St Pancras, Kings Cross or Euston, I'd allow at least 1 hour between Eurostar arrival and any onward train to allow for delay, even though it only takes 5 minutes to walk across the road to Kings Cross or 10 minutes to walk to Euston.  I'd allow 90 minutes if booking a train-specific Advance fare and your onward train goes from Paddington, Waterloo or Liverpool Street as then you'll need to change stations by Underground or taxi.

Option 2, Brussels to London by train & ferry - the overnight ferry alternative

You can take an early evening train from Brussels to Rotterdam and the metro to Hoek van Holland, then sail overnight in a cosy private cabin to Harwich, for a train to London or Cambridge next morning.  It's comfortable, affordable and time-effective.  For details, see the London to Brussels page .

The Hoek van Holland to Harwich ferry is a floating hotel with private cabins, restaurant, bar, lounges, shop & kennels.

Above left, a standard outside cabin.  Larger photo .   360º photo .  Above right, the Stena Plus lounge with complimentary red & white wine, tea, coffee & snacks.

Above left, the bar on 9 deck. Above right, a Captain's Class cabin with complimentary minibar, toilet & shower.

Brussels to Dublin & Ireland

Option 1, Brussels to Dublin via London & Holyhead - daily departures

Fares from Brussels to London start at £52 or €57.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book from Brussels to London at www.eurostar.com .

Option 2, Brussels to Dublin via Paris & Cherbourg - several departures a week

Day 1, travel from Brussels Midi to Paris Gare du Nord by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) in around 1h22 from €29.

You'll need to leave Brussels early morning.  Allow at least 1 hour between trains in Paris, ideally a bit more.

Day 1, take a late morning train from Paris St Lazare to Cherbourg and an overnight ferry to Dublin.

Irish Ferries ( www.irishferries.com ) sail from Cherbourg to Dublin several times each week, usually leaving Cherbourg in late afternoon and arriving Dublin late morning next day (Day 2). 

Brussels to Paris

Option 1, Brussels to Paris by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train

They run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line.  They're air-conditioned, with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

They have 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class) & Premium (1st class with at-seat food & wine included in the fare and access to lounges in Paris & Brussels).  See more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

Option 2½, Brussels to Paris by fast EuroCity train  **** additional for the Olympics ****

For the Olympics from 24 July to 11 August and 28 August to 8 September, SNCB (Belgian Railways) will offer one or two daily EuroCity trains from Brussels to Paris via the classic non-high-speed line.  These trains will run at up to 200 km/h (125mph) with just one stop at Mons.  These trains will be fast, modern air-conditioned, a great alternative to the high-speed Eurostar-formerly-Thalys trains and they'll often be cheaper.  There's no catering so bring your own food & drink.

Mondays-Fridays 24 July to 11 August 2024:

Leave Brussels Midi 07:02, Paris Nord arrive 10:02

Leave Brussels Midi 13:38, Paris Nord arrive 16:30

Saturdays & Sundays 24 July to 11 August 2024:

Leave Brussels Midi 07:06, Paris Nord arrive 11:01

Leave Brussels Midi 12:26, Paris Nord arrive 16:28

Mondays-Fridays 28 August to 8 September 2024:

Saturdays & Sundays 28 August to 8 September 2024:

Leave Brussels Midi 07:06, Paris Nord arrive 10:02

How much does it cost?

The fare varies between €34 & €49 in 2nd class, between €49 & €69 in 1st class.

Children under 4 free, children under 12 €15.

How to buy tickets

Buy tickets at Belgian Railways www.b-europe.com .

Booking is open now.  Tickets are only good for the train you book.  There are no assigned seats, but tickets are limited to the number of seats on board.  You sit where you like.  You cannot buy from SNCF (French Railways) or 3rd party retailers.

Option 2, Brussels to Paris by regional trains for a fixed-price €47

It's possible to travel from Brussels to Paris using a comfortable air-conditioned Belgian Intercity train from Brussels to Charleroi Sud, a Belgian regional train from Charleroi Sud across the border to Maubeuge in France then a French TER regional train (a locomotive-hauled express train of older but excellent Corail cars) from Maubeuge to Paris.

It takes 4h30 with 2 changes (as opposed to just 1h22 by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train ), but no reservations are required, it cannot sell out, and there's an affordable fixed-price fare that can even be bought on the day.  Bring your own food & drink as there's no catering.

Why would you want to use this instead of Eurostar?   If Eurostars are fully-booked, you can still use this route.  If Eurostar wants over €100 for even a standard class Brussels-Paris ticket, you use this route for around €50, even buying tickets on the day.  If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass and want to avoid the €25 reservation fee charged by Eurostar or passholder places have sold out, you can use this route with no reservation and no extra fees, just hop on and show your pass!

The service shown below started in December 2022, when an increased Charleroi-Maubeuge cross-border service is introduced.  Charleroi Sud was renamed Charleroi Central on 11 December 2022.

Mondays-Fridays:

Leave Brussels Central at 09:07 or Brussels Midi 09:15, Charleroi Central depart 10:24, Maubeuge depart 11:42, Paris Nord arrive 13:44.

Leave Brussels Central at 13:07 or Brussels Midi 13:15, Charleroi Central depart 14:24, Maubeuge depart 15:42, Paris Nord arrive 17:41.

Leave Brussels Central at 15:07 or Brussels Midi 15:15, Charleroi Central depart 16:24, Maubeuge depart 17:42, Paris Nord arrive 19:41.

Leave Brussels Central at 07:00 or Brussels Midi 07:07, Charleroi Central depart 08:24, Maubeuge depart 10:36, Paris Nord arrive 12:39.

Leave Brussels Central at 15:00 or Brussels Midi 15:07, Charleroi Central depart 16:24, Maubeuge depart 17:42, Paris Nord arrive 19:43.

Leave Brussels Central at 11:00 or Brussels Midi 11:07, Charleroi Central depart 12:24, Maubeuge depart 14:42, Paris Nord arrive 16:43.

Leave Brussels Central at 13:00 or Brussels Midi 13:07, Charleroi Central depart 14:24, Maubeuge depart 16:42, Paris Nord arrive 18:43.

Leave Brussels Central at 17:00 or Brussels Midi 17:07, Charleroi Central depart 18:24, Maubeuge depart 19:52, Paris Nord arrive 21:53.

How to check times for your date:

Brussels to Maubeuge costs €11.20 in 2nd class or €17.80 in 1st class.

Maubeuge to Paris costs €35.50 in 2nd class, there is no 1st class.

Book from Brussels Central or Brussels Midi to Paris at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee).

Important tip:  To find this slower route, click the little via link under the from/to boxes and enter Maubeuge as a via station.

In the search results, look for journeys with 2 changes via Charleroi Sud & Maubeuge.

How to buy tickets in two stages, but with no booking fee

Step 1, buy a Brussels-Maubeuge ticket at the Belgian Railways international website www.b-europe.com .  Look for a journey with 1 change marked IC.  Ignore journeys marked TGV or bus or with more than 1 change.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Step 2, buy a Maubeuge-Paris ticket at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Print out your ticket or show it on your phone.

Above:  Changing trains at Maubeuge: On the left, the modern air-conditioned Belgian electric train between Maubeuge & Charleroi.  On the right, the TER between Maubeuge & Paris, consisting of a classic né cassé (broken nose) electric locomotive and old but smooth & comfortable French Corail cars.  Photo courtesy of @Nordkommission .

Brussels to Lille

You have two options here, fast but inflexible, or slower but easy and flexible. 

Option 1 , TGV & Eurostar trains link Brussels Midi and Lille Europe in around 35 minutes using the high-speed line.  Obviously, this is the fastest option but reservation is required.  Fare around €29.  Book at www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com .

Option 2 is to take regular InterCity trains with 1 change, usually at Tournai or Mouscron, in around 1h39, fare around €25.  No reservation is necessary for these trains, they leave every hour, the price is fixed, you can just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on the next train.  You can check train times and buy online to save time at the ticket office at www.thetrainline.com .

Brussels to Strasbourg

Option 1, Brussels to Strasbourg by direct high-speed train - fastest & easiest

There are two direct TGV high-speed trains from Brussels Midi to Strasbourg every day, at 07:17 & 13:17.

Fares start at around €25.  The morning train takes 3h48, the afternoon train takes 4h20.

The TGVs have power sockets at all seats & a cafe-bar.  They by-pass Paris on the high-speed avoiding line through Marne la Vallée (for Disneyland) and CDG airport.  Go for one of these two direct trains if you can.

A TGV at Brussels Midi.

Above left, TGV 2nd class with seats 2+2 across the car width. Larger photo .  Above right, the cafe bar serving drinks, snacks & hot dishes.

Above left, a TGV at Brussels Midi.  Above right, 1st class with seats 2+1 across car width.  Larger photo .

Option 2, Brussels to Strasbourg via Paris - the next simplest route, with a 7-minute walk between stations in Paris

Option 3, via Luxembourg & Metz - the most direct route, but much slower, taking over 6h

Brussels to Bordeaux, Toulouse, Biarritz, Lourdes, Nantes, Brittany

Option 1, by-passing Paris - the easiest option

There are direct high-speed TGV trains from Brussels Midi to major French cities which by-pass Paris on the high-speed line calling at CDG airport & Marne la Vallée-Chessy.  This avoids having to take the metro or a taxi between stations in Paris, as these trains.

You'll usually find a direct TGV from Brussels to Le Mans, Angers, Nantes & Rennes leaving Brussels Midi around 15:03.

To check train times & buy tickets use www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com , looking at the search results carefully to see journey options which don't involve a change in Paris.

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Tip:   Both sites allow you to specify a via station.  On raileurope.com you'll find this if you click More options .  Enter Marne la Vallée-Chessy (Fr) in the via box, this forces it to find options which by-pass Paris.

Tip:   You'd find additional departures with a change of train at Marne la Vallée-Chessy.  That's still easier than changing trains & stations in central Paris!  You should also see these if you use www.raileurope.com with Marne la Vallée-Chessy entered as a via station.

Option 2, via Paris - involves changing trains & stations in Paris, but the fastest, most frequent & usually cheapest option

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your ticket (A4 paper, U.S. Letter size is fine) or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Brussels to Lyon, Avignon, Montpellier, Cannes, Nice & other French cities

There are direct high-speed TGV trains from Brussels Midi to French cities such as Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Perpignan, Nimes, Montpelier, Le Mans, Angers, Nantes.

This avoids having to take the metro or a taxi between stations in Paris, as these trains by-pass Paris on the high-speed line calling at CDG airport & Marne la Vallée-Chessy.  Change at Marseille for Cannes & Nice.

Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  Look at the search results carefully to see journey options which don't involve a change in Paris.  You print your ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Tip:   Both sites allow you to specify a via station.  On www.raileurope.com , click More options .  Enter Marne la Vallée-Chessy (Fr) in the via box, this forces it to find options which by-pass Paris.

Option 2, via Paris - means changing stations in Paris, but often faster & cheaper.

Tip:   Before running the enquiry, I recommend clicking More options and entering Paris (any station) as a via station to create a longer stopover in Paris.  You should allow at least 60 minutes between trains across Paris, ideally more. 

Option 3, Brussels to Toulon, Cannes, Antibes & Nice, using the Paris-Nice overnight train

The Intercité de Nuit overnight train has 1st class 4-berth couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes & reclining seats.  You can book a 1st class 4-berth compartment for sole occupancy by 1, 2 or 3 people if you like.  More about Intercités de Nuit .

Tip:   Book an earlier Eurostar and have dinner at the celebrated Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before strolling across the bridge over the Seine to the Gare d'Austerlitz in good time for your sleeper south.

