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8 Easy day trips from Paris (to other countries in Europe)

Paris is a great city for a quick getaway, but it’s also the perfect jumping-off point for making a couple day trips from Paris to another country.

After trying all of Paris’ best brunch restaurants, seeing the Eiffel Tower and its other famous landmarks, and sipping your way through all the best speakeasies in Paris – what else is there to do?

Take a day trip of course!

Typical day trips from Paris include trips to Monet’s House in Giverny, the Palace of Versailles, or a day trip tour of the Champagne region of France. But you can easily spend a day in one of France’s neighboring countries!

Located in such a convenient location in Western Europe, France borders several other countries that can be reached in just a few hours by train or car, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

This makes Paris one of the best places to base yourself if you want to explore several different countries on a single trip.

Not only that, but Paris is also home to two international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, which makes it easy to get in and out of the city for day trips!

P.S. Check out this article for my top picks for the best airlines to fly to Paris from the U.S. (and Europe!)

If you’re looking for some ideas for day trips from Paris, I’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re looking to explore a new culture or simply see some new scenery, there are a number of different countries that you can easily visit for a day trip from Paris.

If you’re visiting Paris and looking for something to do outside of the city, consider taking a day trip to one of these nearby countries.

Planning a trip to Paris?Grab a copy of my FREE Paris travel guide!

This 10-page Paris travel guide includes all the best foods to eat in Paris, where to eat, the top things to do and see in Paris, including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more. Find out the best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area. Links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!

Best countries to visit from Paris for the day

Belgium

The first country on our list is Belgium. Just a short train ride from Paris, Belgium is known for its delicious food, interesting history, and beautiful architecture. While in Belgium, be sure to visit the capital city of Brussels and try some of the country’s famous chocolate.

Luxembourg

The next country on our list is Luxembourg. This small country is located just a few hours from Paris by train and makes for a great day trip. While in Luxembourg, be sure to visit the capital city of Luxembourg City and explore its many castles and museums.

England

The third country on our list is England. Though it may take a bit longer to get there from Paris, England makes for a great day trip or even a weekend getaway. While in England, be sure to visit the capital city of London and explore its many sights, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.

The Netherlands

Last but not least on our list is the Netherlands. The Netherlands is located just a short train ride from Paris and is known for its windmills, tulips, and canals. While in the Netherlands, be sure to visit Amsterdam, the capital city, and explore its many museums and art galleries.

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8 best day trips from Paris to other countries

1. Bruges, Belgium

Just a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris, Bruges is the perfect day trip for those who want to explore a new city without venturing too far from home. This medieval city is known for its canals, cobbled streets, and picturesque buildings.

Distance: 2h 55m (train) · 164 miles from Paris center

How to get to Bruges:

Getting to Bruges from Paris is easy! Simply take the Thalys train from Paris Gare du Nord to Bruges.

The journey takes about 3 hours and trains depart several times a day. Tickets for the Paris to Bruges train will run you around €60 for a one-way trip.

Flixbus offers a budget-friendly bus service from Paris to Bruges starting at just €17.99 for a one-way ticket. The journey takes around 5 hours, so it’s not the quickest option, but it is the most affordable.

What to do in Bruges:

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in Bruges here 👇

2. Brussels, Belgium

Located just a short train ride away from Paris, Brussels is the perfect destination for a day trip.

The city is home to many historical sights and cultural attractions, including the Grand Place, Manne. Brussels is also known for its delicious food, so be sure to try some of the local specialties like Belgian chocolate and waffles.

Distance: 2h 55m (train) · 160 miles from Paris center

How to get to Brussels from Paris:

The easiest way to get to Brussels from Paris is by train. Take the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels-Midi station.

You can find cheap train tickets to Brussels from Paris on Omio here.

You can also reach Paris by bus or car, but the journey will take longer.

FlixBus is a good option for bus travel between the two cities, as they usually have multiple departures per day from Paris and tickets are pretty cheap. You can find a bus ticket from Paris to Brussels for around 20-30 EUR.

If you’re driving, the journey will take about 4 hours.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for parking in Brussels, so it’s not the most budget-friendly option!

What to do in Brussels:

There are plenty of things to do in Brussels, but some of the must-sees include:

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in Brussels here 👇

3. Ghent, Belgium

Another great day trip from Paris is Ghent, Belgium. This beautiful city is located just an hour away by train and is known for its medieval architecture, canals, and cobbled streets.

