The car trip from Brussels to Paris covers a distance of approximately 190 miles (306 kilometers), with the travel time taking you around three to 3.5 hours, depending on your speed and traffic. Of course, among the best things about the drive is the chance to pause at various landmarks, further enriching your travel experience.
Aside from exploring the landscape along the way, traveling to Paris from the Belgian capital by car also offers the flexibility to tailor your schedule, making it a truly memorable trip.
While en route from Brussels to Paris, you can stop at some of the region’s most important historical sights. Remember the Battle of Waterloo from atop the Lion’s Mound, or watch boats get lifted nearly 250 feet at the ingenious Strepy Thieu boat lift. Or for something a little more opulent, tour the Château de Chantilly, a jaw-dropping water palace that happens to house one of the finest art collections in France.
About Paris
Choosing to go on a road trip from Brussels to Paris is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. You’ll be rewarded with views and experiences in a city that’s considered among the most beautiful in the world. There are many reasons why Paris is hailed as a global icon of culture, art, and fashion.
Just look at some of the attractions and tell us you don’t want to visit:
Eiffel Tower Notre-Dame
Arc de Triomphe
Louvre Museum
Disneyland Paris
Palace of Versailles
Sainte-Chapelle
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Shakespeare and Company
Palais Garnier
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Centre Pompidou
Place des Vosges
Montparnasse Tower
Musée de l'Orangerie
Paris also has quite a story to tell. Its establishment dates back to around 250 BC when it became a Celtic settlement. During the glorious days of the Roman civilization, the city was initially known as Lutetia, whose name probably came from the Latin word “luta”*,meaning “swamp” or “mud,” as Julius Caesar described the marsh along the banks of the Seine.
As the 12th century got underway, Paris emerged as a leading center for commerce, education, and culture in Europe. This was evident in the founding of the University of Paris and the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral. But Paris wasn’t filled with just rainbows and sunshine. It also went through dark days, such as the Black Death and the Hundred Years’ War. It recovered by the late 1600s, shaping what this global capital is today.
From Brussels to Paris: travel tips
Let’s discuss some important tips to keep in mind for your trip from Brussels to Paris. As soon as you plan, consider not only drafting your itinerary but also creating a timetable. This will make sure you won’t miss out on any experiences.
Learn everything you can about Paris
Paris is huge with a long history, so use online platforms, apps, and guidebooks, to learn everything you can about the city, especially if you have any specific interests. You can also obtain firsthand travel advice by engaging with the local communities. Doing so will allow you to travel on a much deeper level, turning your trip into a meaningful experience.
### Stay aware and informed
Traveling between cities in Europe is generally safe, but it is still always prudent to stay informed about current travel advisories and local news. In France in particular, strikes are pretty common, but often usually scheduled in advance. Keep the necessary travel insurance documents, as well as emergency contacts, secure and on hand to avoid difficulties during your trip.
How to get from Brussels to Paris
There are several ways to get from Brussels to Paris. You can ride the train or the bus, or book a private car service like Daytrip (don’t bother flying though). But remember, these modes of transport differ in terms of cost, convenience, and speed, among various other things, so you must choose based on what suits you best.
Brussels to Paris by train
The best recommendation is to take the Thalys, a high-speed train that can bring you from Brussels to Paris in just 1.5 hours. Considering the distance between these two cities, this is the fastest option, but the fare isn’t cheap. Ticket price starts at around $80 (73 euros).
### Brussels to Paris by bus
If the high-speed train is too expensive for you, you can take the bus. The bus fare starts at around $25 (23 euros), way cheaper than the cost of the train ticket. But, the travel time is longer, taking about 3.5-4 hours. Be sure to check the bus operator’s timetable where you can find numerous departures throughout the day.
### Brussels to Paris by flight
Boarding a flight to Paris from Brussels isn't as fast as it sounds. While the flight itself only takes about an hour, you'll spend at least an hour getting to and from the airport, 2 hours at the airport for check-in and security, plus usually an hour for deplaning and getting your luggage.
This brings the total travel time to around 4 hours---slower than the train! And the fare isn’t cheap. The price of a nonstop flight ticket is around $230 (211 euros). Skip this option.
### Daytrip private car transfer from Brussels to Paris
The bus, train, and plane definitely won’t make stops along the way. So, if you want a more customized travel experience that will allow you to experience as much as possible, book a private car transfer with Daytrip. It's worth it just for the chance to visit the Chateau de Chantilly!
