10 Best Day Trips from Paris by Train to Other Countries

What if you could visit another country, then be back in Paris in time to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle from your hotel room?

If you’re itching to explore beyond France—without the hassle of airports, luggage limits, or chaotic border crossings—this guide is for you. Thanks to France’s high-speed rail network, you can reach Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, or even the UK in around three hours.

Over the past three years, I’ve visited eight European countries by train, and I can confidently say: Paris is one of the best bases in Europe for day trips to other countries.

I still remember my first ride on an international train from Paris — the thrill of crossing borders, seeing two flags side by side, and watching the scenery, architecture, and even the language on street signs change in just a few hours.

That’s why I love taking day trips from Paris by train to other countries — they’re not only convenient, but also some of the most scenic journeys in Europe.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the 10 best international day trips from Paris by train, plus two slightly longer routes to Switzerland. Plus, I’ll show you exactly what to do in each destination if you only have one day.

Looking for something shorter? I also put together a guide to the easiest day trips from Paris by train if you’d rather explore closer to the city. But if you have a bit more time (and I highly recommend it), check my full guide to the best weekend trips from Paris by train.

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What to Know Before Your Train Trip

• Passports & Border Control
  Even within the Schengen Area, you should always carry your passport. If you’re traveling to the UK, you’ll need a separate visa since it is not part of Schengen. Plan extra time at Gare du Nord for Eurostar check-in, security, and border control. You can easily check requirements and apply online through iVisa before your trip.
  
• Book Train Tickets in Advance
  Prices for Eurostar, Thalys, and other international routes can rise quickly. Book early on Trainline for the best deals.
  
• Leave Early for a Full Day
  Trains typically start by 6:30–7:00 AM. To maximize your time, try to catch a train by 8:00 AM at the latest.
  
• Consider a Rail Pass
  If you’re planning multiple train trips in Europe, look into the Eurail Global Pass (available on Klook / GetYourGuide). Just note: Eurostar and some other lines require seat reservations even with a pass.

Belgium

1. Brussels, Belgium

Train Duration: 1h 30m | From: Paris Gare du Nord via Thalys

It still amazes me that in just an hour and a half, you can swap Parisian boulevards for Brussels’ cobblestones. One moment you’re sipping a coffee in Paris, and the next you’re starting breakfast with a hot waffle in Belgium.

My first stop is always Vitalgaufre — their waffles come out golden, caramelized at the edges, and impossible to resist. From there, it’s only a short walk to the Grand Place, Brussels’ UNESCO-listed square. In the morning light, its ornate façades shimmer with gold, and the surrounding lanes tempt you with bookshops and chocolate stores.

If it’s your first time in Brussels, consider joining a small-group walking tour. You’ll see the city’s most iconic landmarks and taste chocolate and waffle samples from places only locals know. It’s the kind of experience where you leave with happy taste buds and a deeper connection to Belgian culture.

By the afternoon, I like to slow down: sip a Belgian beer at a café table, wander past comic book murals, or people-watch in the Royal Palace gardens. Brussels isn’t a city you “check off” — it’s a city you savor.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush from sight to sight. Brussels is best enjoyed slowly — waffle in hand, beer on the table, and time to soak in its rhythm.

2. Bruges, Belgium

Train Duration: 2h 30m | From: Paris Gare du Nord via Thalys + local connection

If Brussels is Belgium’s bustling capital, Bruges is its storybook fairytale. With cobblestone streets, winding canals, and Flemish gabled houses, the city feels like stepping straight into a medieval painting.

I like to begin with a walk along the canals. Reflections of colorful façades dance on the water, broken only by arched bridges overhead. Every corner reveals something new — a chocolate shop, a cozy café, or a centuries-old church that gives Bruges its timeless charm.

At the heart of the old town lies the Grote Markt. This square buzzes with energy, framed by guild houses and overlooked by the towering Belfry. Climb its 366 steps and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of red rooftops and winding canals stretching into the horizon.

