What’s it like to take the Eurostar London to Brussels? We review the journey from Brussels to London too. This is based on taking Eurostar with kids but there’s enough here to show what it would be like for any passenger. If you’re wondering whether to take the Eurostar from London to Brussels or fly, this review covers everything you need to know – from boarding and seats to travelling with children and whether it’s worth the cost.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Eurostar London to Brussels – boarding
We boarded the Eurostar at Ebbsfleet International which felt like a really great choice. Just off the M25, there’s plenty of parking and there were no queues and no stress.
If you’re travelling from outside central London, Ebbsfleet International is a fantastic alternative to St Pancras. Parking is easy, access is straightforward and it removes the stress of navigating central London with children or luggage.
The check-in led seamlessly through to security and passport control. We were through in just fifteen minutes and it was really simple.
Compared to airports, the whole Eurostar boarding process felt incredibly efficient. There’s no need to arrive hours in advance, which makes travelling with kids so much easier and more relaxed.
Travelling to Belgium on Eurostar
Before we knew it we were on the train and heading for the coast. Having not caught the Eurostar as a family before we really couldn’t believe how straightforward it was.
We will absolutely think about using the train again when we consider going to Northern Europe. It was so much faster and smoother than taking a short-haul flight.
One of the biggest advantages of taking the Eurostar from London to Brussels is the city centre to city centre travel. There’s no long airport transfers, no waiting around for baggage reclaim and far less overall travel time.
On board Eurostar London to Brussels
We had made sure that we had a table seat on the way out of the UK and that was a real benefit. The train was reasonably busy with commuters and others heading off on short breaks, so having a table where the children could read, colour and do puzzles was something which was very welcome.
If you’re travelling on Eurostar with kids, we would highly recommend booking seats around a table if possible. It makes such a difference for longer journeys and helps keep children entertained.
That being said, the seating is really generous and there were still seats for us all to spread out and relax.
The journey into France was really smooth and we were surprised to see that we were through the channel tunnel in a little over twenty minutes. The train was taking us to Brussels and our first stop was Lille.
The Channel Tunnel experience is so seamless that you barely notice it happening.
It was lovely to take a peek out at the rail station in Lille and get a brief look at life going on in France. It almost felt too easy to get here so quickly and stress-free.
We took one of the nine Eurostar trains which were running that day and with prices comfortably below flights covering similar routes and the extra baggage space when compared to flying, it is a great alternative.
Another major benefit is the generous luggage allowance. There are no strict liquid rules or baggage weight restrictions like airlines, which makes packing for a family trip much simpler.
We arrived at Brussels Midi station within two hours of leaving London.
Arriving right into Brussels Midi station means you’re instantly connected to the rest of the city, with trams, metros and taxis all easily available.
One of the great benefits of taking the Eurostar London to Brussels is that with your ticket you also get lots of ‘two for one’ entry into paying exhibitions at some of the city’s most popular galleries. (check this is still available when you travel)
This 2-for-1 offer is a brilliant added extra and worth checking in advance to make the most of your trip to Brussels.
Standard Premier Class on Eurostar
On our return trip we travelled in ‘Standard Premier’ class which felt really special. You could really feel the difference with more roomy seats, free magazines and delicious on-board food (including wine) all included in the price.
Standard Premier is a great option if you’re looking to make your journey feel a bit more like part of the holiday. The extra space and included meal make it particularly appealing for a relaxing return journey.
It was well worth making the upgrade and was a lovely and special way to end our trip.
Is Eurostar better than flying to Brussels?
In our opinion, yes – especially when travelling with children. The ease of boarding, central locations and more relaxed experience make Eurostar a strong alternative to flying.
Pros of taking Eurostar London to Brussels:
– No long airport queues
– City centre to city centre travel
– Generous luggage allowance
– More comfortable and spacious seating
– Environmentally friendlier than flying
Cons:
– Can be more expensive if not booked in advance
– Slightly longer journey time compared to flight time alone (but often quicker door-to-door)
Tips for taking Eurostar with kids
– Book seats around a table if possible
– Bring snacks and activities, although the journey is quite short
– Arrive around 60–90 minutes before departure to allow for security
– Consider travelling from Ebbsfleet for an easier experience
– Upgrade to Standard Premier for a more relaxed journey home
FAQ – Eurostar London to Brussels
How long is the Eurostar from London to Brussels?
The journey takes around 2 hours door-to-door.
Is Eurostar suitable for children?
Yes, it’s one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to travel in Europe with kids.
Do you need a passport for Eurostar?
Yes, you will go through passport control before boarding.
Is there food on Eurostar?
Yes, there is a café onboard, and in Standard Premier food is included.
We wouldn’t hesitate to travel on this route again. To book Eurostar tickets click here.
Read more relevant posts –
See our review of the Atomium, Brussels and A sunny weekend in Mechelen. Also find our guide to London with kids.
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Looks like a pleasant journey 😉 We’re planning our first eurostar trip to Paris!
I have been on the Eurostar before and it really is so simple isn’t it. I can imagine how easy it would be when you have children, especially having that table so they can play on.
I think it’s a brilliant way to travel with children – it felt so much easier than flying and just great to have all the space to move around. Thank you for commenting!
