Eurostar does not go directly to Austria. However, you can take the Eurostar from London to Brussels or Paris and then board the Nightjet sleeper train to Salzburg and Vienna. This route takes between 12 and 18 hours and offers stunning views of the Arlberg Pass. Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar to Brussels, followed by an ICE train to Cologne and then the Nightjet to Austrian cities such as Kufstein, Wörgl, Jenbach, and Innsbruck.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
--- | --- |
Travel time | 12 hours 29 minutes to 17 hours 6 minutes |
Number of changes | 2 |
First departure time | 6:01 |
Last departure time | 20:31 |
Number of trains per day | 29 |
Ticket price | $96.50 to $321 |
What You'll Learn
London to Brussels by Eurostar
The Eurostar train from London to Brussels is a fast, efficient, and comfortable way to travel between these two cities. Here's everything you need to know about the journey:
Departure and Arrival Points
The Eurostar departs from London St. Pancras International Station, located in the heart of London with convenient connections to the London Underground and bus lines. The train arrives at Brussels-Midi/Zuid Station, which is just a short walk from the city centre of Brussels and is well-connected to the Brussels Métro, tram lines, and bus routes.
Travel Time and Frequency
The Eurostar train from London to Brussels takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes to 2 hours and 1 minute, depending on the specific train. There are about 27 trains departing from London to Brussels every day, with a frequency of about one train every 14 minutes. The earliest train typically departs around 6:56 am on weekdays, while the latest departure is usually around 8:56 pm. On weekends, the earliest train tends to leave around 7:56 am, and the latest remains the same.
Onboard Services and Classes
The Eurostar offers a range of services and classes to suit different traveller needs. All passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, at-seat plug sockets, and a generous luggage allowance. Additionally, there is no restriction on bringing your own food and liquids onboard, and there are dining options available during the journey.
The Eurostar has three classes of service: Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the onboard café. Standard Premier provides more spacious seating, additional legroom, and a light meal included in the fare. Business Premier is the most premium option, offering exclusive lounges, priority ticket gates, and a fine dining experience.
Ticket Pricing and Booking
Ticket prices for the Eurostar from London to Brussels can vary, but they typically start at around $52 for a Standard Class ticket. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best fares and a wider selection of travel times, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Eurostar tickets do not include any additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance.
Travel Documentation and Requirements
When travelling from London to Brussels by Eurostar, it is necessary to carry a valid passport and complete the Advance Passenger Information (API) before your journey. As the UK is no longer part of the EU, passport control and customs checks will take place before boarding the train. While a visa is usually not required for short stays for US or EU passport holders, it is essential to have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining. There are no specific restrictions on bringing personal belongings, but there are limits on duty-free goods and controlled items such as produce, tobacco, alcohol, and currency.
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Brussels to Cologne by ICE train
The fastest trains from Brussels to Cologne take around 1 hour and 48 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 185 kilometres. There are normally 14 trains per day travelling from Brussels to Cologne and tickets for this journey start from $17.48 when you book in advance. The first train between Brussels and Cologne departs around 00:20 and the last train leaves at around 19:56.
Travelling with ICE
Deutsche Bahn's Intercity-Express (ICE) trains offer a high-speed, comfortable journey from Brussels to Cologne. In Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistro carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks. Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
Travelling with Eurostar
On 1 October 2023, Thalys became Eurostar. Eurostar trains offer modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage options. There are three comfort classes on offer: Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).
Other FAQs
The distance from Brussels to Cologne is around 114 miles (183 km).
There are approximately 14 trains per day available on this route.
Yes, you can travel on a high-speed train between Brussels and Cologne. The fastest journeys can take 1 hour and 50 minutes on Eurostar trains.
Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.
Cheap train tickets from Brussels to Cologne
The price of train tickets from Brussels to Cologne starts at $17.48 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.
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Cologne to Innsbruck by Nightjet sleeper train
The Nightjet sleeper train is a comfortable and affordable way to travel from Cologne to Innsbruck. Operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB), the Nightjet offers a variety of accommodation options, including seats, couchettes, and sleeping cabins. Here's everything you need to know about travelling on the Nightjet from Cologne to Innsbruck.
Route and Schedule
The Nightjet train from Cologne to Innsbruck typically runs daily and takes passengers through stunning landscapes, including the Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Mainz. The train passes mountains, river boats, castles, vineyards, and the legendary Lorelei Rock. While the exact timetable may vary, the Nightjet usually departs from Cologne in the evening and arrives in Innsbruck the next morning.
Accommodation Options
The Nightjet offers three main accommodation options: seats, couchettes, and sleeping cabins.
- Seats: While the Nightjet does offer regular seats, travelling overnight in a seat is not recommended as it can be uncomfortable and lacks privacy. It is always best to book a couchette or sleeper cabin for a more restful journey.
- Couchettes: Couchettes are simple flat-padded bunks in shared compartments, making them a great option for families, groups, or budget-conscious travellers. Each couchette compartment can accommodate four or six people and comes with a table, power sockets, and a washroom at each end of the corridor. Couchette passengers also receive a light breakfast with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate included in the fare.
- Sleeping Cabins: The Nightjet offers two types of sleeping cabins: standard sleepers and deluxe sleepers. The standard sleeper has a washbasin, while the deluxe sleeper includes an en-suite toilet and shower. Both types of sleepers have comfortable beds, fresh linens, and individual reading lights. Sleeper passengers also receive a complimentary welcome drink and an à la carte breakfast served in their compartment.
