From Oxford to Marseille: 6 city trips in Europe by train

Lille Cologne Rotterdam Marseille Oxford Avignon By night train

Lille

Two images: cobbled street between old buildings and detail of historic building with tower.

Travel time: 35 minutes from Brussels South (Midi), 1 hour from Paris, 4.5 hours from Luxembourg

For: those looking for a quick day trip or weekend getaway with the feel of a faraway journey

Highlights: the book market at the Vieille Bourse, the Palace of Fine Arts, and a football match at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy

Looking for a surprising destination close to home? The charming French capital of Hauts-de-France combines a vibrant old centre with unique Flemish charm. Lille offers a wonderful international vibe just a stone’s throw from the Belgian border.

A city trip to Lille

Cologne

Two images: Gothic cathedral by the water and wide city street with historic buildings.

Travel time: less than 2 hours from Brussels South (Midi), 3.5 hours from Paris, 3.5 hours from Luxembourg

For: those who love a varied mix of culture, history, and vintage shopping

Highlights: the imposing Romanesque churches (including the Cathedral), the Viertel district with street art, and the historic Flora Park

How about a versatile destination just across the border? Cologne charms not only at Christmas, but all year round with impressive architecture, colourful street art,and hidden green gems. Perfect for anyone who wants to wander through cosy neighbourhoods and discover museums.

A city trip to Cologne

5 tips for a cheaper train journey

Travelling by train certainly doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few simple hacks, you can easily save tens of euros on each ticket.

Be flexible with your route: journeys with more changes are often considerably cheaper. Take your time and make the journey part of your trip.
Book early: for international routes, the rule is the earlier you book, the bigger the early-booking discount. Book your journey a few months in advance.
Check discount cards & deals: take advantage of youth or senior fares and local discount passes. You often earn back the cost of such a pass after just one trip.
Travel outside peak hours: avoid the busy morning and evening rush. Tickets during off-peak hours and quieter days (such as Tuesday and Wednesday) are often much cheaper.
Split your journey smartly: sometimes it's cheaper to buy two separate tickets when your route consists of multiple stages (for example, one ticket to the border and then a local ticket) instead of one single ticket.

Rotterdam

City skyline beside a river under dark clouds.

Travel time: 1.5 hours from Brussels South (Midi), 2.5 hours from Paris, 5 hours from Luxembourg

For: lovers of modern architecture and sleek skylines

Highlights: the iconic Cube houses, the impressive Market Hall, and the recently opened Fenix Museum

Ready to be surprised? This dynamic port city is known for its innovative architecture and contemporary art scene. Rotterdam offers a unique urban atmosphere you wouldn’t expect from a classic historic city.

A city trip to Rotterdam

Marseille

Two images: stone steps in a narrow street and harbour with boats before a hillside city.

Travel time: 5.5 hours by TGV from Brussels South (Midi), 3 hours from Paris, 6.5 hours from Luxembourg

For: sun-seekers, culture lovers, and fans of Mediterranean vibes

Highlights: the lively Old Port (Vieux-Port), the futuristic MUCEM, and the breathtaking calanques of Les Calanques

Need some sunshine? Marseille screams holiday. The centre of this French port city is bursting with character, with its colourful markets and breathtaking coastline. Marseille has the charm of the Mediterranean and historic architecture, as well as a modern, lively flair. No wonder the locals have such an infectious joie de vivre.

A city trip to Marseille

Two trains stand at platforms under the glass roof of a station.

Travelling by night train

Want to travel a bit further, but don’t fancy busy check-in desks and want all the room to stretch your legs? The European rail network offers the ideal solution with night trains. From a budget-friendly seat to a comfortable private compartment: fall asleep in the evening and wake up refreshed at your destination. You can easily travel on to cities such as Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Edinburgh, or Nice from Brussels South (Midi) and Paris, and more and more direct night routes are being added!

Oxford

Two images: historic building with garden and covered stone bridge above a street.

Travel time: 3.5 hours from Brussels South (Midi), 4 hours from Paris, 7 hours from Luxembourg

For: fans of iconic architecture and cinematic settings

Highlights: the Bodleian Library, Oxford Castle, and Christ Church Cathedral

In love with the picturesque towns from English detective series, or want to visit a few Harry Potter locations? In this dream city, you’ll walk straight onto a film set. Alongside the impressive architecture, take in some modern art too, and above all, don’t forget to pack your travel adaptor and passport!

A city trip to Oxford

Avignon

Historic city wall with towers and trees under a clear sky.

Travel time: 5 hours from Brussels South (Midi), 3.5 hours from Paris, 7 hours from Luxembourg

For: lovers of French flair, golden sunshine, and centuries-old culture

Highlights: the imposing Palais des Papes, the iconic Pont d’Avignon, and the panoramic Rocher des Doms

Ready for a sunny dive into the past? This former papal city is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage, and that grandeur is reflected throughout the city. Enjoy the view of Mont Ventoux, but don’t forget to bring a windstopper in case the Mistral picks up!

A city trip to Avignon