But the most magical way to experience Bruges is from the water. A canal boat ride glides past hidden gardens and medieval warehouses you’d never notice on foot.

If you prefer exploring on land, a retro bike tour takes you through highlights and hidden gems most visitors miss. Or, if you want the best of both, you can even combine a walking tour with a boat cruise.

💡 Pro Tip: Bruges feels like two different cities depending on the time of day. Go early for quiet canals, or linger into the evening when the lights make it feel like a fairytale. If you decide to stay, here’s how a full day in Bruges can look like.

By Alina of World of Lina

3. Antwerp, Belgium

Train Duration: 2h | From: Paris Gare du Nord via Thalys

Antwerp doesn’t always get the spotlight like Brussels or Bruges. But that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding day trip. This Flemish port city blends history, art, and a laid-back vibe that surprises most first-time visitors.

Start at Antwerp Central Station, often called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. From there, stroll down De Keyserlei and the Meir toward Groenplaats and the Grote Markt, the medieval heart of the city.

The Cathedral of Our Lady dominates the square, and inside you’ll find masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens. His former home, the Rubens House, is also worth a visit.

But the best way to really connect with Antwerp is on a guided walking tour (available on GetYourGuide or on Klook). A local guide turns landmarks into stories — the kind you’ll remember long after the trip. It’s those insights and little details that make a visit truly meaningful.

For something off the main tourist trail, detour into Sint Andries, a hip neighborhood near Nationalestraat. Vintage shops, antique stores, and cafés make it perfect for wandering. Just around the corner, the Vlaeykensgang alleyway feels like stepping back into the 16th century.

End your day with Belgian comfort food at Billy’s Beer Cafetaria — the stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew) is a local favorite. If there’s time before your train, grab a coffee at Caffe Mundi, a local hangout near the city center.

💡 Pro Tip: Antwerp is best on foot. A relaxed walk from the station through the old town and Sint Andries shows off the city’s charm — with plenty of time for a museum, shopping, or a waffle break.

By Daniel of North Carolina Travel Guides

Luxembourg

4. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Train Duration: 2h 10m | From: Paris Gare de l’Est via TGV

Unlike other destinations, a day in Luxembourg gives you the rare chance to explore not just a city, but an entire country.

Luxembourg is small and compact. In just a few hours you can cover the highlights of Luxembourg City: the Palais Grand-Ducal, Constitution Square, and the cliffside fortifications of the Bock Casemates.

Personally, it took me about two hours to walk the city and see the major sights. But on a guided walking tour (available on GetYourGuide / Klook / Viator) a local shares the stories behind them — the kind of details that make Luxembourg more memorable.

After exploring the capital, you’ll still have time to go further afield. One of the best side trips is Vianden Castle, perched dramatically on a hilltop above the town. Don’t just admire it from the outside — go inside. The rooms are beautifully restored, and the views from the towers are incredible. It may be the most underrated castle in Europe.

If you’d rather stay active, you can cover more ground on a 3-hour guided e-bike tour (available on GetYourGuide / Viator), which takes you through the city and surrounding countryside.

Before heading back to Paris, enjoy dinner in Grund, Luxembourg City’s most picturesque neighborhood, with riverside views and cozy restaurants.

💡 Pro Tips: Public transport in Luxembourg is completely free — buses, trams, even trains. It makes hopping between castles, towns, and the capital effortless and affordable.

By Josh of A Backpacker’s World

United Kingdom

5. London, United Kingdom

Train Duration: 2h 20m | From: Paris Gare du Nord via Eurostar

London may be just over two hours from Paris by train, but stepping off at St Pancras feels like entering another world. Red double-decker buses rumble by, black cabs weave through the streets, and the smell of fish and chips drifts from a nearby pub.

I like to start my day by hopping on the Tube to Waterloo and crossing Westminster Bridge. Suddenly, the skyline unfolds: Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, all within a short walk. From there, head toward Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard or wander up to Piccadilly Circus and its iconic neon lights.