Paris to the South of France starts at €19 in a reclining seat, €29 in a 2nd class couchette or €59 in a 1st class couchette.

Book at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead , but often less than this for French overnight trains.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Tip:   To make sure you have at least 90 minutes between trains in Paris, I'd book Brussels to Paris, add to basket, then Paris to Nice, add to basket & check out.  Otherwise by default the system allows as little as 40 minutes between trains in Paris which I consider too tight, especially when catching a sleeper you don't want to miss.

Tip:   To book a whole 4-berth couchette compartment for 1, 2 or 3 people, see the instructions on the Intercités de Nuit page .

Brussels to Amsterda m from €25

You can easily travel from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal by train in as little as 1h49 with departures every hour or two and fares from €30.  Train is the way to go!  See the Brussels to Amsterdam page for details .

Brussels to Rotterdam

Option 1, by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) from Brussels Midi to Rotterdam Centraal in 1h10.

This is the fastest and most comfortable option, if you're prepared to book in advance.  There's a departure every 1-2 hours.

Fares are dynamic like air fares, so book ahead.  All tickets come with a reserved seat on a specific train, limited or no changes to travel plans with the cheapest tickets.  Short notice and flexible tickets can be expensive.  There's a cafe-bar or vending machines.

Buy tickets at www.eurostar.com or www.nsinternational.nl .

Option 2, by Intercity train from Brussels Midi to Rotterdam Centraal in 2h04.

This is slower, but runs every hour, it's more flexible and cheaper at short notice.  Better for spontaneous trips.

There are no seat reservations, you sit where you like.  Standard tickets are affordable even when bought on the day of travel and they let you hop on any train you like that day, flexibly.  Only the cheaper Early Bird advance-purchase fares commit you to a specific departure.  No catering, so bring your own food and drink.

Buy tickets at www.nsinternational.nl .

To Hoek van Holland:

Take a train from Brussels to Rotterdam Centraal , it's then a 10-minute 800m walk to Eendrachtsplein metro station, see walking map .  Then take the frequent RET metro direct to Hoek van Holland Haven, a 33-minute ride.  The metro takes contactless bank cards so you can just touch in and out without buying a ticket.  To avoid the walk, you can also take an NS train from Rotterdam Centraal to Schiedam Centrum, then take the metro from there to Hoek van Holland Haven.

To Schiphol airport:

The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) and Intercity trains from Brussels Midi to Amsterdam call at Schiphol airport station 15 or so minutes before arriving in Amsterdam, see options 1 & 2 above.

Brussels to Luxembourg for €23.80

InterCity (IC) trains run from Brussels Midi to Luxembourg every hour in around 3h16.

Most of these trains are direct, on a few departures you have to change trains at Arlon.

It's a pleasant scenic run through green hills towards its southern end.  There's no catering on these Brussels-Luxembourg trains, so bring your own food & drink for the journey, there are plenty of places to buy food and drink inside Brussels Midi , including a minimarket.

Tip:   There are only two power sockets per car, one at each end of the passenger saloon above a window seat. Savvy laptop users usually nab these seats!

The fare is €23.80 one-way in 2nd class or €39.50 in 1st class.

If you're under 26 or over 65 there's a one-way youth/senior fare for €9.60, only available in 2nd class.

Tickets are valid on any train leaving on the date you specify, not just for the specific train you choose when booking.  These prices are fixed, with unlimited availability.  So it's the same price even on the day of travel and no reservation is needed, so it's just as easy to buy a ticket at the same price at the station on the day, hop on the next train and sit where you like.

Buy tickets at the www.thetrainline.com . 

You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Tip:   If you're over 65, you can only buy the senior fare at www.b-europe.com .

Brussels to Basel, Zurich, Geneva & Switzerland from €39.90

Option 1, Brussels to Basel & Zurich using the Nightjet sleeper train from Cologne - the time-effective overnight option

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Cologne by ICE train leaving Brussels Midi at 18:25 and arriving Cologne Hbf at 20:15.

The high-speed ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Have dinner in Cologne, I recommend the excellent Brauhaus Sion ( www.brauhaus-sion.de ), 8 minutes walk from Cologne Hbf, see walking map , or the Malzmuehle restaurant ( www.muehlenkoelsch.de ), 17 minutes walk from the station, see walking map .

Fares start at €18.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.  Prices vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

This comfortable Nightjet train has an air-conditioned AB33 sleeping-car with 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices, more fiddly).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Brussels to Switzerland by daytime trains - the fastest daytime option to Basel, Zurich, Luzern, Bern

Leave Brussels Midi at 06:23 daily, change Cologne Hbf , arrive Basel SBB 12:47.

Leave Brussels Midi at 08:23 daily, change Cologne Hbf , arrive Basel SBB 14:47.

Leave Brussels Midi at 10:25 daily, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Basel SBB 16:47.

Leave Brussels Midi at 12:25 daily, change Cologne Hbf , arrive Basel SBB 18:47.

Leave Brussels Midi at 14:25 daily, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Basel SBB 20:55.

Leave Brussels Midi at 16:23 daily, change Cologne Hbf , arrive Basel SBB 22:55.

All these trains are superb German ICE high-speed trains with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Times may vary.  Change in Basel for Zurich and all other Swiss destinations.

Option 3, Brussels to Switzerland via the Rhine Valley - the slower scenic route, takes an extra hour

Leave Brussels Midi at 06:23 daily, change at Cologne Hbf , and arrive Basel SBB at 13:33, Bern 14:56, Interlaken Ost 15:58.

Leave Brussels Midi at 08:23 (08:25 weekends), change at Cologne Hbf , and arrive Basel SBB at 15:36 & Zurich HB at 17:00.

Option 4, Brussels to Geneva via Lyon - the easiest route to Geneva, avoiding Paris

Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $.  If using Raileurope, click More options and enter Lyon Part Dieu as a via station.

If using Thetrainline, click via and enter Lyon Part Dieu as a via station.  If using Raileurope, click More options and enter Lyon Part Dieu as a via station.  You should then be able to book Brussels to Geneva as one easy transaction, making sure you choose a 1-change journey with the change in Lyon.

If you have any problems (or want to stop off in Lyon), first search Brussels to Lyon looking for direct trains.  Book this and add to basket.  Now look for a suitable Lyon to Geneva train, allowing at least 30 minutes between trains in Lyon, add that to your basket & check out.

Option 5, Brussels to Switzerland via Paris - the fastest & sometimes cheapest route, if you don't mind crossing Paris.  Lunch in Paris?

Option 6, Brussels to Switzerland with an overnight stop in Paris - a time-effective option

Stay overnight in Paris .  The Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon is part of the Gare de Lyon station complex, ideal for an early train next morning.  See other suggested hotels near the Gare du Nord & Gare de Lyon .

Brussels to Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy from €58

Option 1, Brussels to Italy in a single day - with one easy same-station change in Lyon.

The TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Enjoy a few hours in Lyon.

Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Fares start at €25 in standard (2nd), €32 in business (1st) or €149 in executive class (premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , too.  Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead , it's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Stay overnight in Turin or Milan.  Both cities make a great stopover, but Turin is lovely.

In Turin I suggest the Hotel Torino Porta Susa or Hotel Diplomatic or small Al Porta Susa B&B , all right next to Turin Porta Susa station where the Frecciarossa arrives and where your onward train leaves next morning, with good or great reviews.  Alternatively, the excellent Turin Palace Hotel is in the centre right next to Porta Nuova station.  It's a 7 minute taxi ride, 3-stop €1.50 metro ride or 20 minute walk from Porta Susa, but next morning you can board your train to Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples at Porta Nuova station where these trains start their journey. 

In Milan, affordable hotels & guesthouses with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .

Turin or Milan to Venice or Florence starts at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.

Option 2, Brussels to Italy with overnight stop in Lyon - same as option 1, but with overnight stop in Lyon rather than Milan

Stay overnight in Lyon , The Ibis Budget Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu is affordable & right next to Lyon Part Dieu station with good reviews, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon also gets great reviews and is just a few minutes walk away.

The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  The train meanders through the Alps on the scenic classic line to Turin, then makes final dash on the high-speed line to Milan.  More about the Paris-Lyon-Milan Frecciarossa .

Buy tickets for each of these trains at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (whichever you prefer).  Book each train individually, adding it to your basket, then check out.

www.raileurope.com and www.thetrainline.com connect to both the Italian and French booking systems so you can book all these trains in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $.  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  There's a small booking fee.

The Italian trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For the Eurostar, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Option 3, Brussels to Italy in a single day via Paris - similar to option 1, slightly faster, but involves crossing Paris

Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

Brussels to Paris start at €29 in 2nd class (standard) or €55 in 1st class (comfort).

Paris to Turin or Milan start at €29 in 2nd class (standard), €36 in 1st class (business) or €165 in executive class with food included.

First book from Brussels to Turin or Milan and add to basket.  You can book this as one journey, but (if using Raileurope) I recommend clicking More options and entering Paris as a via station with a stopover duration of at least 1 hour.  You should always allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Paris, ideally more.  Then book from Turin or Milan to your Italian destination for the following day, add to basket and check out.  If necessary, book Brussels-Paris, add to basket, book Paris to Turin or Milan, add to basket.

Option 4, Brussels to Italy with overnight stop in Paris - same as option 3, but with overnight stop in Paris rather than Milan

The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

After an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) from Paris to Lyon, the train meanders through the Alps on the scenic classic line to Turin, then makes final high-speed dash to Milan, see more about the Paris-Milan Frecciarossa .

Option 5, Brussels to Venice using the Stuttgart-Venice Nightjet sleeper train - a comfortable & time-effective option

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 6, Brussels to Milan, Florence, Rome using the Munich-Italy Nightjet sleeper train - a time-effective option with dinner in Munich

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Munich by ICE , leaving Brussels Midi at 10:25, changing at Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen arriving Munich Hbf 17:06.

These comfortable high-speed ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means book the earlier 08:23 departure and spend a pleasant evening in Munich.

Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Step 3, onward trains from Rome to Naples, Rome to Sicily or Milan to Genoa (for example) can be booked separately at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, recognisees English place-names, small booking fee) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at [email protected] with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, read this advice on using it first ).  I'd allow at least an hour between the sleeper arrival and departure of any onward train.

Option 7, Brussels to Italy with overnight stop in Basel or Zurich - via Germany & Switzerland rather than France

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Zurich by ICE train , leaving Brussels Midi at 14:25, changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & arriving Zurich HB at 22:00.

The ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means book an earlier train for more of an evening in Zurich, for example, the 10:25 from Brussels (also changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf ) will get you to Zurich HB at 18:00.

Fares start at €49.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in €, no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, using this means you can book all your tickets together in one place, small booking fee).

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Day 2, travel from Zurich to Milan by EuroCity train , for example leaving Zurich HB at 07:33 and arriving Milan Centrale at 10:50.

By all means take an earlier or  later train, they leave Zurich HB at 06:33, 07:33, 08:33, 09:33, 10:33 and so on every hour, taking 3h17.

Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (more scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Check times online.

Tip:   If you're going to Milan, I'd avoid the 06:33 & 10:33 as (under normal circumstances) these go to Milan Lambrate & Milan Rogoredo , not the main Milan Centrale .

Tip:   If you're going to Verona or Venice it's worth knowing that (under normal circumstances) the 08:33 EuroCity train from Zurich HB goes direct to Verona & Venice, arriving Verona Porta Nuova at 13:28 & Venice Santa Lucia at 14:42.

Tip:   If you're going to Genoa, the 10:33 from Zurich is direct, arriving Genoa Piazza Principe at 15:55.

