Planning a trip from Brussels to Paris, but having trouble weighing your options to decide whether it would make more sense to travel by train, plane, or car? If so, this guide is designed to help you sort through your top options, and make a choice that is economical and efficient.
Distance from Paris
Brussels is just 160 miles from the French capital, which means that if you can afford the time, taking the train or renting a car can offer a more scenic – and potentially more relaxing and enjoyable – way to travel from Brussels to Paris than fly would. With the high-speed Eurostar and Thalys trains serving Paris from Brussels every day in less than an hour and a half (on average), this way of getting there is probably the best option. This is especially when the travel time from the city center to the airports is taken into account.
Taking the train: what are the options?
You can reach Paris from central Brussels in about an hour and 20 minutes via the Thalys train network. Additionally, Eurostar trains depart from Brussels and connect in Lille, France. Thalys and Eurostar trains run into central Paris at Gare du Nord station, minimizing stress. First class tickets are generally not much more expensive than economy ones and include full service food and drinks.
Flights: carriers and how to find deals
International airlines, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Lufthansa, and regional low-cost airlines, such as Brussels Airlines, offer daily flights from Brussels National to Paris, arriving at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport. Flights to Beauvais Airport, located on the outskirts of Paris, may be a cheaper option, but you will need to plan at least an extra hour and 15 minutes to get to central Paris.
Brussels to Paris by car: why it may not be worth it
In light traffic conditions, it can take about three hours to get from Brussels to Paris by car. However, it is important to note that during periods of heavy traffic (such as holidays and summer vacation periods), travel times can skyrocket.
You’ll also need to factor in toll charges for your trip – something travelers often forget to budget for. In the end, it may be more worth taking the train. It all depends on whether you need to transport large amounts of equipment (perhaps for a family camping trip) or other goods. If you don’t, the stress of driving may not guarantee the trip, even if it may be a cheaper option.
Arriving in Paris by plane? Ground transportation options
If you are arriving in Paris by plane, you will have to figure out how to get to the city center from the airports. You may also want to consider taking a taxi from the airport, but this, again, will depend on how much you are willing to spend, whether you are traveling with young children or elderly visitors who may find public transport options uncomfortable, etc. .
Are you traveling from other parts of Europe? See these related features
Perhaps you have scheduled a trip that includes travel between various European cities and you need more information on the best ways to get to the French capital. These particular guides can be helpful:
- How to get from Amsterdam to Paris
- How to get from London to Paris
- All about the Eurostar
