Train versus car

Here is what The Man in Seat 61 says about using a Eurail pass on Eurostar:
https://www.seat61.com/interrail-and-eurail-passes-on-eurostar.htm

You have to do the math. Just remember that you still have to buy seat reservations for the Eurostar with a Eurail Pass. If the trip is set in stone, look at the cost of buying nonrefundable tickets outright now, which will come with the seat reservations included.

Welcome. The usual way to decide on this is to compare the Eurailpass cost with the sum of point-to-point ticket costs for train the train journeys in question. Advance-purchase one-way fares for the three travel legs in question will vary in price depending on your travel date, the travel hour, etc. You just need to do your homework and see how it turns out.

It might also make sense to fly open-jaws... Fly into London for example, then you have two ground-travel legs to bus: 1) London > Brussels, and 2) Brussels > Paris, for example. Fly home from your final city.

For the Brussels < > Paris leg, you may wish to consider the Flixbus option, which can also be purchased cheaply if bought far enough in advance. It's a trip of about 3.5 hours.

It’s not set in stone yet. I’m trying to decide what we can reasonably do. I’m taking my college daughter to Europe for the first time and I wanted them to see some of the highlights. We got a great deal on flights to Brussels, so that’s where we are starting. We only have 8 days in not counting the two travel days. The other question I had about Eurostar or any train, is how early do you have to get to the station? Is it like flying in America where you have to be there two hours early?

To go between London and Paris, you have to be at the station 1 hour before scheduled departure so you can clear passport control. Brussels to Paris, just long enough to get your bearings and locate your departure platform. 15 minutes should do it.

Thank you for all this info!

Wait now. You say you had a deal on flights to Brussels. Does that mean you have a return ticket to and from Brussels, or a multicity ticket into Brussels and out of London? Its going to make a huge difference in your itinerary planning, since you will need to be in your departure city the night before. Even with a multicity ticket, trying for 3 cities in 8 days is really pushing it.

And where does the car enter into the picture?

If you can fly cheaply in and out of Brussels, skip London this time (unless you think this may be your only chance to visit). I'm researching Netherlands (mainly) and Belgium for next year. Brussels as a base offers a good number of day trips - Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Dinant, Leuven - within a reasonable distance.

If flying in and out of Brussels, maybe head to Paris first; a 2 hour, 1 change ride from Brussels Airport.

I think you are right. I’m guessing London is not realistic. I can’t change my flight so I do have fly in and out of Brussels.

kkblair22,
CJean and Gunderson are correct in suggesting dropping London. You would be spending way too much time changing cities. The suggestion to head for Paris first is a good one so you can end in Brussels and be there for your flight home. I don't understand the car option. It is definitely not a good idea since you will be in cities with very expensive parking and good public transportation within them. Also, if you rent in one country and return in another it is super pricy (think at least 500 euro). With the three cities, you lose two days...one to London and one back to Brussels.

If possible, an open jaw ticket is a good idea, but if that isn't possible, then go no farther than Paris (only a half day lost in each transit to/from Brussels).
Best of luck on your trip and enjoy!

Thank you!

above it is suggested that one hour before departure is required on the cross channel Eurostar trains in and out of London. I'd rather refer you to the Eurostar webpage or app as the times change depending on class travelling, direction, and season travelling.

https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/your-trip/check-in

You will see that currently it is 75 minutes, standard class, from London to continental destinations.

It is 75-90 from Paris to London at the moment.

I'd always check.

Unusually on cross channel Eurostar services all border formalities happen right after check in. You have a bag inspection and security check, then exit border passport control, then EES into or out of Schengen, then entry passport control. All this takes time, at busy times even more time. After all that then you go to the waiting room.

I'd advise you not to cut it close.

On the other hand, for local and fast trains within Belgium and France, you just need enough time to get your bearings, pick up some food and drink in one or more of the many shops in the station, and get to the right place on the right platform.

City-based trips do not require a car. If you venture into the hinterlands, you need a car. A first-time trip will involve the big cities and their locations. No car, would be my choice. And an 8-day trip is a 2-city trip.

As Americans (assuming here), we just automatically default to car rental for vacations. Generally not the best choice in Europe.

Yes, I’m used to renting cars and driving long distances. I’m not as familiar with trains and buses, but I’m finding that Europe has an extensive public transit system

If you're doing Brussels, Paris and London, then just book point to point tickets in advance for the best fares. Forgot any Eurail Pass.

If you're doing Brussels and/or Paris and/or London just use trains and local buses and tubes/metro. Driving would be crazy, expensive and inconvenient.

However, I agree with many of the others here. With 8 days and flying in and out of Brussels, spend your time in Belgium and Paris. You could even spend your entire time in Belgium easily.

If you decide to do the train plus local transit, just post your questions here. Lots of wonderful knowledge.

Single ticket, no railpass, Brussels to Paris on the train. Fly home from Paris? Check the fare difference anyway vs another train trip.