All these trains cross the Swiss Alps via the Gotthard route and the new Gotthard Base Tunnel , the world's longest rail tunnel, but with great views of Switzerland and Italy either side, including superb views along Lake Maggiore. 

Change in Milan for a high-speed Frecciarossa train to Verona, Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples.

Buy tickets from Zurich to anywhere in Italy at either www.raileurope.com (keeping all your bookings together in one place) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, in various currencies, they'll refund seat61 users the €3.50 booking fee if you email [email protected] with your PNR) or www.trenitalia.com (requires Italian-language place names and has a few quirks so see this advice on using it ).  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Brussels to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain from €68

Option 1, Brussels to Barcelona & Madrid in a single day - breakfast in Brussels, dinner in Spain, no need to cross Paris!

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Lyon by French TGV , leaving Brussels Midi at 08:17 and arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 12:00.

Stay overnight in Barcelona.  The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users.  See other suggested hotels near the station .

Next day, travel from Barcelona to anywhere else in Spain by high-speed train.

For Madrid:   AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30.

For Granada:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 by AVE S112 high-speed train arriving Granada at 13:10.

For Malaga:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 14:51.

For Cordoba & Seville:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Cordoba 13:42 & Seville Santa Justa 14:32.

For Valencia & Alicante:   EuroMed trains link Barcelona Sants with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 07:15 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:10 & Alicante 12:38 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 13:13 & Alicante 15:32.

For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo , there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here .

Brussels to Lyon starts at €29 in 2nd class or €39 in 1st class.

The easiest way to buy tickets is to use either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (whichever you prefer) as you can buy all the tickets together in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead .  About Raileurope .  About Thetrainline .

Step 1, book the morning train from Brussels Midi to Lyon Part Dieu and add this to your basket. 

Step 2, book the afternoon train from Lyon Part Dieu to Barcelona Sants and add that to your basket.

Step 3 if going beyond Barcelona, book a train from Barcelona Sants to your Spanish destination, add to basket & check out.

For the TGV you can print your ticket or select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.  For AVE and other Spanish trains you print your own ticket.

How to buy tickets, advanced

You can of course book each train separately with the relevant operator, with no booking fee.  This means more work and it won't necessarily make it any cheaper.

Step 1, buy tickets from Brussels to Lyon at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Step 2, if using the direct train from Lyon to Barcelona run by Renfe, book at the Spanish Railways website, www.renfe.com (in €, fiddly, see advice on using it ).  If using the alternative trains run by SNCF, book these at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .

Step 3, book onward trains in Spain at www.renfe.com (in €, fiddly, see advice on using it ).

Option 2, Brussels to Barcelona in a single day via Paris - a later departure from Brussels, but means crossing Paris

Step 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex , leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42 arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:27.

This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey .

Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Step 3, travel from Barcelona to other Spanish destinations next morning.

For Madrid:   AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30 from €38.

The easiest way to book trains from Brussels to Spain is at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Booking for Eurostar & TGV usually opens 4 months ahead .  Spanish domestic trains open for booking 60 days ahead , but this varies greatly.

You can book Brussels to Barcelona all in one go as one easy transaction with print-at-home tickets for both trains.  These sites also connect to Spanish Railways (Renfe) so can sell onward tickets within Spain.  You can choose to pay in either € or £, you can use it wherever you live as overseas credit cards are accepted. There's a small booking fee.

First book from Brussels to Barcelona.  Tip:   Before running the enquiry when using Raileurope I recommend clicking More options and entering Paris (any station) as a via station, setting duration as 1 hour, or 2-3 hours if you want lunch in Paris.  In the search results, look for an option marked 1 change .

If you are heading for Madrid, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Valencia or Alicante, first add the Brussels-Barcelona journey to your basket, then book from Barcelona to your chosen Spanish destination for the following day, add this to you basket and check out, paying for both tickets as one transaction.

Alternatively , you can book each train separately, it's more effort and unlikely to make it any cheaper, but there's no booking fee:

Book the Brussels-Paris Eurostar at www.sncf-connect.com with print-at-home tickets, no booking fee.

Book the Paris-Barcelona TGV also at www.sncf-connect.com also with print-at-home or collect-at-station tickets and no booking fee.

Book onward trains within Spain at www.renfe.com (no booking fee, but can be fiddly, see advice on using it here ), if you have any problems at the payment stage use www.raileurope.com (in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or www.petrabax.com (in $, with small mark-up).

Option 3, Brussels to Spain by high-speed train with an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 1, travel from Brussels Midi to Paris Gare du Nord on any evening Eurostar (formerly Thalys) train you like, taking 1h22.

You can leave Brussels as late as 21:13, but by all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Paris.  Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

Fares start at €29 in 2nd class (standard) or €55 in 1st class (comfort).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Cross Paris by metro or taxi from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon .

Step 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex , leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.

Step 3, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, Valencia, Alicante and so on by high-speed train.

A high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:25, arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:15 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 21:07 & Alicante 23:40.

For Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, stay in Barcelona overnight, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants inside the station.  Next morning high-speed AVE trains leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 for Granada and at 08:35 for Cordoba, Seville Santa Justa & Malaga Maria Zambrano.

Booking for Eurostar & TGV usually opens 4 months ahead , booking for Spanish trains opens 60 days ahead , but this varies. 

The easiest way to book from Brussels to Spain is at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com as they connect to both French Railways (SNCF) for Eurostar & TGV and to Spanish Railways (Renfe) for onward tickets within Spain, fares in €, £ or $, small booking fee.

First book from Brussels to Paris, picking any direct Eurostar train you like.  Add this to your basket.

Now book from Paris to Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia or Alicante as one journey for the following day.  In the search results, look for Paris-Barcelona options with 0 changes, or Paris to Madrid/Valencia/Alicante options with 1 change in Barcelona.  Add this to your basket and check out, paying for both journeys as one transaction.

For Eurostar & TGV you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.  For Spanish trains you print your own ticket.

Alternatively , you can book each train separately, although this takes more effort and is unlikely to make it materially cheaper: 

Book the Brussels-Paris Eurostar & Paris-Barcelona TGV at www.sncf-connect.com with print-at-home show-on-phone tickets.

Book onward trains within Spain at www.renfe.com (can be fiddly to use, see advice on using it here ) or (if you have any problems at the payment stage) alternative sites www.raileurope.com , www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, easy, small booking fee) or www.petrabax.com (in $, easy, with small mark-up).

Option 4, Brussels to Spain with an overnight stop in Nîmes - avoids crossing Paris

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Nîmes by direct high-speed TGV leaving Brussels Midi at 16:17 and arriving Nîmes Centre at 21:39.

Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €39 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee), or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

Day 2, travel from Nîmes to Barcelona by AVE S100 high-speed train , leaving Nîmes Centre at 09:01, arriving Barcelona Sants 12:38.

Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €39 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee), or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com   (much more fiddly, in €, see this advice on using it ).  Booking opens several months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Option 5, Brussels to Paris by Eurostar, a French sleeper train to the Spanish border, then onward Spanish trains

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Paris by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , leaving Brussels Midi at 17:13 arriving Paris Gare du Nord at 18:35. 

Eurostar trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .  Have dinner in Paris.  Later connections are possible, but I'd play safe when catching a sleeper.

Step 2, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the heart of the Pyrenees or to Cerbère on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz around 21:00.  Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbère to Barcelona Sants arriving around 14:00.

See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets .

Step 3, travel from Barcelona to other Spanish destinations in the afternoon.

For Madrid:   AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30 from €35.

For Cordoba & Seville:   Take the direct AVE-S112 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 15:15 arriving Cordoba & Seville Santa Justa in the evening.  Fares start at around €45.

For Valencia & Alicante:   A EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 16:10 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 19:02 and Alicante at 21:34.  Fares start from €23.

Check Spanish train times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in €, see my advice before using it ).  I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains in Barcelona.

Brussels to San Sebastian from €63

Leave Brussels Midi 06:42, change trains & stations in Paris, arrive Hendaye 14:47.

Leave Brussels Midi 09:16, change trains & stations in Paris, arrive Hendaye 16:47.

Tip:   To ensure a robust connection in Paris, if using www.raileurope.com I recommend clicking More options , entering Paris (any station) and a stopover duration of at least 1 hour, if you'd like lunch between trains or a wander in Paris, make it 2 or 3 hours.

Brussels to Ibiza & Mallorca

Option 1, Brussels to Ibiza or Mallorca by ferry from Barcelona - all year round

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Barcelona as shown above , using option 2 with overnight stop in Paris or option 3 with overnight stop in Nîmes, arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.

Step 2, sail overnight from Barcelona to Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca by ferry.

Ibiza:   Trasmed operate an overnight ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza on most nights of the week sailing at or around 22:00, arriving 07:00.  Times and dates vary, check times and buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com .  Check-in for the ferry closes 30 minutes before sailing time.  You can pre-print your boarding pass to save time at the terminal.  Balearia also operate an overnight ferry to Ibiza on most nights of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails at 22:00, arriving in Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) at 06:00.  Check times and buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or www.balearia.com .

Mallorca:   There are two overnight ferries from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, both with restaurants, bars & cosy en suite cabins, both usually sailing from Barcelona around around 22:00 and arriving in Palma around 07:00.  One ferry is run by Trasmed ( www.trasmed.com ), the other run by Balearia ( www.balearia.com ).  You can check times & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website .

Option 2, Brussels to Menorca or Mallorca by ferry from Toulon - several times a week April-October

Fares start at around €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Brussels to Algeciras & Gibraltar

Day 2, travel from Madrid to Algeciras by Intercity train, leaving Madrid Atocha at 15:16 arriving San Roque-La Linea 20:59 & Algeciras 21:13.

Brussels to Paris starts at €29 in 2nd class or €55 in 1st class.

Paris to Barcelona starts at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.

Barcelona to Madrid starts at €38 in standard class or €45 in comfort class.

How to buy the train tickets

You can buy all your tickets together at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.

First book from Brussels to Barcelona, add this to your basket, then book Barcelona to Madrid & Madrid to Algeciras for the following day, add each of these to your basket & check out.

Booking for Eurostar & TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, for the AVE & Intercity train 60 days ahead, but it varies.  You print your own tickets. 

Brussels to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve & Portugal from €116

Option 1, Brussels to Lisbon via Barcelona & Madrid - the fastest option

Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. These websites connect to both the SNCF and Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy tickets for all trains together in one place.

Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex , leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.

This high-speed double-deck TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a comfortable & scenic journey, see an account of the sights to see from the train on the way .

Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee.

Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE high-speed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:25 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 20:55.

The high-speed AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about trains from Barcelona to Madrid .

Fares start at €38 in Standard class or €45 in Comfort class.  Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead , but this can vary.

Option 2, Brussels to Porto & Lisbon via San Sebastian & Vigo - slightly slower, can be cheaper

Day 1, travel from Brussels to San Sebastian as shown above .   For example:

Leave Brussels Midi at 09:16 by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , change in Paris , then take a TGV Duplex Océane to Hendaye arriving 16:47.

San Sebastian to Vigo starts at €23 each way.  The price varies, book ahead for the cheaper prices.

Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead , but this varies.

Tip:   If using the daily departure with a change in Madrid, you might need to treat San Sebastian-Madrid & Madrid-Vigo as separate bookings.

This can also be booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .  Booking opens 60 days ahead, but this can vary.

Brussels to Andorra

Option 1, Brussels to Andorra in a day

Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 2, using the Paris-Toulouse-l'Hospitalet overnight train

Brussels to Cologne, Frankfurt & Germany from €18.90

Fares from Brussels to Cologne start at €18.90 in 2nd class, €27.90 in 1st class.

Fares from Brussels to Frankfurt (Main) start at €27.90 in 2nd class, €37.90 in 1st class.

