Destinations that take less than five hours from London
Rising flight prices and the anticipation of airport chaos have contributed to the declining appeal of air travel. Europe’s rail network is experiencing a resurgence, with new routes supported by the EU or private companies, making cross-border train travel more convenient, affordable, and efficient than ever before.
If you’re ready to plan a flight-free European adventure, here are some of the best European train escapes from London within five hours:
- Trains from the UK to Belgium:
- London to Brussels: Journey time of 2 hours; prices from £39 (€45) each way.
- Brussels offers a mix of cultural attractions, including the Grand-Place, Brussels City Museum, and the Comic Book Route, which showcases murals and historic sites related to famous Belgian comic characters.
- Trains from the UK to France:
- London to Lille: Journey time of 1 hour 25 minutes; prices from £39 (€45) each way.
- Lille is a less crowded alternative to Paris, featuring the impressive Palais des Beaux Arts and a variety of other tourist sites accessible with a 24-hour city pass.
- Trains from the UK to the Netherlands:
- London to Amsterdam: Journey time of 4 hours; prices from £54 (€62) each way.
- Amsterdam offers a range of attractions beyond its notorious red-light district, such as the Rijksmuseum, De Negen Straatjes neighborhood, and NDSM Wharf.
- London to Rotterdam: Journey time of 3 hours 35 minutes; prices from £50 (€57) each way.
- Rotterdam boasts a vibrant arts scene, with highlights including the Museum Quarter and the eclectic bars and vintage stores along Witte de Withstraat.
- Trains from the UK to Germany:
- London to Cologne: Journey time of 4 hours 10 minutes; prices from £65 (€74) each way.
- Cologne offers an array of attractions, including its iconic cathedral, hip boutiques, and the mouthwatering Chocolate Museum. The nearby city of Bonn is just a short train ride away.