If shopping is your thing, continue up Regent Street and Bond Street for flagship stores and boutiques. If you’d rather go cultural, London’s museums are world-class — and most are free. The British Museum could take a whole day, but the National Gallery or Tate Modern are equally rewarding.

London also has a walking tour for every kind of traveler. History buffs can explore royal landmarks, mystery lovers can follow a Jack the Ripper trail, foodies can join a market tasting walk, and Potterheads can step into the wizarding world on a Harry Potter tour. You’ll find plenty of options on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Viator.

By late afternoon, I recommend heading back toward St Pancras Station a little early. The King’s Cross and Granary Square area is now packed with restaurants and cafés. My go-to is Dishoom, a stylish Indian restaurant with legendary curries (yes, the line outside is worth it).

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t try to do everything in one day — pick a couple of neighborhoods and enjoy them fully. London is a city worth coming back to, especially with its tiny Scottish towns like Arisaig.

By Kristin of Scotland Less Explored

The Netherlands

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Train Duration: 3h 20m | From: Paris Gare du Nord via Thalys

How can you resist Amsterdam? With its charming canals, bike culture, and world-class art, the city is one of Europe’s most unforgettable day trips.

I might be biased — I lived here for years — but if you haven’t been to Amsterdam yet, it’s absolutely worth it. Few cities combine history, open-mindedness, and everyday beauty so seamlessly.

Start with a walk along the canals, where crooked houses lean toward the water and bikes zip by on every corner. Visit the Anne Frank House for a moving reminder of the city’s past, or step inside the Van Gogh Museum to see his most famous works up close. For a splash of color, stop at the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating flower market.

If you’d like a different perspective, climb the Westerkerk Tower for panoramic city views — one of the best photo spots in town.

Amsterdam is best explored with a local. Join a guided bike tour (available on GetYourGuide / Klook / Viator) to cover the highlights in just a couple of hours, or opt for a canal cruise (available on GetYourGuide / Klook / Viator) if you’d rather relax and watch the city drift by.

Before heading back to Paris, grab dinner in the Jordaan district, a neighborhood full of cozy cafés and canal-side restaurants. And if you’re staying late, the city has plenty to offer after dark.

💡 Pro Tip: Amsterdam is compact but busy. Focus on one or two neighborhoods instead of rushing everywhere — you’ll enjoy the canals so much more.

By Simina of Travel with Simina

7. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Train Duration: 2h 40m | From: Paris Gare du Nord via Thalys

Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers a completely different side of Dutch culture — bold, modern, and creative.

After World War II, much of the city was rebuilt, turning Rotterdam into a showcase of avant-garde architecture and innovation. The result is a skyline unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands.

Start with the quirky Cube Houses, tilted yellow cubes that feel like something out of a design experiment. Then cross the Erasmus Bridge, the city’s most famous landmark, or head up the Euromast Tower for sweeping views of the port and city.

Speaking of the port — did you know Rotterdam is home to Europe’s largest seaport? A harbor cruise (available on GetYourGuide / Klook) is a fantastic way to take it in, gliding past container ships, modern skyscrapers, and waterfront landmarks.

For a slower pace, wander through Delfshaven, one of the few areas that survived WWII. With its canals, cobblestone streets, and old breweries, it feels like stepping back into historic Holland.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotterdam isn’t as compact as Amsterdam, so save time with a guided city tour or a harbor cruise — then wander Delfshaven at your own pace.

Germany

8. Aachen, Germany

Train Duration: 2h 45m | From: Paris Gare de l’Est via Thalys/ICE

Aachen is often overlooked, but it’s one of Germany’s most fascinating cities for a day trip. Once the seat of Charlemagne’s empire, it blends imperial history with a spa-town vibe.

The star attraction is the Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s oldest churches. Step inside and you’ll see glittering mosaics, medieval relics, and the octagonal Palatine Chapel — the last surviving part of Charlemagne’s palace.