Brussels to Berlin from €27.90

Option 1, Brussels to Berlin by high-speed train - the daytime option

Brussels to Berlin takes around 6h40, with a departure every 2 hours:

Leave Brussels Midi at 06:23, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Berlin Hbf 13:02.

Leave Brussels Midi at 08:23, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Berlin Hbf 15:03.

Leave Brussels Midi at 10:25, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Berlin Hbf 17:04.

Leave Brussels Midi at 12:25, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Berlin Hbf 19:02.

Leave Brussels Midi at 14:25, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Berlin Hbf 21:02.

Leave Brussels Midi at 16:23, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Berlin Hbf t 23:02.

Exact times may vary.  The 08:23 leaves at 08:25 at weekends, the 16:23 leaves at 16:25 at weekends.

Brussels to Cologne is by ICE3 , Cologne to Berlin by ICE2 or ICE4 , with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Option 2, Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper - the time-effective option, 3 times a week

A sleeper train links Brussels & Berlin on Monday, Wednesday & Friday nights, see the European Sleeper page .

The European Sleeper calls at Amsterdam.  This is a 5-berth couchette car, beyond it is the stainless steel sleeping-car.

Option 3, Brussels to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train - another time-effective option, 3 times a week

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Brussels to Hamburg from €27.90

Brussels to Hamburg takes around 6h50, with departures every 2 hours:

Leave Brussels Midi at 06:23, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Hamburg Hbf 12:59.

Leave Brussels Midi at 08:23, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Hamburg Hbf 15:14.

Leave Brussels Midi at 10:25, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Hamburg Hbf 17:14.

Leave Brussels Midi at 12:25, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Hamburg Hbf 19:14.

Leave Brussels Midi at 14:25, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Hamburg Hbf 21:14.

Leave Brussels Midi at 16:23, change at Cologne Hbf , arrive Hamburg Hbf 23:15.

Exact times may vary.  The 08:23 leaves at 08:25 at weekends.  The 16:23 leaves at 16:25 at weekends.

Brussels to Cologne is by ICE3 , Cologne to Hamburg is by ICE4 , with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Brussels to Munich from €27.90

Option 1, Brussels to Munich by daytime trains

Brussels to Munich takes around 6h45 with departures every 2 hours:

Leave Brussels Midi at 06:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Munich Hbf 13:05.

Leave Brussels Midi at 08:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Munich Hbf 15:12.

Leave Brussels Midi at 10:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Munich Hbf 17:06.

Leave Brussels Midi at 12:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Munich Hbf 19:07.

Leave Brussels Midi at 14:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Munich Hbf 21:07.

Leave Brussels Midi at 16:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Munich Hbf 23:13.

Brussels to Frankfurt is by ICE3 , then another ICE to Munich Hbf , with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Option 2, Brussels to Munich by sleeper train - the time-effective option, 3 times week

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation .

There are frequent S-Bahn trains from Munich Ost to Munich Hbf , journey time 8 minutes.

Option 3 , Brussels to Munich using the Cologne-Munich Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option, every day

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Cologne by high-speed ICE train , leaving Brussels Midi at 18:25 and arriving Cologne Hbf at 20:15.

ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €18.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Have dinner in Cologne, I recommend the excellent Brauhaus Sion ( www.brauhaus-sion.de ), 8 minutes walk from Cologne Hbf, see walking map , or the Malzmuehle restaurant ( www.muehlenkoelsch.de ), 17 minutes walk from the station, see walking map .  If you'd like more time for dinner, a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) train leaves Brussels Midi at 17:25  and arrives Cologne Hbf at 19:15.

Transfer by frequent S-Bahn train across the Rhine bridge to Cologne Messe-Deutz .

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Brussels to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €37.90

Option 1, Brussels to Salzburg, Linz & Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Option 2, Brussels to Innsbruck, Linz & Vienna using the Nightjet sleeper train from Cologne - runs every day

Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train also has one or two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Option 3, Brussels to Austria by daytime trains

Brussels Midi depart 06:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen & Nuremberg, arrive Vienna Hbf at 16:47.

Brussels Midi depart 08:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen , arrive Vienna Hbf at 18:47.

Brussels Midi depart 10:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Vienna Hbf at 20:47.

Brussels Midi depart 12:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Vienna Hbf at 23:05.

Brussels-Frankfurt is by ICE3 , Frankfurt-Vienna by ICE-T , both with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Prices vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

Brussels Midi depart 06:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Munich Hbf , arrive Salzburg Hbf at 14:58.

Brussels Midi depart 08:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Salzburg Hbf at 17:59.

Brussels Midi depart 10:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Salzburg Hbf at 19:59.

Brussels Midi depart 12:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Salzburg Hbf at 22:02.

Brussels Midi depart 06:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Munich Hbf , arrive Innsbruck Hbf at 15:18.

Brussels Midi depart 08:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Munich Hbf , arrive Innsbruck Hbf at 17:18.

Brussels Midi depart 10:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Munich Hbf , arrive Innsbruck Hbf at 19:18.

Brussels Midi depart 12:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Munich Hbf , arrive Innsbruck Hbf at 21:18.

Option 4, Brussels to Austria with overnight stop in Frankfurt

For Salzburg , take the 08:20 EuroCity train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf arriving Salzburg Hbf at 13:59, from €29.90 booked at int.bahn.de .

Brussels to Austria starts at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Prices vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Brussels to Legoland, Odense & Copenhagen from €49.90

Option 1, Brussels to Legoland, Odense or Copenhagen in a single day

You can travel from Brussels to Copenhagen by train in a single chill-out day.

This is a straightforward journey all on one ticket booked at int.bahn.de .  You travel from Brussels to Cologne & Cologne to Hamburg by superb German ICE trains with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train , read more about the Hamburg to Copenhagen journey .

Fares start at €49.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Prices vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de . 

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Tip:   Click Stopovers and enter Brussels Nord as a stopover with zero length of stay.  This forces it to find the 08:23 ICE and show through fares, instead of only offering the 09:25 Eurostar (formerly Thalys) train which is not run by German Railways so you don't see any through fares.  In the search results, look for journeys with 2 changes marked ICE, IC and with a price shown.

Option 2, Brussels to Legoland, Odense or Copenhagen with an overnight stop in Hamburg

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Hamburg, leaving Brussels Midi at 14:25 by ICE , changing at Cologne Hbf and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 21:14.

Or you can leave Brussels Midi at 16:23 daily except Saturdays, change at Cologne Hbf and arrive Hamburg Hbf at 23:16.  But by all mean take an earlier train, there is a Brussels-Hamburg departure every couple of hours through the day.  The ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train , leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 and arriving Kolding ( for Legoland ) 11:40, Odense 12:20 & Copenhagen 13:34.  More about the Hamburg to Copenhagen journey .

Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de , 

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  To get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 10:00 hours.  Adjust departure time & length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Hamburg, it may take a bit of trial & error.

You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train:  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey .

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo .  Larger photo .

Brussels to Stockholm & Gothenburg from €59.90

Option 1, Brussels to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Fares start at €44.90 with a couchette in 6-berth, €69.90 with a couchette in 4-berth, €79.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €164.90 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per bed, fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Book this train at SJ's website www.sj.se .

Option 2, Brussels to Stockholm with an overnight stop in Hamburg

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Hamburg, leaving Brussels Midi daily at 14:25 by ICE3 , changing at Cologne Hbf & arriving Hamburg Hbf 21:14.

Or you can leave Brussels Midi daily at 16:23 by ICE3 , change at Cologne Hbf and arrive Hamburg Hbf 23:16.

But by all mean take an earlier train, there is a Brussels-Hamburg departure every couple of hours through the day.  The ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Day 2 morning, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train , leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 arriving Copenhagen at 13:34.

Day 2, catch a connecting train from Copenhagen to Sweden:

If you're going to Stockholm , travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 train leaving Copenhagen at 14:19 and arriving Stockholm Central at 19:37.  The X2000 train crosses the water from Denmark to Sweden over the impressive Öresund fixed link .

If you're going to Gothenburg , travel from Copenhagen to Goteborg Central by Öresund train , these leave every hour taking 3h50, also using the impressive Öresund fixed link .

If you're going to Malmö , travel from Copenhagen to Malmö Central by Öresund train , these leave at least twice an hour taking 39 minutes, also using the impressive Öresund fixed link .

To buy tickets

The cheapest way is to book from Brussels to Stockholm or Gothenburg as one transaction at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

To get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 10:00.

Adjust departure time & length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Hamburg, a little trial and error may be needed.  You print your own ticket.  This way you'll get a Sparpreis fare from Brussels to Stockholm or Gothenburg with an overnight stop built in.  Book early & avoid busy dates for the cheapest prices.

If you have any problems or see no affordable prices, split the booking:  Book from Brussels to Hamburg & Hamburg to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de , then book Copenhagen to Stockholm at either www.sj.se (in Krona, can struggle with some overseas credit cards, no booking fee) or Omio.com (in SEK, €, £ or $, small booking fee, quick & easy to use and readily accepts overseas credit cards).

Option 3, Brussels to Stockholm with an overnight stop in Copenhagen, from €59.90

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Copenhagen, leaving Brussels Midi at 06:23, change Cologne Hbf & Hamburg Hbf , arriving Copenhagen 19:34.

You can also leave Brussels Midi at 08:23, change at Cologne Hbf & Hamburg Hbf , arriving Copenhagen 21:34, although the earlier departure gives more wiggle room in case of delay.

It's a chill-out ride across Europe, take a good book, sit back and enjoy.  Brussels to Cologne is by ICE3 , Cologne to Hamburg by ICE4 , both with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Hamburg to Copenhagen is by EuroCity train with power sockets at all seats and refreshments available.  More about the Hamburg to Copenhagen journey .

Stay overnight in Copenhagen .  The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here .  Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel , First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).

Day 2, travel from Copenhagen to Sweden, these trains cross the water using the impressive Öresund fixed link .

For Stockholm take an X2000 train , one usually leaves Copenhagen at 08:19 arriving Stockholm Central at 13:34, or there are later trains.

For Gothenburg take an hourly Öresund train or occasional X2000 train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg Central, journey time 3h50.

For Malmö , take an hourly Öresund train from Copenhagen to Malmö Central taking 39 minutes (a same-day connection on Day 1 is possible).

The cheapest way is to book Brussels to Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö as one transaction at German Railways int.bahn.de .

Before running the enquiry, click Stopovers, add Brussel Noord as the first stopover with length of stay zero, then add Copenhagen as a second stopover with a length of stay of (say) 10 hours.  Enter your date of travel and passenger details and run the enquiry.

Adjust departure time & length of stay in Copenhagen to get the trains you want either side of Copenhagen.  Some trial & error may be needed!

This way you'll get a Sparpreis fare from Brussels to Stockholm or Gothenburg from €59.90 or to Malmö from €49.90 with an overnight stop in Copenhagen built in.  Book early & avoid busy dates for the cheapest prices.  You print your own ticket.

Note:  The zero-duration stopover at Brussel Noord forces the system to find the 06:23 & 08:23 German-run ICEs which call at Brussel Noord and so offer German Railways through fares.  Without this, the system finds the 09:25 Eurostar (formerly Thalys) instead, which is not run by German Railways (and doesn't call at Brussels Noord) so no through fares appear.  Easy when you know.

If you have any problems, you can book from Brussels to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de then Copenhagen to Stockholm at either www.sj.se (in Krona, can struggle with some overseas credit cards, no booking fee) or Omio.com (formerly GoEuro.com, in Krona, €, £ or $, small booking fee, quick & easy to use and readily accepts overseas credit cards).  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train .  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey .

Option 4, Brussels to Gothenburg using Stena Line's Kiel-Gothenburg overnight ferry

The journey takes around 8h09, I'd book the train leaving Brussels Midi at 06:23 with changes at Cologne Hbf and Hamburg Hbf .  You should book the ferry first and confirm ferry times, then book a train that arrives at Kiel Hbf around 2-3 hours before the ferry sails.  You can take the 08:23 if you like, but with a ferry to catch I'd play safe and take the earlier 06:23.

Book the train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

The ferry normally sails at 18:45 and arrives around 09:15, but times may vary so check online.

The ferry is a floating hotel with restaurants & bars, all passengers travel in a cosy private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.  You can add dinner & breakfast to your ticket when you book.

Fares vary, you might pay €39 per passenger as basic fare plus €75-€89 per cabin for a private 1 or 2 bed room.

Brussels to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Brussels to Oslo with overnight stop in Hamburg - by train all the way

But by all mean take an earlier train, there's a Brussels-Hamburg departure every 2 hours through the day.  The ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Gothenburg by EuroCity train & Öresund train :

Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:50, arriving Copenhagen 13:34.  Leave Copenhagen at 14:30, arriving Göteborg Central at 18:20.

The EuroCity train from Hamburg to Copenhagen has power sockets at all seats & a refreshment trolley.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey .  The Öresund train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg has power sockets & free WiFi, but bring your own food & drink.

Have an early dinner in Gothenburg.

Fares from Hamburg to Gothenburg start at €56.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket from Hamburg to Gothenburg at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Tip:   If you're clever, you may be able to book a through ticket all the way from Brussels to Gothenburg using int.bahn.de .  To get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a suitable length of stay, say 10 hours.  Adjust departure time and length of stay to get the departure from Brussels you want and the 08:50 departure from Hamburg next morning.

Tip:   If you don't see any affordable fares (which may be the case if you want 1st class), split the booking:  First book Hamburg to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de .  Then buy a ticket from Copenhagen to Goteborg Central at www.oresundstag.se .

Day 2, travel from Gothenburg to Oslo by Norwegian train, leaving Göteborg Central at 20:10 and arriving Oslo Sentral at 23:47.

Option 2, Brussels to Oslo with overnight stop in Copenhagen - by train all the way

Day 2, travel from Copenhagen to Oslo by train, leaving Copenhagen at 07:30, change at Gothenburg Central, arriving Oslo Sentral 15:47.

Earlier & later departures are available, see the Copenhagen-Oslo timetable & how to buy tickets .

Option 3, Brussels to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Oslo

Step 2, sail from Kiel to Oslo by luxurious overnight Color Line ferry, the m/v Magic or m/v Fantasy normally sails at 14:00 arriving Oslo at 10:00 next morning.  The ships have a full range of en suite cabins, suites, restaurants, bars & lounges.

Money-saving tip:   It appears that it's considerably cheaper to book on Color Line's Norwegian website www.colorline.no in Norwegian Krone, for example a €274 fare becomes the equivalent of €164.  You'll need to use Google Chrome translation to translate the Norwegian.  You are still able to enter a UK or other European address and contact details.  Feedback appreciated .

Brussels to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Brussels to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Hamburg by ICE train , leaving Brussels Midi at 10:25 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 17:14.

Tip:   You can book from Brussels to Skandinavienkai Terminal, Lübeck as one transaction as this gets you a through ticket to the ferry terminal covering the train from Amsterdam to Hamburg, the regional train to Lübeck and the bus to the Skandinavienkai Terminal.  If you'd like time for dinner in Lübeck ( see suggested restaurant here ), click Stopovers and enter Lübeck Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 2 hours.  You'd then leave Brussels on the earlier 08:23 departure.

Day 1, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Lübeck by regional train then take a bus to the Skandinavienkai ferry terminal in Travemünde.

Sail from Travemünde to Helsinki by Finnlines ferry.  Finnlines sail from Travemünde to Helsinki every day, boarding at 23:30, sailing at 02:45 (the exact time varies) and arriving at Helsinki's Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari at 09:15 2 nights later (Day 3 from Brussels).

For full details of the transfer, check-in arrangements & ferry crossing, see the Hamburg page .

Book the ferry using the Direct Ferries website or at www.finnlines.com .

Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi .

Option 2, Brussels to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Stockholm as shown above .

Brussels to Prague from €46.90

Option 1 , Brussels to Prague direct by European Sleeper - the most direct & time-effective option, 3 times a week

The European Sleeper leaves Brussels Midi at 19:22 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, arriving Prague Hlavni at 10:56 next morning.

The European Sleeper has a comfortable sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed rooms with washbasin, economical couchette cars with 5 & 6 berth compartments and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in the sleepers.  More about the European Sleeper .

Fares start at €49 in a seat, €79 with a couchette in 6-berth, €99 with a bed in 5-berth, €109 with a bed in 3-bed sleeper, €129 with a bed in 2-bed sleeper, €159 with a bed in single-bed sleeper.  All per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy tickets at www.europeansleeper.eu .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead although this varies.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  Easy!

The European Sleeper calls at Amsterdam Centraal.  This is a 5-berth couchette car, beyond it is the stainless steel sleeping-car.

On the glorious morning of 26 March 2024, the very first European Sleeper to Prague runs along the Elbe river valley between Dresden & Prague.

Option 2, Brussels to Prague in a day - a chill-out day with free WiFi and some great scenery

Leave Brussels Midi at 06:23, change at Cologne Hbf & Berlin Hbf , arriving Prague Hlavni at 19:24.

Leave Brussels Midi at 08:23, change at Cologne Hbf & Berlin Hbf , arriving Prague Hlavni at 21:24.

To get the route via Berlin with robust connections and a good-value through ticket, click Stopovers , (a) change Transfer time from normal to 30 minutes , (b) enter Brussel Noord as stopover 1 and (c) enter Berlin Hbf as stopover 2, with length of stay left as zero in both cases.  Entering Brussel Noord eliminates Eurostar (formerly Thalys) from the results as they don't stop at Brussels Nord, therefore it finds an ICE run by DB and so offers a through ticket.  Easy when you know!

Why not take the 06:23 and have a 2 or 3 hour stopover in Berlin, arriving in Prague at 21:24?  Simply enter 2 hours as the length of stay in Berlin.  The Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate are just 10-15 minutes walk from Berlin Hbf .

Option 3, Brussels to Prague using the Brussels-Berlin Nightjet sleeper , 3 times a week - another time-effective option, 3 times a week

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train , leaving Berlin Hbf at 11:16 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 15:24.

An earlier 09:16 connection is possible, but I'd play safe and book the 11:16.

This comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two as the train speeds along the scenic Elbe valley south of Dresden, it's a lovely run.  This particular departure is the EuroCity train Hungaria with modern Hungarian carriages, its final destination is Budapest.  More about this EuroCity train .

Fares start at €18.90 each way in 2nd class, €27.40 each way in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Option 4, Brussels to Prague with overnight stop in Berlin - this breaks up the trip nicely, and makes it more time-effective

Stay overnight in Berlin.   Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf 's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com .  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Prague on any EuroCity train you like.

You can leave Berlin Hbf at 07:16 arriving Prague Hlavni 11:24 with breakfast in the inexpensive Czech restaurant car, or have a leisurely breakfast and take the next one at 09:16, see the Berlin-Prague timetable here .

These trains run along the scenic Elbe river valley south of Dresden, enjoy the ride - bag a seat on the left had side for the river views.  What's the Berlin to Prague train journey like?

Book from Brussels South Station to Prague hl.n. at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

To build in an overnight stop in Berlin, click Stopovers , enter Cologne Hbf and Berlin Hbf as stopovers 1 & 2.  Enter 11 hours as the length of stay in Berlin.  In the search results look for journeys with 2 changes marked ICE, EC .  Adjust the departure time and length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Berlin.  A bit of trial and error may be necessary!

Brussels to Cesky Krumlov & other Czech destinations

You can book from Brussels (or elsewhere in Belgium) to almost anywhere in the Czech Republic using the German Railways website int.bahn.de with through fares from just €37.90.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

Tip:   It's an all-day ride from Brussels to the Czech Republic, so select an early morning departure time to do it all in one day.

Tip:   You might prefer breaking up a long journey with an overnight stop, perhaps Nuremberg, if your route goes that way.  To get an overnight stop, click Stopovers and enter Nuremberg , with a suitable length of stay, say 11 hours.

Tip:   Also check times & prices using the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz .

For Ceský Krumlov (a lovely town, and the second most-visited place in the Czech Republic, see the Ceský Krumlov page ) you need to book to Ceské Budejovice, not Ceský Krumlov, because the branch line between Ceské Budejovice and Ceský Krumlov is run by private operator GWTR and German Railways cannot ticket that part.

So simply book from Brussels to Ceské Budejovice at int.bahn.de from €37.90, then buy the 58 CZK (€2) local ticket from Ceské Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov either at the station in Ceske Budejovice from the distinctive green & orange ticket kiosk in the main hall, or on board the train using the self-service ticket machines, which accept contactless cards.  You can check train times from Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov at www.gwtr.cz .

For Karlovy Vary or Plzen , book at int.bahn.de , looking for 3-change options via Frankfurt, Nuremberg & Cheb from €37.90.

For Brno , book Brussels to Brno at int.bahn.de .  It tends to route you via Vienna, as this is slightly quicker.  By all means click Stopovers and enter PRAGUE , this can be cheaper.  By adding a suitable length of stay you can have an overnight stop if you like.

The most time-effective option from Brussels to Brno is to take the Nightjet sleeper train from Brussels to Vienna overnight as shown above , allow at least an hour between trains in Vienna, then take a Vienna-Brno train booked at either www.thetrainline.com (sells both Regiojet & ÖBB/CD trains), www.oebb.at (ÖBB/CD trains only) or www.regiojet.com (Regiojet trains only).

Brussels to Bratislava & Slovakia from €36

Option 1, Brussels to Bratislava in a single day from €46.90

Leave Brussels Midi at 06:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Vienna Hbf , arriving Bratislava Hlavna 18:23.

Leave Brussels Midi at 08:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Vienna Hbf , arriving Bratislava Hlavna 20:23.

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  In the search results, look for journeys with just 2 changes via Vienna.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Option 2, Brussels to Bratislava using the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train - the most time-effective option, 3 times per week

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Vienna by Nightjet , leaving Brussels Midi at 19:07 on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:03 on Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.  This train is expected to become daily from autumn 2024.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.  Child under 6?  See here .

Tip:   If you've booked a sleeper, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary tea, coffee & free WiFi.

Option 3, Brussels to Bratislava using the Berlin-Bratislava sleeper

Fares start at €39 with a couchette in a 6-berth, €59 with a couchette in a 4-berth, €129 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €139 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €179 in a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.

Book this sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem) or the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at .  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket.

Brussels to Budapest & Hungary from €56.90

Option 1, Brussels to Budapest in a single day

Leave Brussels Midi 06:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Vienna Hbf , arrive Budapest Keleti at 20:19.

Leave Brussels Midi 08:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Vienna Hbf , arrive Budapest Keleti at 22:19.

Option 2, Brussels to Budapest using the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train - the most time-effective option, 3 times per week

Tip:   If you've booked a sleeper and/or 1st class ticket for the onward train to Budapest, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.

Option 3, Brussels to Budapest using the Stuttgart-Budapest sleeper - a comfortable & time-effective option

Fares start at €49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, €59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, €69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €88.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 4, Brussels to Budapest by daytime trains with overnight stop in Munich

Day 2, travel from Munich to Budapest by railjet train , for example leaving Munich Hbf at 07:23 arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.

