A Scenic Journey: Brussels To Paris By Bus

If you're planning a trip from Brussels to Paris, you're in luck! There are several ways to travel between the two cities, including by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes and covers a distance of about 164 to 304 kilometres. The fastest bus will get you from Brussels to Paris in around 3 hours 40 minutes, but there are also overnight options available if you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice.

Journey duration

The duration of the journey from Brussels to Paris by bus depends on the time of day, the day of the week, and the traffic conditions. The fastest bus from Paris to Brussels takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, while the average journey time is around 4 hours. The journey can also take over 6 hours, depending on where you get off the bus.

There are 22 buses that leave Paris for Brussels every day, with 21 travelling directly. Buses from Paris to Brussels cover a distance of 164-264 kilometres. The first bus from Paris to Brussels leaves at 6:00 AM, and the last bus leaves at 10:55 PM.

The Paris to Brussels route is served by several bus companies, including BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Infobus, Movelia, Eurolines Deutschland, Eurolines Switzerland, and Ovanesovi Group. The buses are equipped with various amenities, such as comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.

The departure bus stations in Paris include Bercy, La Defense, and Gare Routiere Gallieni. The arrival stations in Brussels include Brussels Midi, Brussels Nord, and Louvain Diestspoort 5275 in the nearby city of Leuven.

Ticket prices

The BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus, and BlaBlaCar are three bus companies that service this route and offer tickets from $15. FlixBus has 10 daily trips between the two cities, with tickets ranging from $10 to $40. BlaBlaCar Bus has nine trips per day, with tickets starting at $15.

The cheapest way to travel between Brussels and Paris is by ridesharing, which costs between $20 and $22. The fastest way to travel is by train, which takes 1 hour 23 minutes and costs between $29 and $170.

Departure and arrival stations

When travelling by bus from Brussels to Paris, there are several departure points to choose from. In Brussels, buses to Paris depart from Brussels City Centre - Midi Train Station, Bercy, La Defense, and Gare Routiere Gallieni. Gallieni is the best option for those in eastern Paris, while La Defense is in the western suburbs. Bercy is the most central departure point and can be found at the intersection of Metro lines 6 and 14.

In Paris, buses from Brussels arrive at either Paris Quai de Bercy (Bercy Seine) or Brussels City Centre - Midi Train Station. Both stations are major hubs, connected to the wider rail and Metro network. Midi is connected to Brussels Midi Station, which offers easy access to Brussels Airport, and is located in one of the city's most popular accommodation districts. Nord is situated in northern Brussels, next to the Brussels Congress conference centre. A few buses also stop at Louvain Diestspoort 5275 in Leuven, a few miles east of Brussels.

Bus companies

The journey from Brussels to Paris by bus takes approximately 4 hours, depending on the bus company and the day of the week. There are 16 direct buses a day, with 21-31 direct services available at the weekend.

BlaBlaCar Bus

BlaBlaCar Bus is a subsidiary of the French carpooling company, BlaBlaCar. It provides connections to over 300 destinations and offers standard amenities, including air conditioning, toilets, and power outlets. The average journey time from Paris to Brussels with BlaBlaCar Bus is 2 hours and 50 minutes, with 9 buses a day.

FlixBus

FlixBus is a low-cost bus company that operates in Europe and the United States. It offers standard amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, extra legroom, and toilets. FlixBus provides 10 buses a day from Paris to Brussels, with an average journey time of 4 hours and 50 minutes.

BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is a carpooling service that allows travellers without a driver's license to avoid public transport. It offers a direct service from Paris to Brussels.

Alsa

Alsa is a subsidiary of the UK bus company, National Express. It offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. Alsa provides different ticket types, such as Minimum, Reduced, and Flexible fares.

Other Bus Companies

Other bus companies that operate between Brussels and Paris include Infobus, Movelia, Eurolines Deutschland, Eurolines Switzerland, and Ovanesovi Group. These companies offer direct and indirect services, with journey times varying from 3 hours 40 minutes to over 6 hours.

Reasons to take the bus

The bus journey from Brussels to Paris takes between 3 hours 40 minutes and 6 hours, with an average journey time of 4 hours 5 minutes.

Cost-Effective

Bus travel is a great way to save money. Bus tickets are often on sale, and you can usually find tickets at a 50% discount. There are also regular discounts for children, students, and seniors. When compared to the cost of driving (gas and toll costs), bus travel is a much more economical option.

Power Outlets and Wi-Fi

Many bus carriers now offer power sockets and free Wi-Fi, meaning you can stay connected and entertained during your journey. This is a benefit that isn't always available on planes or trains.

Breaks

Bus journeys include occasional stops and breaks, which can be a great way to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and use the restroom. Rest stops are usually cleaner and more accessible than plane or train bathrooms.

Luggage

With bus travel, you don't have to worry about missing or lost luggage. You can bring as much luggage as you need, without the stress of additional fees for extra weight.

Flexible Planning

Bus tickets are usually the same price, whether you book them months in advance or the day before. This flexibility is great for those who can't plan their trips too far ahead. Changing your bus ticket is also usually a straightforward process, with most companies allowing changes with minimal fees.

Central Locations

Bus stations are typically located near city centers, making it easier to reach your final destination. This is especially beneficial when compared to airports, which are often far from the city and require additional transport.

Comfortable Seats

Bus seats tend to offer more legroom than planes or trains, and you have the ability to adjust your seat to your comfort. Buses also have better air conditioning systems, allowing you to regulate the temperature to your preference.

Cancellation Policies

Most bus carriers offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to cancel tickets with a full refund or a minimal cancellation fee. This is a significant advantage over plane tickets, which are often non-refundable.

M-Tickets

With the rise of technology, many bus carriers now offer m-tickets, which are mobile tickets that can be purchased and shown on your smartphone or tablet. No need to worry about printing your ticket!

Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

Bus tours are a popular option, especially in Europe. These tours offer a flexible way to explore a city, allowing you to hop on and off the bus at various points of interest.

Eco-Friendly

Buses have a smaller carbon footprint than other forms of transportation. They use less energy than trains, and one bus is more eco-friendly than at least 30 cars. So, choosing a bus is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.

Convenience

Bus travel can be more convenient than flying or driving, especially for shorter distances. There's no need to arrive hours in advance, and you can avoid the stress of security lines and baggage fees associated with air travel.

So, the next time you're planning a trip from Brussels to Paris, consider taking the bus! It's a cost-effective, convenient, and comfortable option that might just surprise you.

Frequently asked questions