It’s the kind of place that comes alive with stories, which is why I recommend a guided walking tour of Aachen. A local guide can connect the dots between the cathedral, the old town, and Aachen’s quirky traditions in a way you just don’t get on your own.

After exploring the historic center, head to Carolus Thermen, Aachen’s most famous spa, where you can soak in the same mineral-rich waters the Romans once enjoyed. After living in Germany for three years, if there’s one thing I look forward to (aside from a good pretzel), it’s the therme — they’re the perfect pause in a busy travel day.

For a lighter taste of this spa culture, stop at Elisenbrunnen, a neoclassical pavilion where warm sulfuric water flows from public fountains.

💡 Pro Tip: Before you leave, grab a bag of Aachener Printen — the spiced gingerbread cookie the city is famous for. Perfect for the train ride back to Paris.

9. Trier, Germany

Train Duration: 3h 20m | From: Paris Gare de l’Est via TGV + regional connection

Trier sits at the crossroads of Germany, Luxembourg, and France, on the banks of the Moselle River and near the enchanting Hunsrück Forest. Small but packed with history, it’s known as the oldest Roman city in Germany — and it feels like a living museum.

The first stop in visiting Trier has to be the Porta Nigra, a towering Roman gate that has guarded the city for nearly 2,000 years. From there, wander through Trier’s compact center to discover more of its nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial Baths, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Trier Cathedral (Dom).

Inside the Dom, you’ll even find a relic said to be the robe worn by Jesus at his crucifixion — displayed only for a short time after Easter, but legendary year-round.

If you want the history to really sink in, join a guided city highlights walking tour. It’s the best way to connect the dots between Trier’s Roman past and its medieval landmarks.

Trier is also at the heart of Germany’s Moselle wine region, where steep vineyards produce some of Europe’s best Riesling. Wine has been made here since Roman times, and you can still step into history by visiting Germany’s oldest wine cellar on this discovery tour and tasting.

💡 Pro Tip: Trier may be packed with Roman ruins, but don’t miss the wine. A glass of Moselle Riesling by the river is as much a part of the experience as the Porta Nigra.

By Morgan Fielder of Crave the Planet

Switzerland

10. Geneva, Switzerland

Train Duration: ~3h 5m | From: Paris Gare de Lyon via TGV Lyria

With its lakeside setting against the backdrop of the Alps, Geneva feels like stepping into a postcard. Sophisticated yet relaxed, the city blends international flair with timeless Swiss charm.

Start your day at the Jet d’Eau, the famous fountain shooting 140 meters above Lake Geneva. From here, stroll the lakeside promenade or admire the skyline from the water on a Lake Geneva sightseeing cruise.

From the shore, head into the Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead to St. Pierre Cathedral and charming squares. A great way to see it all is on a Chocolate Tasting and Old Town Tour. In just three hours, you’ll walk through the historic center while sampling Geneva’s best artisanal chocolates — history and indulgence rolled into one.

I still remember walking along the lakeside with a dark chocolate ice cream in hand, the Alps rising in the distance. And honestly, that was the moment I knew — Switzerland might be pricey, but it’s worth every single franc.

For something completely different, Geneva also makes a great jumping-off point for the Alps. You can even join a full-day trip to Chamonix and Mont Blanc with an ice cave visit if you’re up for mountain views.

💡 Pro Tip: Switzerland uses francs, not euro. But don’t worry. Almost everywhere takes cards, so save your coins for chocolate or a lakeside coffee.

Your Next Step for the Perfect Paris Trip

What makes these day trips so special isn’t just the destinations — it’s the ease of hopping on a train in Paris and stepping into a completely different culture just a few hours later.

Now that you’ve got your international day trips sorted, it’s time to plan the rest of your Paris adventure. Head over to my complete Paris travel guide for everything you need — from where to stay and what to eat, to the hidden gems that make the city unforgettable.

That’s what makes Paris so special — not only can you explore the city itself, but it connects you to the best of Europe with just a train ride.

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