Looks fabulous. I’ve never been on the Eurostar before as I’ve got a real fear of tunnels and such but Hopi g at some point to conquer this for the kids!
Since being pregnant with my first I’ve suffered from claustrophobia and I was REALLY worried I would panic in the tunnel but I didn’t at all. For one thing the train is really big with loads of space to feel like you can breathe and the other is that it is really fast…you whiz in and out of them and I honestly didn’t feel worried at all. I hope you can overcome them as it’s a great way to travel and actually going on Eurostar might even help…? Good luck! 🙂
Wow London to Brussels within 2 hours! I’ve never been on the Eurostar but if we were to travel to Europe it would be considered. Looks like you had a good trip!
It’s super fast isn’t it? I would definitely recommend it for trips to Europe! Thank you for your comments.
Looks a brilliant service and I always believe the travelling to a destination is as much a part of the holiday as the place itself. This looks enjoyable and far superior to being cramped in a plane. Fast journey time too, I would definitely consider this for a Europe trip. Thanks
I totally agree that travelling to a destination is part of the trip. This was such a great way to get to Europe – totally recommended!
I have never ben on Eurostar, and often wondered what is was like! Looking forward to your review of Brussels in the near future. I do like to travel
We thought it was brilliant, really great way to get to Europe! Thank you for your comments!
I’ve never been on the Eurostar but definitely want to try it – two hours from London to Brussels is amazing!
It is amazing isn’t it?! Super fast and a really comfortable way to travel.
Looks like fun. I have never been on the Eurostar x
I hadn’t been for awhile but really enjoyed it!
20 years already? I still haven’t travelled on it
I know, it’s crazy isn’t it? I hope you get to travel on it soon!
I’ve always wanted to travel on this .
I hope you get the chance to soon!
We’ve been on the Eurostar twice now, once to Paris and once to Bruges (via Brussels), both times we went via St. Pancras, but next time we take a trip, I think we’ll just drive down to Ebbsfleet! Coming back home would be so much less stressful that the tube when you’re back in London!
Look forward to hearing about your trip to Brussels – we literally just passed through. Bruges was beautiful though!
You can read it here if you like! Our weekend in Bruges
We loved Brussels and would love to explore more of that region – it’s so beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
i would love to go to brussels! or just anywhere abroad really. i really need a passport 🙁
Oh get a passport – you never know when an opportunity might arise! And Eurostar is a great way to get abroad quickly and relatively cheaply. Hope you get to go soon!
We went by Eurostar to Disney and it was fantastic. Ebbsfleet was lovely but the station at Disney was abysmal!
I actually never thought about going to Disney by Eurostar but of course, that would be a great way to get there. Shame about the Disney station though!
I’ve never been on Eurostar before but would love to take the kiddies on an adventure. You’ve inspired me to seriously look into it.
Let me know if you book – it’s a great way to get abroad – especially with children. Mine loved the train!
I’ve never tried Eurostar but would love to take the children off on an adventure.
The Eurostar is already on my list for the next year or so, but you’ve inspired me to do it sooner. I’d like to take the kids to see the Eiffel Tower.
We love Paris!! Eurostar would be so much fun to get to Paris on!
Did the Eurostar during the volcano problems – just so smooth… and was amazed at the shops at St Pancras too…
Oh I missed the shops at St Pandras as we went from Ebbsfleet…maybe that’s a good thing…?!
this is making me so excited for our trip away! the food looks delicious too! x
You will have an amazing time – I can’t wait to hear about it when you get back!
20th Anniversary!! That makes me feel old! The Eurostar is a revelation, it feels so weird just staying on a train and ending up in another country when we are so sued to having to get on a plane or a boat to get off our little island. I have always found the Eurostar really comfortable, efficient and a great way to travel – perfect if you want to end up back in central London too.
I know..I feel a bit like it was a revelation too! We really loved it and can’t wait to go again!
We’re going on the Eurostar to Disney nest month, I can’t wait.
I’m going to have to plan a Eurostar / Disney trip – that’s such a great idea! Hope you had fun!
We haven’t been on eurostar but it looks like a lovely way to travel to and from your destinstion
It really is a great way and I’d definitely recommend it, particularly with little ones in tow!
I love the eurostar! Such a great way to travel
It’s brilliant isn’t it? Properly part of the holiday. Thank you for reading and commenting!
That looks like a really special trip. I’ve long been thinking I’d like to take the kids on the Eurostar and this has convinced me that we need to do it soon!
I would so recommend it! Mine absolutely loved it and it really felt like an adventure. Let me know if you do and what you thought of it!
Ah I love that you can just catch a train to another country yet. I haven’t been on the Eurostar yet but I really need to! Whenever I’m in Pancras I’m so tempted to jump on!
One day you should just do it…with a ticket…and passport of course!! It definitely has that traveller’s adventure feel doesn’t it?! Thank you for your comments!
A lovely review. A short break using Eurostar has long been on my travel list. I relocated to Kent so hopefully this will be the year it happens! Great tip about discounts using your ticket- one to look into.
Thank you so much! We love Eurostar, such a great way to have an easy city break. Hope you get one soon!