COVID-19 may be on the rise in much of Europe, but pent-up travel desires seem to be exploding. Airports and rail stations are seeing travelers return, which makes airlines and rail companies optimistic about the future. Brussels-Midi station is busy again! Of course, all of this travel is being done with vaccinations required, masks being worn and extra hygiene in place.
A few months ago, things were quiet at Brussels-Midi station, but crowds are coming back, as I experienced firsthand on a Thursday afternoon Thalys train from Brussels to Paris. Likewise, a weekday train into Antwerp was bustling with business, and the return was standing room only. It’s nice to see travel. coming back.
Now that Europe is welcoming visitors again, you’ll find Americans traveling between cities by rail. .Yes, traveling from city to city can be a breeze, especially if you travel by rail. Take Brussels, “The Capital of Europe,” as an example. Brussels-Midi station is ideal if you want to travel to Amsterdam, London, Paris or other major European cities. It is also easy to travel within the country. I discovered this early in my stay as business trips to London were far easier by Eurostar than by air.
Location, Location, Location
So, what station is the easier for your rail travels and how convenient is it to get there? Brussels-Midi is easy to get to by rail. From Zaventem airport, it takes about 20 minutes and costs 11 euros or less than $13. You can also get there by metro. Travel by metro to Gare du Midi/Zuidstation and the rail station is a short hike away.
Brussels-Midi is not the cheeriest looking station. In fact, I’ve always found it a bit gloomy whether I enter from the north or south side of the station. Enter by the “Kiss & Ride” near the Pullman Hotel, which is a good spot to stop for a beverage. If you are picking up friends or joining them for a quick lunch before departure, there is underground parking. Warning: it is pricey and you need your paid parking ticket to regain access to the building’s elevators,.
The rail station may not be located in the best part of the city, but if you arrive by taxi, train or metro, you shouldn’t have a problem. And if you are traveling on a Sunday morning, don’t miss the incredible open-air market adjacent to the station. You’ll find just about everything there. Fresh fruits and vegetables, regional cheeses and meats, clothing, flowers, household goods and more. I always stop by the Moroccan stand for delicious pancakes with honey and fresh mint tea. So delicious and cheap!
Rail is Convenient
E.M Forster said, “Railway termini are our gates to the glorious and unknown. Through them, we pass out into adventure and sunshine, to them. alas, we return.”
That’s how I feel about Brussels-Midi. There are so many advantages, especially when traveling to Amsterdam, London and Paris. I’ve grown tired of long security lines at airports and the requirement to be there hours before my flight. Ugh! If I am going to the UK, I just hop on the Eurostar. It only takes two hours! By air, it takes an hour and a quarter, but you have to add in extra time for airport security and immigration clearance, which can make the trip much longer.
That’s not even factoring in flight delays, long waits for take-off, airport and baggage handler strikes, etc. And you aren’t traveling from city center to city center, so add extra time to get to your destination if you decide to fly.
Traveling by train is also more comfortable. You can get up and walk to the dining car, and stretch out in a way you can’t on a narrow aircraft.
Handy Tips
Here is some basic information to make your trip easy.
- ADDRESS: 478 Avenue Fonsny, 1060 Brussels
- OPENING HOURS: 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- WHERE TO FIND REAL-TIME TRAIN INFORMATION: Click here.
- INFORMATION ON INTERNATION TICKETS: Click here.
- EUROSTAR INFORMATION: Click here.
International service is provided on platforms 1-6. You’ll find Eurostar on platforms 1 and 2. Platforms 3-6 are used by Thalys, TGV® and ICE trains.
Services for the disabled
For the disabled and passengers with reduced mobility, Brussels-Midi has lifts and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts, mobile ramps and toilet facilities. There’s even a dedicated service through SNCB that provides dedicated assistance for the disabled. You can reach them by phone at +32 25 28 28 28, It’s important to pre-book mobility assistance at least 48 hours prior to departure for international travel to or from Belgium. For assistance abroad on journeys beginning or ending outside Belgium, contact the train company in the appropriate country.
Other Options from Brussels-Midi
Brussels Midi is also the venue for other alternatives. If you want to save money on your travels, you can try Ouibus for trips to Amsterdam, Lille, London and Paris. Buses leave from outside the terminal.
Intercity Services
There are a number of high-speed train services from Brussels-Midi. They include the following:
- High speed services (Eurostar) London – Calais – Lille – Brussels
- High speed services (Eurostar) London – Brussels – Rotterdam – Amsterdam
- High speed services (Intercity Express) Brussels – Liège – Cologne – Frankfurt
- High speed services (Thalys) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Paris
- High speed services (Thalys) Dortmund – Essen – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Liège – Brussels – Paris
- High speed services (Thalys) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Lille
- High speed services (Thalys) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Chambéry – Bourg-Saint-Maurice (in winter)
- High speed services (Thalys) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Avignon – Marseille (in summer)
- High speed services (TGV) Brussels – Lille – Aéroport CDG – Lyon – Avignon – Marseille
- High speed services (TGV) Brussels – Lille – Aéroport CDG – Lyon – Nîmes – Montpellier – Perpignan
- High speed services (TGV) Brussels – Lille – Aéroport CDG – Strasbourg
- High speed services (ICD-35) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Breda – Antwerp – Brussels Airport – Brussels
The metro is also located by the terminal, making it easy to switch to trains. If you are arriving at Brussels Midi by a high-speed train and switching to another local or regional train, be sure to give yourself lots of time to get from one part of the station to another. It can be difficult to find the right track as signage is not always helpful, especially if you are traveling to a smaller city. Last week, there was nobody around to ask and no information on the travel website. I literally had to read every board to see all the intermediate destinations as my destination was not listed anywhere. I missed two trains trying to figure it out. So frustrating!
Dining and Shopping
Waiting for a train? Brussels-Midi has dozens of shops. Do you want to pick up some fresh sushi or Belgian chocolate for gifts? Say no more! Shops are steps away from the train platform entry points. Before my last trip to Paris, I picked up exotic Belgian chocolates for friends at the Belgique Gourmand where I found wrenches, keys, screws and tools crafted from Belgian chocolate. The Belgian Chocolate Shop also offers a huge selection.
There are also some good shops for emergencies, such as a pharmacy for last-minute contact lens solution, and clothing and shoe shops. When I broke a heel on my boots as I was leaving for a business trip to the U.K., I was able to pick up a new pair of fashionable boots at the station. And they were not even expensive! You can also find shops for electronics, jewelry, and food and drink, too. And just outside the terminal, you will find many cafes where you can sample Belgian foods and beer.
Let us know what you think of YOUR Brussels-Midi experiences.
Great article which shows just how much there is available to experience here!!!!!
Thank you!!!!