Or by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take the 09:29 railjet arriving 16:19, a railjet leaves every 2 hours.

The railjet trains have a restaurant car with draught beer on tap, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about railjets .  Look out for views of Salzburg citadel as you cross the river Salzach approaching Salzburg station.

Brussels to Brasov, Bucharest & Romania

Option 1, Brussels to Romania using a sleeper from Vienna - the fastest & most comfortable option

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Vienna, leaving Brussels Midi at 08:23, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arriving Vienna Hbf 18:47.

Brussels-Frankfurt is by ICE3 , Frankfurt-Vienna by ICE-T , both have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  An earlier 06:23 departure is also available, for a more robust connection with time for dinner in Vienna. 

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Prices vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Step 2, travel from Vienna to Romania by Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 and arriving next day in Simeria 07:10, Sighisoara 09:13, Braşov 12:36, Ploeşti Vest 14:28 & Bucharest Nord at 15:06.

The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, plus several deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  It has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.

A Hungarian restaurant car is attached between Vienna & Budapest, treat yourself to dinner with wine.  A bar car is attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks & snacks.  There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest.

The Dacia Express also conveys a portion from Vienna to Cluj Napoca, also leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 and arriving Cluj Napoca at 10:47. This portion has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.

Fares start at €59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, €69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, €79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, €99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or €159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself.  All per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

You can book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead .  In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes.  You collect tickets from an ÖBB ticket machine in Vienna.

You can also book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro .  Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead .  For Vienna type Wien , for Bucharest type Bucuresti.   It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers.  For Austria to Romania journeys you now print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  Tip:   Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!

Option 2, Brussels to Romania using a sleeper from Budapest

Fares start at €39 with a couchette in 6-berth, €46 with a couchette in 4-berth, €69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu , see my advice on using it .  For Bucharest type Bucuresti .  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.

Option 3, Brussels to Romania with overnight stop in Budapest - if you prefer day trains & a hotel to sleepers

Stay overnight in Budapest .  Top choice for an inexpensive stay next to Budapest Keleti is the Intercity Hotel just across the square in front of the station.  Also try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel , the inexpensive Baross City Hotel across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away.

Day 2, travel on one of the daytime air-conditioned Intercity trains from Budapest Keleti to Cluj, Arad, Timisoara, Simeria, Sibiu, Brasov & Bucharest.  You'll find more details of these trains in the Budapest to Romania section on the Budapest page ,

You can also book at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro .  Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead .  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.   You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Brussels to Ljubljana & Slovenia or Zagreb & Croatia from €72

Option 1, Brussels to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Stuttgart-Zagreb sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

Step 3, travel from Zagreb to Split by train, a scenic ride.  Buses then run from Split to Dubrovnik in a few hours.  See the Trains from Zagreb page for full details of train and bus from Zagreb to Split & Dubrovnik.

Option 2, Brussels to Ljubljana & Zagreb Using the Cologne-Munich Nightjet sleeper train

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Step 4, stay overnight in Zagreb and take a scenic train ride to Split next day.  Buses link Split with Dubrovnik in a few hours.  See the Trains from Zagreb page for full details of train and bus from Zagreb to Split & Dubrovnik.

Option 3, Brussels to Ljubljana & Zagreb with overnight stop in Munich

Tip :  If you don't see any cheap fares from Munich to Ljubljana or Zagreb using bahn.de (for example, if it says No special fares available ), try going to the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and booking from Salzburg to Ljubljana or Zagreb on exactly the same train (these trains leave Salzburg about 1h55 after leaving Munich), then using www.oebb.at again to add a ticket from Munich to Salzburg on the same train.

Step 3, stay overnight in Zagreb and take a scenic train ride to Split next day.  Buses link Split with Dubrovnik in a few hours.  See the Trains from Zagreb page for full details of train and bus from Zagreb to Split & Dubrovnik.

Option 4, Brussels to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Brussels-Vienna sleeper

This is a slower option, if only because of the morning at leisure in Vienna, but it's straightforward & comfortable.

The train travels along the famous Rhine Valley between Koblenz (23:46) and Mainz (00:39), so if you're still awake and your compartment happens to be on the left-hand side of the train, switch off the lights and watch the Rhine pass by, mountains, vineyards, castles & the legendary Lorelei Rock lit by moonlight.  Wonderful!

In Vienna, you've the best part of a day to enjoy the city.  Left luggage lockers are available .

Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €49.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Brussels to Belgrade & Montenegro

Option 1, Brussels to Belgrade & beyond using the Stuttgart-Zagreb sleeper. 

Day 2, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.

This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended.

This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats, but no 1st class.  There's no catering, so bring a picnic and some beer or wine.

Option 2, Brussels to Belgrade & beyond using the Zurich-Zagreb sleeper

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Zurich by comfortable daytime ICE trains .  For example, you can leave Brussels Midi at 10:25, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to arrive Zurich HB at 18:00.

Do not risk any tight connections when catching a sleeper, I'd want at least an hour between trains in Zurich.  Have dinner in Zurich before boarding the sleeper, I recommend the steak-frites at the Brasserie Federal inside Zurich HB .

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, small booking fee, using Thetrainline allows you to buy both tickets together in one place) or the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in €, no fee).  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Day 1, travel from Zurich to Zagreb by Croatian sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 19:40 & arriving Zagreb at 10:39 next morning.

The train has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended).  Watch the Croatian sleeper video .

This train will revert to its traditional departure time, 20:40, from 25 October 2024.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, no booking fee).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket.

This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats, but no 1st class.  There's no dining-car, so bring a picnic and some beer or wine.

Brussels to Sofia

Option 1, Brussels to Sofia via Bucharest

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Vienna overnight as shown above , using the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train 3-times-a-week.

Day 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.

The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means take an earlier train if you'd like more time in Budapest, perhaps for lunch.

Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

The Muntenia has 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats.  A Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments is attached from Arad (depart 21:04) to Bucharest.  There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.

Fares start at €40 with a couchette in 6-berth or €47 with a couchette in 4-berth.  These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares

Book this at the Romanian Railways international website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en .  You print your own ticket.

The fare is around €34.

Option 2, Brussels to Sofia via Belgrade

Not currently viable while Zagreb-Belgrade, Budapest-Belgrade and Belgrade-Sofia trains remain suspended.

Brussels to Warsaw & Poland from €46.90

Option 1, Brussels to Warsaw in a single day - the leisurely daytime option

Stay overnight in Warsaw - If your budget will stretch, the Polonia Palace Hotel is just across the road from both the Palace of Culture skyscraper and Warsaw Centralna station, and 25 minutes walk from Warsaw's old town. Opened in 1913, it was one of the few hotels to emerge unscathed from WW2, and has been used by many famous people including General (later President) Eisenhower and General de Gaulle.

Option 2, Brussels to Warsaw using the Brussels-Berlin European Sleeper - a time-effective option, 3 times a week

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper , leaving Brussels Midi 19:32 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays arriving Berlin Hbf 06:18.  In winter from 7 November 2023 to 24 March 2024 it won't usually run on Wednesdays, see the European Sleeper page .

Book this sleeper at www.europeansleeper.eu .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead although this can vary.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train , leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:52, arriving Poznan at 12:36 and Warsaw Centralna at 15:14.

This EuroCity train is a comfortable air-conditioned Polish train with restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and full meals.  Treat yourself to an inexpensive lunch and a beer or two, I recommend the excellent Zurek soup and Kotlet Schabowy.  More about this EuroCity train .

Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket from Berlin to Warsaw at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens 60 days months ahead , you can book the sleeper and leave this until later if necessary.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

The inaugural European Sleeper train about to leave Brussels Midi on Friday 26 May 2023.  Click the interior photos for larger images.

Option 3, Brussels to Warsaw using the Brussels-Berlin Nightjet sleeper , 3 times a week - another time-effective option, 3 times a week, starts 10 December 2023

Option 4, Brussels to Warsaw with overnight stop in Berlin - breaks up the trip nicely

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Warsaw on any EuroCity train you like, see the timetable here .

Daily except Sundays the 05:51 from Berlin Hbf will get you to Warsaw Centralna at 11:14 with breakfast in the bistro car.  Or have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take the daily 09:52 arriving 15:14.  By all means take a later train from Berlin to spend some time in Berlin.

Brussels to Krakow from €46.90

Option 1, Brussels to Krakow in a single day - the leisurely daytime option, possible from 10 December 2023

Step 2, travel from Berlin to Krakow by EuroCity train , leaving Berlin Hbf 16:52, arriving Wroclaw 20:56, Katowice 23:05 & Krakow Glowny 23:54.

The EuroCity train Oder is a comfortable air-conditioned Polish train with a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks & meals.  Treat yourself to an inexpensive dinner with a beer or two, I recommend the excellent Zurek soup & Kotlet Schabowy.  More about this EuroCity train .

Option 2, Brussels to Krakow using the Brussels-Berlin European Sleeper - a time-effective option, runs 3 times a week

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper , leaving Brussels Midi 19:32 on Monday, Wednesday & Friday arriving Berlin Hbf 06:18.

In winter from 7 November 2023 to 24 March 2024 it won't usually run on Wednesdays, see the European Sleeper page .

Book this sleeper train at www.europeansleeper.eu .

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Krakow by EuroCity train , leaving Berlin Hbf 10:52, arriving Wroclaw 15:05, Katowice 17:15 & Krakow Glowny 18:07.

This EuroCity train is a comfortable air-conditioned Polish train called the Wawel with restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and full meals.  Treat yourself to an inexpensive lunch and a beer or two, I recommend the excellent Zurek soup & Kotlet Schabowy.  More about this EuroCity train .

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket from Berlin to Krakow at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Option 3, Brussels to Krakow using the Brussels-Berlin Nightjet sleeper , 3 times a week - another time-effective option, 3 times a week, starting 10 December 2023

Option 4, Brussels to Krakow with overnight stop in Berlin - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers, departures every day

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Krakow by EuroCity train Wawel , leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:52 every day, arriving Wroclaw 15:05, Katowice 17:15 & Krakow Glowny 18:07.  The Wawel is comfortable & air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.

Brussels to Vilnius . Riga, Tallinn

Brussels to Lithuania with overnight stop in Warsaw

Brussels to Lviv, Kyiv & Ukraine from €86

Option 1, Brussels to Kyiv using the Kyiv Express from Warsaw to Kyiv

You travel on a comfortable high-speed ICE3M train from Brussels to Cologne and an ICE2 or ICE4 from Cologne to Berlin, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seat & free WiFi.  By all means book the earlier 10:25 or 12:25 departure and spend a pleasant evening in Berlin.

Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

The Kyiv Express uses modernised Ukrainian sleeping-cars with 2-berth & 3-berth compartments.  All bedding is supplied, and washrooms and toilets are at the end of the corridor.  Berths convert to seats for daytime use.  A smartly-uniformed Ukrainian railways sleeper attendant travels with each car. 

Option 2, Brussels to Lviv & Kyiv via Vienna

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Vienna using the Cologne-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train as shown in the Brussels-Vienna section above .  Enjoy the best part of a day in Vienna, left luggage lockers are available .

Day 2, travel from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv by direct Ukrainian sleeping-car. leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:42 every day and arriving next day (day 3) at Lviv at 09:20 & Kyiv at 16:03.

Introduced in 2017, this train has two direct Ukrainian sleeping-cars with comfortable 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, see the photos below.  At Chop on the other side of the border the through sleeping-cars are jacked up to have their wheelsets changed from European standard gauge (4'8½") to Russian gauge used in Ukraine (5').

Book the train from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv online at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .

This will only book one-way or round trip starting in Vienna because tickets need to be collected from an ÖBB station in Austria.  They cannot be collected in Ukraine.  Booking this way you pay no fee or mark-up, just the official fare.  The sleeper has become popular, it can sell out.

If you have any problems or want a one-way ticket starting in Ukraine, you can also book the Vienna-Kyiv train via reliable agency www.polrail.com , with tickets posted or couriered to you for a small fee.  Polrail are based in Poland so charge in zlotys, but as they have access to Ukrainian ticketing system they are good for booking this train.

Be warned, these direct sleeping-cars can sell out within hours of reservations opening.

Booked through oebb.at:

Vienna to Kyiv costs €80.50 in a 3-berth sleeper, €90.50 in a 2-berth sleeper or €152.90 in a single sleeper.

Booked through Polrail:

Vienna to Kyiv costs around €138 in a 3-berth sleeper €149 in a 2-berth sleeper, or €241 in a single-berth sleeper.

Brussels to Moscow & Russia

Option 1, Brussels to Moscow using the daily Warsaw-Moscow sleeper train - suspended due to sanctions

Fares from Brussels to Warsaw start at €46.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions & the war in Ukraine.

This train uses impressive Austrian-built sleeping-cars with 4-berth compartments built in 2014, see photos of this type of sleeper here & see panorama photo inside one of these modern sleepers .  Each compartment can be sold as 1st class 1-berth, 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth.  The train consist of two or three sleeping-car which start their journey in Prague.  There's a bistro car in Poland and a Russian restaurant car is attached between Brest (on the Polish/Belarus border) & Moscow.

The train from Warsaw to Moscow uses Russian air-conditioned sleeping-cars, pictured below, with compartments which can be used as 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth (shown below right), with a shower & toilets at the end of the corridor.  See panorama photo inside one of the new Russian sleepers .

Option 2, Brussels to Moscow using the new Berlin-Moscow Strizh Talgo sleeper train, twice a week - suspended due to sanctions.

This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions & war in Ukraine.

Russian track gauge is 5', but most of Europe (including the UK) is 4' 8½", so at Brest on the Belarus frontier the Talgo train runs through a special gauge-changing shed and the axles automatically adjust to the new gauge.  Once in Russia, the scenery is rolling hills, birch tree forests, and villages of small wooden houses.  Approaching Moscow, you may glimpse the plaques on the station building marked '1812' and '1942' as the train passes through the small station of historic Borodino.

You can book the Berlin-Moscow train at the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru and print your own ticket, it's a little fiddly but usually works, or you can easily buy it online with English language after-sales service if you need it, using the Real Russia online system here .

Option 3, Brussels to Moscow via Kyiv - avoids Belarus and the need for a Belarus transit visa

Brussels to Athens , Corfu & Greece

Option 1, Brussels to Athens & Greece using a ferry from Italy

The best and most comfortable option is to pick up a ferry in Bari.  The whole scenic and relaxing journey from Brussels to Athens will take around 3 nights, depending how the connections work out on your particular date.

Day 1, travel from Brussels to Milan in Italy as shown above , leaving in the morning and arriving in the evening.

Stay overnight in Milan :  Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .  Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel , Glam Hotel , Made to Measure Business , Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson .

Day 2, travel from Milan to Bari, leaving Milan Centrale at 08:05 on a pleasant journey along the Adriatic coast arriving Bari Centrale 15:27.

Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, easy to use, small booking fee) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in €, £, $ or Au$) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, more fiddly).  Italiarail will refund their small booking fee if you email them at [email protected] with your booking reference.  Booking normally opens up to 4 months days ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

In Bari, transfer from station to port, see map of Bari showing station, port entrance, check-in building & Superfast Ferries berth .

You can walk the 1.9 km from the station to the port entrance in 25 minutes, a stroll through Bari's pleasant old town, see correct walking map from the station to the port entrance gate - if Google tells you any different, trust me, not Google!

Alternatively, bus 50 runs from Bari Centrale station to the road outside the port gate roughly every 40 minutes.  A taxi will take 10 minutes.

Day 2, sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece with Superfast Ferries.

The ferry sails from Bari at 19:30 on Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Patras at 13:00 next day (Day 3).

On Sundays the ship sails at 13:30, too early to make connections from Milan.

You can check sailing times & dates at using the Direct Ferries website or at www.superfast.com or www.ferriesingreece.com .

You should check in at the Superfast desk on the ground floor of the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere) at Bari port with passport & booking number to get your boarding pass, ideally 3 hours before departure in summer, although in practice 2 hours or even 1½ hours is normally fine.

You then walk 500m from check-in to the ferry, board the ferry via the foot passenger gangway at the stern and head up the escalator to the main lounge and reception desk to get your cabin key.

The ship is comfortable, with self-service restaurant, lounge, bar and sun deck.  You can book a deck place (a good & cheap option in summer if you have your own sleeping bag), a reclining seat or various types of cabin, all with private shower & toilet.  Strolling the decks in the morning sun as the ship cruises past the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca is the nicest part of the trip, and it's a wonderful way to arrive in Greece.

Day 3, travel from Patras to Athens by Greek Railways bus/train combo.

Corfu:  The Bari-Patras ferry calls at Corfu on certain dates in summer.  It calls at Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland on all departures year-round.  If you can't find a direct ferry to Corfu, book the ferry from Bari to Igoumenitsa, then take the local ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu with Kerkyra Lines ( kerkyralines.com ).  These sail half a dozen times a day, crossing time 60-90 minutes, fare around €5-€10.  Buy a ticket at kerkyralines.com or when you get to Igoumenitsa.

Option 2, Brussels to Athens & Greece by train all the way through the Balkans

There are currently no international trains to Greece, you should take a ferry from Italy.

Brussels to Istanbul & Turkey

This is an overland adventure, taking 3 nights.

Option 1, Brussels to Istanbul via Munich, Budapest & Bucharest.

Step 1, travel from Brussels to Bucharest using any option shown above .

Do not risk any tight connections in Bucharest, I'd allow a minimum of 2 hours, or plan an overnight stop.

Book online as shown on those pages, but you should consider using an Interrail pass for the flexibility it gives.  You'll find more about using a pass for a journey like this on the London to Istanbul page .

Option 2, Brussels to Istanbul via Zagreb, Belgrade & Sofia - this route is not currently viable

Railbookers custom-made tours

If you just want to buy train tickets at the cheapest price, book online as shown on this page.  However, if you want someone to sort out your whole trip for you, arranging all your trains, hotels and transfers, and to look after you if anything affects your arrangements, talk to Railbookers.  Railbookers can tailor-make a train trip around Europe to your own specification.  Just tell them what you want and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get good reports and a lot of repeat business!  They now have offices in the UK, North America and Australia.

Hotels in Brussels & other cities

Hotels near brussels midi station.

If you need a decent inexpensive hotel close to Brussels Midi station where Eurostar arrives, go for the dependable Ibis Brussels Midi just across the road or for something a little more upmarket the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi is part of the station complex itself.  I have stayed at both, and can recommend.

Hotels in the centre of Brussels

How about staying on the famous Grand Place itself?  In the mid-range, the Résidence Le Quinze Grand Place gets rave reviews and overlooks Brussels' famous central square.

If you really want to push the boat out, the Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo is top end and scores 9/10, right near the Grand Place.

You can stay next to the Grand Place relatively cheaply, too, try the Hotel Agora Grand Place or Happy Guesthouse , both with great reviews.

All these hotels near the Grand Place are just a few minutes walk from Brussels Central station .

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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How to Travel from Brussels to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Jarrett Campbell / Creative Commons

Most Euro-trips include obligatory stops in Paris and Brussels, two cities known around the world for their troves of classic paintings, Art Nouveau architecture, and delicious pastries. If you're traveling around Europe it can be difficult to decide what route to take, but the Belgian and French capitals are so close together and easily connected that it's the easiest leg you'll have to plan. The distance between them is about 195 miles, but a direct train from Brussels-South Station to Gare du Nord in central Paris gets you there in no time.

Travelers on a tight budget can also take a bus, which takes significantly longer but is potentially much cheaper, especially if you're booking last minute. Only one airline offers direct flights between the two cities, although the price is so exorbitant that only in the most extraordinary circumstances would it make sense to travel by plane.

How to Get from Brussels to Paris

• Train: 1 hour, 25 minutes, from $32
• Flight: 55 minutes, from $300
• Bus: 4 hours, 25 minutes, from $10
• Car: 3 hours, 30 minutes, 195 miles (312 kilometers)

Traveling around Europe by train is a dream vacation for many, but high ticket prices and the rise of budget airlines has made train travel less feasible. Fortunately, the rail route between Brussels and Paris continues to be fast, convenient, and affordable—if you purchase tickets early. Train schedules typically open four months in advance, and ticket prices creep up as you get closer to your travel date. Purchase your tickets directly from the train operator, Thalys , as soon as you know your plans. Standard class tickets start at $32 but can shoot up over $100 if you purchase them last minute.

In hopes to attract more travelers on a budget, Thalys also owns a low-cost subsidiary train service called IZY , which offers one or two trains per day from Brussels-South to Gare du Nord for as low as 10 euros, or roughly $11. The trip takes about an hour longer than the standard train for a total travel time of 2 hours and 25 minutes, the seats are not as comfortable, and you'll be subjected to the same strict luggage restrictions as a low-cost airline. But if your bank account is forcing you to choose between the IZY train or a bus, then definitely choose the train.

If you find yourself in Brussels and suddenly need to get to Paris, but the low-cost train is fully booked and tickets for the standard train have skyrocketed in price, you can always fall back on the bus. While not the most comfortable or speedy of transit methods, it is cheap, and thankfully the distance is short enough that you aren't forced to endure an overnight ride. Another perk of taking the bus is that there are several pick-up and drop-off stops, unlike the train which always departs from Brussels-South and always arrives at Gare du Nord. If your final destination in Paris is actually the airport or somewhere else outside of the center, the bus may get you much closer.

FlixBus is one of the most popular bus providers, with coaches leaving from Brussels all throughout the day. The trip takes about four and a half hours to get to central Paris, but could be longer or shorter depending on where you choose to get off. Tickets range from $10 to $40 for high-demand times, but it's possible to find a $20 ride even when purchasing for the same day, although you may be leaving in the middle of the night.

In smooth traffic conditions, it takes roughly three hours and 30 minutes to get from Brussels to Paris by car. However, it's important to keep in mind that during periods of heavy traffic (such as during bank holidays and summer holiday periods), travel times can skyrocket. You'll also need to factor in toll charges for your trip, something travelers often forget to include in their budget. American credit cards don't always work properly abroad, so be sure to carry an assortment of bills in euros with you so you aren't caught up at the toll booth.

Because Belgium and France are both members of the European Union, you don't have to worry about any type of border control when you cross from one country to the other. You aren't greeted by long lines or passport checks, just a muted blue sign that simply reads, "France."

With the affordability and efficiency of train travel between Brussels and Paris, there's almost no reason to take a plane. Brussels Airlines is the only company that flies direct between the two cities, and prices start at $300 for a one-way ticket. The actual flight time is only 55 minutes, but once you factor in time to arrive at the airport, go through security, wait at your gate, and all of the other hassles of plane travel, the total trip time is much longer than the train.

Other airlines offer flights with a layover, but the total flight time is at least three or four hours, if not more, and prices start at $75. An option for travelers who want to visit as many countries as possible could book a flight with a long layover in another city, leave the airport for a few hours, and then head back to catch the second flight to Paris. It's a cost-effective way to get an additional trip—albeit an express one—in another city that you wouldn't otherwise be able to see. Layover options from Brussels to Paris include Amsterdam, Rome, Vienna, and many others.