Not only is Daytrip door-to-door, meaning you don't even need to get to a station or airport, but you’ll love how your English-speaking driver will bring you safely to your destination and even provide insightful commentary about the places.
Things to do when you get to Paris
Once you get from Brussels to Paris, there are plenty of things to do. Take your time, as the city offers a myriad of experiences, day and night. Here’s a guide for you.
Explore Paris’ star attractions
They say you haven’t been to Paris if you haven’t seen the Eiffel Towel, so you better start your day here. Or, wait until the sun is down to see the worldwide icon lit up against the Parisian skies. Not far from here, the Louvre Museum awaits art enthusiasts, housing thousands of artworks from various eras and regions. Don’t forget to take a picture of the legendary Mona Lisa.
### Indulge in Parisian cuisine
Otherwise, engage your taste buds in a food tour around Paris. The city is renowned for its culinary magic, evident in quaint coffee shops and Michelin-starred restaurants. The croissant is a cliché, so if you’re done tasting the bread, try other classic French dishes like escargot and coq au vin (chicken stewed in red wine). For dessert levels, head to a patisserie for some macarons.
### Immerse yourself in world-class entertainment
Aside from those historical and culinary experiences, Paris is also opening its arms to tourists who want leisure and entertainment. The cruise along the Seine River is an opportunity for you to see many of the city’s famous sites from a unique perspective. For party animals, head to the city’s nightclubs and cabarets, such as the Moulin Rouge, Pigalle, The Latin Quarter, and Bastille.
### Enroll in artistic and educational workshops
For those who want a more hands-on Parisian experience, enroll in workshops around town where you can learn a new craft or skill. There are perfume-making workshops and photography tours that will change the way you look at Paris. There are also lessons on drawing, painting, crafting luxury bags, creating a custom denim jacket, making jewelry, and more.
When is the best time to visit Paris
Before you plan your tour from Brussels to Paris, it’s important to know the best time to visit Paris. Unless you want to see massive crowds in your travel fashion photos, the best times to explore the city are during spring (from March to May) and fall (from September to November).
If you don't mind the crowds, you might also want to schedule your trip based on the popular events happening in Paris. These include the blooming of Parisian cherry blossoms around the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, Paris Fashion Week held twice a year (the shows are strictly by invite, but you can still see fashionistas flaunting their stuff in the street), and the Chocolate Festival every October.
The distance of a train trip to Paris from Brussels is about 190 miles (306 kilometers). It isn’t a short distance, but if you want to get to Paris quickly, take the direct high-speed train. You can reach the French capital in around 1.5 hours.
The best times to travel from Brussels to Paris are early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd during peak travel hours. Booking in advance will allow you to secure better rates and ensure availability, especially during tourist seasons.
High-speed train fares to Paris from the Belgian capital start at around $80 (73 euros). You may still find cheaper rates if you know where to look. Also, remember that these prices vary depending on the time of booking and class of service. For lower fares, book ahead of time.
High-speed trains between these two cities complete the journey in about 1.5 hours, which is pretty fast and efficient, especially for travelers who want to maximize their time while in Paris. There are three major operators of these trains: Thalys, Eurostar, and TGH.
The cheapest way is definitely by bus, with fares as low as $25 (23 euros) on average. However, prepare for a longer travel time, taking about 3.5 hours. You can catch a train for a quicker trip or take Daytrip’s private car service for more flexibility and sightseeing.
For sure. A day trip from Brussels to Paris is feasible. This itinerary is ideal for those who are exploring Paris only on a side trip, such as business travelers. Since a high-speed train is only 1.5 hours, you can do some sightseeing around the city and return to Brussels the same evening.
沿途参观这些景点
滑铁卢
In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was finally defeated on this fateful battlefield. That Fateful Fight
斯特雷皮·提乌升降机
This marvel of engineering transports boats, water and all, 73 vertical meters. An Elevator for Boats
格朗·霍尔努
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a visionary industrial city, and now houses a visionary art and design museum. Visionary Design
洛雷特圣母教堂
This moving military cemetery remembers the hundreds of thousands who fell in the Great War, and wars after. Remembering the Lost
孔皮埃涅城堡
Napoleon had this enormous royal palace redecorated to suit his vision of luxury. Imperial Vision
尚蒂伊城堡
This gorgeous chateau has hosted several kings, and has been preserved exactly as its last owner left it. Water and Whimsy
"Sorina was terrific. She couldn't have been nicer. Sorina was on time, very professional, easy to understand, informative and a very attentive and good driver, especially when driving in the Paris City traffic. We highly recommend her service.