Distance: 1h 10m (train) · 155 miles from Paris center

How to get to Ghent from Paris:

The easiest way to get from Paris to Ghent is by train. You can take the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels-Midi station and then transfer to a local train bound for Ghent.

The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes in total.

If you’re driving, the journey will take about 3 hours. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for parking in Ghent, as well as highway toll fees, so be prepared to have to spend some extra money if you travel by car.

A bus ride from Paris to Ghent will cost you around 20-30 EUR and take about 5 hours, depending on traffic.

FlixBus is a good option for bus travel between the two cities.

What to do in Ghent:

Ghent is a beautiful city with plenty of things to see and do. Some of the must-sees include:

  • Visit the Gravensteen Castle for a look at medieval architecture
  • Take a city highlights tour of Ghent by bike
  • Learn about Ghent’s medieval history on a medieval boat cruise of the city center
  • Visit the belfry of Ghent, a 14th-century bell tower that offers views of the city
  • Eat your way through Ghent on a guided city food & drink tour
  • Explore one of the many museums, including the Ghent City Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts
  • Marvel at Flemish architecture while strolling through the Patershol district

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in Ghent here 👇

4. Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium is another great option for a day trip from Paris. This city is located just over an hour away by train and is known for its diamond industry, medieval architecture, and fashion scene.

Distance: 2h 40m (train) · 184 miles from Paris center

How to get to Antwerp from Paris:

The easiest way to get from Paris to Antwerp is by train. You can take the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels-Midi station and then transfer to a local train bound for Antwerp.

The journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes in total.

If you’re driving, the journey will take about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Keep in mind you will also have to pay international toll fees, gasoline, and parking within the city of Antwerp.

Budget travelers can opt for a bus trip to Antwerp from Paris, which will take about 5 hours.

Tickets cost between 20-30 EUR and can be booked through FlixBus.

What to do in Antwerp:

Antwerp is a beautiful city with plenty of things to see and do. Some of the must-sees include:

  • Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic cathedral known for its height and intricate architecture.
  • Admire the graphic art of Edvard Munch, Francisco Goya, and Félicien Rops at Museum de Reede
  • Explore the city on two wheels on a guided bike tour
  • See zebras, penguins, and monkeys at the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world
  • Take a private walking tour of Antwerp with a local guide
  • See the Grote Markt, Antwerp’s main square lined with Gothic guildhalls

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in Antwerp here 👇

5. London, United Kingdom

Just a few hours away by train, London makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip. London is known for its historic landmarks, shopping, and cultural diversity.

It’s a popular tourist destination due to its many attractions, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a day trip here.

Distance: 2h 20m (train) · 210 miles from Paris center

How to get to London from Paris:

The easiest way to get from Paris to London is by train. You can take the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord station directly to London St Pancras International. The journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Tickets for the Eurostar can be quite expensive depending on what time of year you book, so it’s best to book in advance if possible.

If you’re driving, the journey will take about 6 hours.

Keep in mind that you will have to pay for international tolls, gasoline, and parking within London (which is known to be extremely costly!).

 
 
 
 
 
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There are also a few budget-friendly bus options available from Paris to London. The ride will take about 11 hours, so it’s obviously not ideal for a day trip but could be a good option if you plan on staying for a few days.

Bus tickets from London to Paris start at around 25 EUR and can be booked through FlixBus.

What to do in London:

London is a huge city with plenty of things to see and do. You definitely won’t be bored in this vibrant city!

There is so much to see and do in London that you could easily spend several days here and not get bored.

P.S. Check out my full Paris to London day trip itinerary + my top London travel tips here

If you’re looking to pack a lot into one day, I recommend starting with Buckingham Palace. Then, head over to Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament before walking across Tower Bridge for some great views.

After that, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and take a ride on the London Eye. Lastly, explore Hyde Park before grabbing a traditional English breakfast.

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in London here 👇

6. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Just a few hours from Paris by train, Luxembourg City is the perfect destination for a day trip. The city is home to many historical landmarks and museums, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

Distance: 2h (train) · 177 miles from Paris center

How to get to Luxembourg City from Paris:

The easiest way to get from Paris to Luxembourg City is by train. There are direct trains from Paris Gare du Nord station to Luxembourg City, and the journey takes about 2 hours.