Fares and Booking
Fares for the Nightjet from Cologne to Innsbruck vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Couchettes are the most economical option, with fares starting at €49 for a 6-berth couchette and €59 for a 4-berth couchette. Sleeping cabins are more expensive, with fares starting at €89 for a bed in a 2-bed sleeper and €129 for a single-bed sleeper. It is recommended to book in advance, as fares tend to increase closer to the departure date.
Booking can be done through various websites, such as www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at. Booking is typically available up to 6 months in advance, but the booking horizon may be shorter for certain routes or during peak travel seasons. Reservations are compulsory and can be made through the booking website, the ÖBB Customer Service, or at the train station.
Onboard Services and Facilities
The Nightjet provides a range of services and facilities to enhance your journey. These include:
- Room service: In sleepers and couchettes, passengers can order drinks, snacks, and hot dishes from a limited menu, served directly to their compartment.
- Breakfast: A light breakfast is included in the fare for couchette passengers, while sleeper passengers can choose six items from a breakfast menu.
- Luggage storage: There is ample luggage storage space in the compartments, with racks above the windows and doors, as well as space under the lower berths.
- Power sockets: Power sockets are available in the sleeping cabins and some couchettes, allowing passengers to charge their electronic devices during the journey.
- Travel assistance: The Nightjet offers travel assistance for passengers with disabilities.
- WiFi: WiFi is available on select routes, including the Hamburg-Vienna/Innsbruck route.
Tips for a Comfortable Journey
- Dinner before boarding: There is no restaurant car on the Nightjet, so it is recommended to have dinner before boarding or bring your own food and drinks.
- Where to wait: At Cologne Hbf, passengers can wait for their train at the Brauhaus Sion or the Malzmuehle restaurant, both located within walking distance of the station.
- Where to stand on the platform: Nightjet trains can be long, so check the train composition poster on the platform to find the correct sector for your car.
- Connecting doors: Some compartments have interconnecting doors, allowing adjacent compartments to be joined together. This is useful for families or groups travelling together.
- Reservation fees: Reservations are compulsory and dynamic, varying based on availability and the specific route. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the high season.
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Innsbruck to Kufstein, Wörgl, Jenbach and other stations
Innsbruck is a captivating and elegant city at the centre of a feast of skiing – by checking in at the Tirolean capital you can enjoy the ultimate in apres-ski while experiencing world-class skiing and boarding at a different resort each day.
The train journey from Innsbruck to Kufstein, Wörgl, Jenbach and other stations is a short one, with the average journey time being around 23 minutes. There are normally 55 trains per day travelling from Innsbruck to Kufstein and tickets for this journey start from $22.85 when you book in advance. The fastest services can get you to Kufstein in 35 minutes.
The train journey from Innsbruck to Jenbach is even shorter, with the average journey time being around 23 minutes. There are normally 76 trains per day travelling from Innsbruck to Jenbach and tickets for this journey start from $11.20 when you book in advance. The fastest services can get you to Jenbach in 15 minutes.
The train journey from Innsbruck to Wörgl is also a short one, with the average journey time being around 40 minutes. There are normally 55 trains per day travelling from Innsbruck to Wörgl and tickets for this journey start from $11.20 when you book in advance. The fastest services can get you to Wörgl in 35 minutes.
The train journey from Innsbruck to Kufstein, Wörgl, Jenbach and other stations is a great way to explore the beautiful Austrian countryside and experience the country's famous ski resorts.
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London to Brussels by Eurostar and Paris to Salzburg by Nightjet
Eurostar does not go to Austria. However, you can take the Eurostar from London to Brussels, and then travel to Paris to catch the Nightjet to Salzburg.
London to Brussels by Eurostar
The Eurostar train from London to Brussels takes approximately 2 hours. The journey begins at St. Pancras International Station in London and arrives at Brussels-Midi/Zuid Station in Belgium. The Eurostar offers a comfortable travel experience with spacious seats, ample legroom, power outlets, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and a variety of dining options.
Paris to Salzburg by Nightjet
The Nightjet is a sleeper train service that offers travel within Austria and to other European destinations. The Nightjet from Paris to Salzburg is an overnight train that runs three times a week. It offers various accommodation options, including sleeping-cars with private or shared beds, couchettes with padded bunks, and standard seats. The sleeping-cars and couchettes come with a welcome drink and bag, bedding, towels, toiletries, and a wake-up service. The train does not have a restaurant car, but drinks and snacks can be ordered and served in your compartment.
Booking your journey
Booking a combined Eurostar and Nightjet journey can be challenging as some websites struggle to show complete journeys. You can book each leg of the journey separately on the respective websites: Eurostar for London to Brussels, and Nightjet for Brussels to Salzburg. Alternatively, you can contact a rail-booking agency to organise your entire journey.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot travel directly to Austria from the UK by Eurostar. However, you can take the Eurostar from London to Brussels or Paris and then take a sleeper train to Austria.
The journey from London to Vienna, Austria, takes between 12 and 18 hours, depending on the route and the number of changes.
The price of a train ticket from London to Vienna starts at $147.50. The price of the Eurostar ticket from London to Brussels or Paris starts at £52 one-way or £78 return. The sleeper train from Brussels or Paris to Vienna costs from €29.90 for a seat to €89.90 for a bed.
On average, there are 13 trains per day running between London and Vienna.
Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Kitzbuhel are popular destinations in Austria.