"
Anthony K.
United States
2024年7月26日
"Hi, our ride was wonderful. Samuel was at our hotel before the pick up time, and drove us safely to our stop over and our drop off point. We were running late as we have a set tour, and when Samuel knew we about it, he tried his best to help us be there on time. Thank you so much to both driver and MyDayTrip.
"
Estrellita V.
United States
2024年5月24日
"It was a very good trip … driver was punctual , helpful and courteous . When we got to Paris he clearly knew how to manage the city and delivered me to my destination in very good order .Extremely pleased with the service "
Peter D.
Australia
2023年10月22日
"Thank you it was wonderful. Our driver was superb and so knowledgeable with interesting conversation about Belgium.
Warmest regards"
Leanne C.
New Zealand
2023年8月19日
"The trip from Brussels to Paris was uneventful which was good. We asked that the planned stop be canceled and Marwan d. us by the Royal Palace. After a call to the office, off we went. He even volunteered to take a picture of us. Nice trip and my husband enjoyed the conversation. Much easier than flying or taking the train.
Ann S.
Birmingham, Alabama"
Ann S.
United States
2023年7月13日
"Our Daytrip from Brussels to Paris was beautiful. Our driver Juan was friendly and a wealth of information along the way. The Daytrip experience was a highlight of our trip and will definitely use this service again."
Rechelle W.
United States
2023年5月31日
"Francesco was wonderful--helpful, dependable, and everything you would want your employee to be. He did a good job for us and represented your company extremely well.
Thank you so much.
"
Claudia B.
United States
2023年1月18日
"We LOVED the experience and Daniel was wonderful. We would recommend your service to ANYONE who asks! We changed our pick up time and the office was wonderful to us as well."
Nicole S.
United States
2022年11月14日
"We had an amazing experience on our trip! Ramin was very professional and courteous. His driving was exceptional, it was raining and we all felt very safe.
Thank you for everything!"
Rosanna D.
United States
2022年11月12日
"We took 3 trips with you this year and this one was also excellent. Bernard was on time, stopped for our tour and got us to our destination safely. His driving was impeccable. His vehicle fit all 6 of us with our luggage. The vehicle was very clean and comfortable. We would book with your company again.
Cheryl"
Cheryl A.
United States
2022年8月6日
"I had a great trip today from Brussels to Paris. I enjoyed the stops along the way – Compeigne and Chantilly. The driver was excellent. "
Edward P.
United States
2022年7月27日
"Our driver from Brussels to Paris was very nice and had a great attitude and provided us with a comfortable trip and would defiantly recommend this service. "
Muneera A.
Saudi Arabia
2022年7月6日
"We are grateful for the transportation service that your business provided to our family from Brussels to Paris. The driver, Ilias E, was very friendly. He arrived on time and drove very well. The vehicle was comfortable for our group of four and a lot of suitcases. The ride was pleasant. Ilias knew the route well, managed the traffic of Paris easily and brought us to the hotel without any inconvenience.
We are planning in using your transportation services in the future, when we return to Europe later this year.
And of course, we highly recommend your business."
Wanda M.
Puerto Rico
2022年6月17日
"Thanks for the request and the trip was very smooth and Ramin was such a good driver and kind and helpful with everything."
Shehab H.
United Arab Emirates
2022年4月8日
"Philippe was exceptional. The trip was excellent. Van was ultra clean, comfortable, and the conversations were great. Huge difference between the Luxembourg to Brussels trip which wasn't near as good, ad previously sent. I highly recommend Philippe! "
CARL B.
United States
2019年12月30日
"Excellent trip. Samuel helped us a lot. We were extremely satisfied. He was excellent too. I am quite impressed with the quality of service provided."
Satrajit R.
India
2019年10月9日
"Hi,
My family and i also very much enjoyed the service from Brussels to Paris.
We felt like both drivers were very polite and professional. The ride was comfortable, vehicles used were in excellent condition.
Again, i would very much recommend MyDayTrip to my friends and family.
Thanks a lot Team!"
Miguel O.
Philippines
2018年6月30日
"Our trip with Younes was great. He was friendly, helpful and a safe driver. We enjoyed
the time we spent with him and would highly recommend him as a regular driver."
Dianne C.
Australia
2024年7月30日
"I’m very satisfied with Jonathan. He arrived in time and helped with the luggage. Thee ride was smooth and comfortable. The car is clean and new. Maybe you can provide water for all passengers during trips. As an added service. "