Tickets for the train can be purchased in advance through the SNCF website or at the station.

If you’re driving, the journey will take about 5 hours. You will have to pay for international tolls and gasoline, so it’s best to carpool if possible.

There is also a budget-friendly bus option available from Paris to Luxembourg City on Flixbus. The ride will take about 11 hours, so it’s obviously not ideal for a day trip but could be a good option if you plan on staying for a few days. Tickets from Paris to Luxembourg City start at around 25 EUR and can be booked through FlixBus.

What to do in Luxembourg City:

Luxembourg City is a historic and culturally rich city with plenty of things to see and do.

There is so much to see and do in Luxembourg City that you could easily spend several days here.

If you’re looking to pack a lot into one day, I recommend starting with the Grand Ducal Palace.

Then, explore the Bock Casemates and Notre-Dame Cathedral. After that, walk through Vianden Castle and visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial. Lastly, visit the National Museum of History and Art.

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in Luxembourg here 👇

7. Rotterdam, The Netherlands

The Netherlands’ second-largest city, Rotterdam is a bustling metropolis with plenty to see and do. It’s home to many historical landmarks and museums, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

Rotterdam is a great destination for a day trip from Amsterdam or Paris!

Distance: 3h (train) · 229 miles from Paris center

How to get to Rotterdam from Paris:

Getting to Rotterdam from Paris is easy and there are multiple transportation options available.

The fastest way to get from Paris to Rotterdam is by train. There are direct trains from Paris Gare du Nord station to Rotterdam Central station, and the journey takes about 3 hours. Tickets for the train can be purchased in advance through the SNCF website or at the station.

If you’re driving, the journey will take about 4 hours. You will have to pay for international tolls and gasoline, so it’s not the best option for those on a time crunch or those looking to save money.

Budget travelers hoping to travel to Rotterdam by car can book a carpool trip via Blablacar.

There is also a budget-friendly bus option available from Paris to Rotterdam. The ride will take about 11 hours, so it’s probably not worth it to stay for only one day if traveling by bus.

Flixbus tickets from Paris to Rotterdam start at around 25 EUR and can be booked online or on the app.

You can typically find cheap flights to The Netherlands from Paris as well, especially so when you book in advance. And getting to and from Eindhoven airport is fairly straightforward and easy to continue travel through the rest of the country.

What to do in Rotterdam:

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in Rotterdam here 👇

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a popular day trip from Paris for good reason. This vibrant city is just a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris and is known for its canals, museums, and coffee shops.

Amsterdam is the perfect place to spend a day (or two!) if you’re looking to explore somewhere new.

And if you’re visiting Paris in February, you should definitely pop over to Amsterdam and check out the tulip season in all its glory.

Distance: 3h30 (train) · 265 miles from Paris center

How to get to Amsterdam from Paris:

The most common way to get from Paris to Amsterdam is by train. There are direct trains from Paris Gare du Nord station to Amsterdam Central station, and the journey takes about 3.5 hours.

Tickets for the train can be purchased in advance via Omio or Trainline.

If you’re driving, the journey will take about 5 hours. You will have to pay for international tolls and gasoline, as well as parking fees within Amsterdam.

Flixbus offers routes to Amsterdam and back to Paris multiple times per day starting at around 25 EUR. The journey by bus will take about 10 hours, so it’s probably not the best option for those on a time crunch.

No matter how you choose to get to Amsterdam from Paris, you’re sure to have a great time exploring this historic and vibrant city!

What to do in Amsterdam:

There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam that you could easily spend several days here.

There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam that it can be hard to know where to start.

If you’re looking to pack a lot into one day, we recommend starting with a canal cruise. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history.

After that, explore the Red Light District, visit the Anne Frank House, and stroll through Vondelpark.

Be sure to leave time for some shopping and stops at cafes along the way!

Want to stay a few days?

You can browse over 100 hotels, hostels, and vacation stays in Amsterdam here 👇

These are just a few of the great countries that you can visit from Paris for the day. So, the next time you find yourself in the City of Light, be sure to venture out and explore some of these nearby countries.

 

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P.S. You can find all my Paris travel articles, recommendations, & resources here 👈

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