Route Briefing: London to Brussels
Brussels is one of those cities that quietly outshines its reputation, and the good news is that getting there from London couldn't be more straightforward. The flight itself is barely over an hour — Brussels Airlines and British Airways both operate the route year-round — meaning you spend more time exploring cobblestone squares than sitting in a cabin. That said, before you book, it's worth knowing that the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi takes around two hours city-centre to city-centre, with none of the airport faff. If fares are comparable, the train often wins on convenience. But when flights dip under £65 roundtrip, which they genuinely do, the plane makes excellent financial sense.
Brussels has a personality that sneaks up on you. The Grand Place is one of the most jaw-dropping central squares in all of Europe — gilded Gothic guild houses surrounding a 14th-century town hall — and it rewards multiple visits at different times of day. Wander beyond it and you'll find the city's extraordinary Art Nouveau architecture, particularly concentrated in the Ixelles and Saint-Gilles neighbourhoods, where Victor Horta's sinuous ironwork and organic facades feel genuinely unlike anything else on the continent.
Then there's the food and drink culture, which Brussels takes seriously without taking itself too seriously. Belgian chocolate here is the real thing — rich, properly tempered, sold in small independent shops throughout the city centre. The beer scene is similarly world-class, with abbey ales, lambics, and gueuzes available in traditional cafés that have been pouring since before most countries had aviation. Moules-frites is the classic local meal, hearty and unpretentious.
Arriving at Brussels Airport, you'll find a direct train connection into the city centre that takes roughly twenty minutes — efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate even with luggage. It's one of the better airport rail links in Europe.
Timing-wise, June through August brings warm weather and a lively outdoor atmosphere, while December transforms the city with one of Europe's most atmospheric Christmas markets centred around the Grand Place. If you're after lower prices and thinner crowds, spring and autumn are genuinely lovely — mild temperatures and the city at a more relaxed pace.
For the best fares, aim to book four to eight weeks in advance and favour mid-week departures, which consistently price lower than weekend flights. Brussels rewards even a long weekend generously — it's compact enough to feel manageable but layered enough to keep surprising you.