What to See in Paris

Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world, and it's easy to see why. The city is expansive, and there's no possible way to see everything on one trip (or several, for that matter). Paris is one of those rare cities that travelers keep coming back to over and over again, because there's always something new to discover. If it's your first trip to Paris, there are a few must-see attractions that you shouldn't miss , like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the winding cobblestone streets of the artsy Montmartre neighborhood. Once you've seen those, explore the rest of Paris however you see fit. Visit another museum, take a day trip to Versailles, or just get lost in the city while snacking on buttery croissants.

There is a direct train from Brussels-South Station to Gare du Nord in central Paris. Be sure to book tickets in advance to get the best price.

The distance between Brussels and Paris is about 195 miles.

If you take the train, the second fastest but most convenient option, it takes one hour and 25 minutes.

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Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

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Best night trains in Europe

Growing in popularity, sleepers offer the perfect combination of travel and accommodation in one

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Long-distance train travel is having a moment it seems. Whether the appeal is the old-school romance of being rocked to sleep on the rails, perhaps waking up in another country, concerns about climate change and the carbon footprint of flying, or a desire to experience slow travel and take in more of your surroundings on your journey, a sleeper train offers the perfect combination of travel and accommodation in one. 

Taking a night train across Europe "is an exceptionally convenient, efficient and budget-friendly way to explore the region", said Rail Europe . That's because the price of your ticket also covers the cost of a night's accommodation. "So take the money you would have spent on a hotel and add another leg onto your trip or splurge at your next destination."

Here are some of Europe's best night train journeys.

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London to Venice

The Venice Simplon Orient Express is the "grand dame of sleeper trains", said The Times . Since being immortalised by Agatha Christie it's "become the byword for yesteryear elegance", as "one of the few surviving chariots of the golden age of travel". Luxe to the max, its interiors feature "wood panelling and lush drapes, antique lamps and art deco mirrors, and a Bar Car with live music". If money is no object, "splash out on one of the six grand suites for marble en suites, butler service and as much champagne as you can glug". Nowadays, you travel from London Victoria "aboard the luxury private Belmond British Pullman" to Paris, before joining the Orient Express for the overnight leg to Venice.

Find out more: belmond.com

Trondheim to Bodo

"Under normal circumstances, the jaw-dropping views offered by any Norwegian rail journey would make a night train a wasted opportunity," said Lonely Planet . However, travel this 430-mile route into the Arctic Circle in summer and "you needn't miss anything – the sun will hardly set". This means you can "enjoy views of woodland, lakes, mountains and tundra at any time of the night", said The Times. In winter it "looks like an understudy for the Polar Express" as it "snakes past pine forests laden with snow". And between September and March there's the chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out more: sj.no

Brussels to Prague

The European Sleeper leaves Brussels Midi station at around 7.20pm and pulls into Prague just before 11am, "perfect timing for passengers to enjoy lunch and a stroll around the Czech capital before checking into a hotel", said CN Traveller . This route is an extension of the Brussels to Berlin service and "it's an ideal starting point for UK-based travelers looking to snooze their way deeper into Europe", said Lonely Planet, "since there's no need in Brussels to change stations (as in Paris)".

Find out more: europeansleeper.eu

Paris to Vienna

The French capital is "gradually restoring its reputation as a hub for overnight services", said The Times , with plans for multiple routes from 2025. For now, try the Nightjet from Gare de l'Est, a short walk from Eurostar's Gare du Nord, to Vienna. With "perhaps the most perfect timings of any overnight sleeper, leaving mid-evening and arriving just before elevenses", there's plenty of time to "savour this cross-section of Europe". In the evening, you're "traversing Champagne country to Strasbourg", then "sashaying along the Danube from Salzburg in the morning, with a big chunk of Germany in between".

Find out more: nightjet.com

Milan to Palermo

"Long and skinny", Italy is "ideal for train travel", said The Telegraph . And it's "still quite an odyssey" to leave Milan, "one of Europe's grandest railway palaces" and "go all the way to the toe of the boot and cross over to Sicily". This represents "the chance to ride a train and a boat at the same time", said The Times. After leaving the northern capital in the evening, and "heading south through the hours of darkness" it's time to enjoy "coffee and a croissant in your cabin" while "admiring the coastal views". The train is "shunted on to a special ferry" to cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily, and you'll reach Palermo late that afternoon.

Find out more: trenitalia.com

Zurich to Zagreb

Crossing five countries in around 15 hours, this is "one of Europe's most scenic routes", said Lonely Planet. It is particularly "worth taking" in summer, as it passes through Austria and Slovenia – "both countries where you're hard-pressed to find an unattractive railway line". The train leaves Zurich at 7.40pm and, next morning, "be sure to wake up before 8am", said The New Zealand Herald , "as the last section between Ljubljana and Zagreb, when the train snakes alongside the Sava River, is one of the most picturesque".

London-Scotland

One of the UK's two sleepers, both of which "have recently benefited from major upgrades" that "many see as a vote of confidence in the country's overnight services", said Lonely Planet. Departing from London Euston, the "legendary" Caledonian Sleeper heads north "via a series of carriage shuffles unnoticed by the snoozing passenger, reaches Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William and points in between". On a moonlight night you can expect "sweeping views of stately castles and remote Highland wilderness", said The Times. These new trains "provide proper 21st-century comforts" including Wi-Fi, room service and complimentary sleep kits. Accommodation options include en-suite double cabins, twin bunks and "comfort seats". And in the morning "the menu features everything from porridge to a cooked full Highland breakfast".

Find out more: sleeper.scot

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Traveling to Europe? Book one of these new train trips.

Europe is in the midst of a great rail revival. An increased awareness of environmental issues , the many hassles of air travel and the mental effort required to drive long distances are all reasons for people to get back onto trains. European passenger numbers are on the rise again, if not quite at pre-pandemic levels .

In response, operators across the continent are investing in new services, tracks and special offers. And it’s only going to get better: Dozens of projects are in motion from the Baltic states to Portugal, with the European Union aiming to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and supporting “10 pilot projects to establish new rail services or improve existing ones” right now .

My family’s summer will involve a train journey from Paris to Barcelona, down the Rhône valley and along the Mediterranean coast, but you don’t have to travel at 200 miles an hour to get the best out of Europe’s rail network.

From slow trains to high-speed bargains, there are plenty of options if you’re traveling in Europe in the next few months.

1. New sleepers from Belgium and Sweden

The sleeper train revival is picking up speed. They seemed to be on the way out in 2016, when the government of France, their last stronghold, decided to cut funding for a number of services. Happily, many of those have since been restored, and other countries around Europe — most notably Austria, under the brand name Nightjet — are investing heavily in night trains.

This summer sees the debut of a service between Brussels and Berlin, two key political centers, run by a new company called European Sleeper . Customers can leave Brussels at 7:22 p.m. (or Amsterdam at 10:34 p.m.) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and arrive in Berlin at 6:48 a.m. Return trips depart on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. There are three types of tickets, starting at $85: a seat, a bed in a six-berth compartment or a bed in a three-bed compartment.

Other night trains have also recently been introduced, such as Stockholm to Hamburg , which started in the fall, or Paris to Vienna , which began in 2021.

I’ve traveled on night trains from Paris to the south of France on a number of occasions. The experience is not luxurious, but it’s generally cheaper than the cost of a flight and a room — and the beds, while slim, are surprisingly comfortable. Be warned, though: The romance of trundling across Europe in the dead of night can make it hard to sleep.

2. German rail pass for $50 a month

Last summer Germany’s national rail company, Deutsche Bahn, offered monthly passes for the country’s huge network for under $10, a response to cost-of-living problems caused by a sharp rise in costs for electricity, food, heating and mobility. The success of that project has led to the introduction of the Deutschland-Ticket , which will cost around $50 a month and allow unlimited travel on all trains, buses and city subway services, with the exception of the most direct and speedy intercity services.

The possibilities are enticing. Beer lovers, for example, could travel from Düsseldorf to Cologne to Bamberg and onward to Munich, hopping off for distinctive local brews along the way. Those in search of scenery, meanwhile, might prefer the West Rhine Railway, stretching down the Rhine from Cologne in the north to Mainz.

One thing to remember: The Deutschland-Ticket is only available as a rolling, app-based subscription. British train expert Mark Smith, better known online as the Man in Seat 61, recommends canceling by the 10th of the month to avoid being charged for more than a month.

3. The first 100-mph locomotive, in the U.K.

Given locomotives are a British invention, the rail network in the United Kingdom can be a disappointment. Yes, it’ll get you where you need to go, eventually, but services are often late, and there’s only one high-speed line, used by Eurostar and domestic services, from London into the Kentish countryside. The current national debate over ongoing construction of HS2 (High Speed 2) offers a reason: NIMBY -ish attitudes tend to triumph over the greater good.

No wonder Britons are wont to retreat into the past for comfort. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the world’s first fully authenticated 100-mph passenger locomotive, the Flying Scotsman; as a result, a number of special excursions are planned. For those who can afford it, the Centenary Weekender looks like the most appealing trip, from London to York and then Edinburgh, followed by a jaunt up Scotland’s beautiful East Coast.

The Flying Scotsman may be unique, but Europe is full of historical interest. There’s another anniversary, too: The Wuppertal Schwebebahn , a remarkable suspension railway that continues to operate, was completed in 1903 . And then there’s the Beaux-Arts Canfranc Station, opened as the crossing point from Spain to France in 1928, which was revived as a hotel this year .

4. A $7 high-speed train in Spain

Budget services are increasingly common in Europe, but no one is moving so fast as Spain’s Avlo , which runs high-speed, low-cost trains between Madrid and Barcelona, with tickets starting around $7. The network is expanding: From the start of June , there’s a new route from the Spanish capital to Andalusia, taking in Cordoba, Seville and Malaga.

In France, there’s Ouigo , which provides high-speed and standard services from Paris to cities all around the country, including Bordeaux, Marseille and Strasbourg. The advantage of the standard service — which offers tickets starting around $11 — is that prices don’t change, so you can get a last-minute bargain. The U.K., too, has a low-cost service , from London to Edinburgh via Newcastle, although tickets are not always such good value.

5. New subway lines in Turkey and England

Few cities have seen such huge investment and rapid improvement in subway provision as Istanbul. Earlier this year, a line connecting Istanbul Airport to the city opened, while other new lines and extensions are entering service all the time. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a city that had virtually no underground transport until 1989.

It’s not the only capital to be investing in underground trains, though. The experience of visiting Copenhagen has been transformed by the 2019 opening of the City Circle Line . Since last summer, visitors arriving at London Heathrow can reach the city center, and much besides , far quicker courtesy of 2022’s Elizabeth Line.

Paris, meanwhile, is in the foothills of a significant expansion program, Grand Paris Express , which will provide new connections in the city’s long-neglected suburbs. You can expect to see those services start to come online next year, when Paris hosts the Olympics and when Metro Line 14 will be extended to Orly, Paris’s second-largest airport.

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CDG Train Service or Gare Du Nord to Brussels - Paris Forum

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CDG Train Service or Gare Du Nord to Brussels

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I apologize if this has been asked.

5 replies to this topic

The more convenient is of course to leave from CDG but there will be more options I guess from Gare du Nord, and the journey between CDG and Gare du Nord is quite straightforward. It's hard to advise more without the actual timetable available.

Thank you, that is very helpful. I did exactly as you noted and checked schedules for July and August just for comparison. I understand summer schedule may look vastly different from November. The time frame you mentioned of 3 hours or more is very helpful to know for planning. I greatly appreciate this.

Search for multi trip options for into Brussels and out of CDG and see what you find. I start with Kayak and then once I get the lay of the land, go to the airline I will want to book.

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