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Train travel has never been as trendy as it is right now, especially in Europe, where new routes are being launched left, right and centre. But no matter how picturesque and romantic a train journey may be, it is not always affordable.
An example of this is the trains between Paris and Brussels, two sister capitals that the Eurostar serves, and despite the relatively short distance, train tickets between them can cost as much as $125 one-way traffic.
That’s one lot a lot of money for a ride and a half, especially when you can go much further, as far east as Berlin, for much cheaper.
After years of excessively expensive fares, we are happy to report that the two French-speaking cities will now be connected via a cheap, direct train for only $10:
Paris to Brussels for cheaper than a breakfast menu
From December 19, you can travel from Paris to Brussels for less than the price of a breakfast menu in central Paris, thanks to the new OUIGO Train Classique line that bridges the gap between the two capitals.
You’re probably wondering, ‘well, this is just the starting price, on most days it’s a lot more expensive than that anyway’, and we’re happy to report that, in reality, most travel dates are on the cheaper side, with some of the most expensive tickets down to just $36.
That’s it.
Still pretty cheap.
3 departures per day in both directions
There are three departures per daywith trains leaving Paris (Gare du Nord) at 8:18 AM, 12:28 PM and 7:15 PM, arriving in Brussels (Midi) at 11:21 AM, 3:21 PM and 10:21 PM
From Brussels, departures to Paris-Gare du Nord are scheduled at 7:39 AM (arrival at 10:35 AM), 1:38 PM (arrival at 4:44 PM) and finally at 6:38 PM (arrival at 9:00 AM). 35 hours)
Cheap obviously comes with a price tag, which in our opinion is still worth it: don’t expect the fast WiFi you get with the Eurostar (there may be no WiFi at all), and the journey won’t be as fast either:
While the Eurostar, which historically connected Paris to Brussels, takes just 1h22 to complete the journey, without stops, the new OUIGO trains will in just over 3 hourswith stops in Creil, Aulnoye-Aymeries and Mons.
Well, nothing serious, unless you plan to visit Brussels from Paris or Paris from Brussels as a day trip.
Then we recommend that you take the fastest, considerably more expensive train.
Why visit Brussels?
We think Paris needs no introduction.
Even if you don’t know a whole lot about it, other than the fact that it’s home to a glittering Eiffel Tower and a postcard-like Montmartre district, it’s one of those places you’ll instantly recognize from the movies and guidebooks you’ve watched. and reading.
However, what about Brussels?
The capital of Belgium is certainly not a hidden gem of Europe – in fact, it is host to numerous European institutions – but compared to its French counterpart, it is certainly overlooked.
Medieval sights and quirky statues
However, if you love medieval sights, Brussels might just steal your heart, starting with the stately Grand Place, a huge central square flanked by ornate guild houses, and the colorful historic center that surrounds it, criss-crossed by alleys.
Don’t miss the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Brussels’ answer to Paris’s Notre Dame, and an equally beautiful Gothic wonder from the Middle Ages, with high vaulted ceilings and an extensive collection of sacred art.
If you want to see something quirky, check out the Statue of a pissing boyor Manneken Pis is an absolute must, and chances are you’ll never see the same statue twice: they always dress it up in more than 1,000 special outfits all year round.
For something even more quirky and for some even slightly disturbing, take a look at the Secret Pissing Girl statue, or Jeanneke Pis, Brussels’ pride and joy, or greatest shame, depending on how you look at it.
Outside the city center, the Atomium is both a science center and a viewing platform overlooking the Brussels suburbs, making for a unique photo opportunity. If you want to combine relaxation with some sightseeing, you can visit the the monumental Cinquantenaire Park is where it is.
You can even visit a chocolate museum!
This is a city known for its rich culinary traditions, especially in chocolate making, and no visit is complete without a tour of Choco-Story Brusselswhere the history of chocolate is documented, and you can even top it off with a few samples.
For the best, crispiest Belgian fries in town, look no further than Friterie de la Barrière, and as for waffles, on a particularly busy shopping day, grab them from the small trucks parked around the Grand Place, and you you won’t be disappointed.
Spending the night in Brussels?
Hôtel Aqua by HappyCulture is the most affordable choice this season, with rooms from $80 and within a 20-minute walk of the Grote Markt, the beating heart of the city.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
