11 Day Trips From London To Europe

London is not only one of the world’s great cities, it is also a springboard to the rest of Europe. Thanks to the Eurostar, ferries, coaches and short flights, you can wake up in central London and within a few hours be sipping coffee in Paris, exploring Brussels’ Grand Place or gliding down Amsterdam’s canals.

Why You May Want To Take A Day Trip To Europe

For many travellers, this is a chance to add another country or two to a UK holiday without having to repack a suitcase. London makes this possible because of its excellent transport links. St Pancras International is the Eurostar hub with direct trains to Paris, Brussels, Lille and Amsterdam. Several coach companies also operate guided day trips, while London’s airports connect you with many European capitals in under two hours.

But a day trip abroad from London is not for everyone. It makes for a long day and you will only see the highlights. However, with a carefully planned itinerary it is surprising how much you can fit into one visit. Many travellers find that a single day in Paris or Bruges gives them a taste of the city and inspires them to return for a longer stay in the future.

In this guide, we will look at the best day trips from London to Europe, from the classic Eurostar journeys to Paris and Brussels, to coach tours for budget-conscious travellers, and even ambitious “extreme day trips” by plane.

1. Paris (2 hours 20 minutes by Eurostar)

Paris is the most popular European day trip from London, and with good reason. The Eurostar whisks you from St Pancras International to Gare du Nord in just over two hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore the French capital before returning in the evening.

How to Get There

• By train: The Eurostar is the best option for a day trip. Trains run regularly throughout the day and arrive directly in central Paris. If you catch one of the earliest departures from London and return late in the evening, you can enjoy around ten hours in the city.
• By coach: Budget operators run London–Paris day tours using the ferry or Eurotunnel. These trips are cheaper than the train but involve a very long day, usually around 15 to 16 hours door to door. The benefit is that the itinerary is arranged for you, often including a guided city tour and sometimes a Seine river cruise.
• By plane: Flying from London to Paris takes just over an hour, but once you add airport transfers and security checks, it becomes less practical than the Eurostar for a same-day visit.

What to Do in Paris in a Day

With only one day, focus on a few highlights rather than trying to see everything.

• Morning: Head straight to the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views, or stroll along the Seine and stop at the Trocadéro Gardens for photos.
• Midday: Visit the Louvre Museum to see world-famous works of art including the Mona Lisa. If you prefer to skip the crowds, explore the historic streets of Le Marais or enjoy a long Parisian lunch at a local bistro.
• Afternoon: Wander up to Montmartre to see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy sweeping views of the city. This neighbourhood is also perfect for a relaxed coffee stop or a glass of wine.
• Evening: End your day with a Seine river cruise before heading back to Gare du Nord for your train home.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

• Book your Eurostar tickets as far in advance as possible for the best prices.
• Bring your passport, as border checks are carried out at both ends.
• Consider booking a guided walking tour or skip-the-line tickets for attractions if you want to save time.
• Wear comfortable shoes — you will be walking a lot.
• If you have a little flexibility, staying overnight allows you to enjoy Paris at a slower pace, especially in the evening when the landmarks are beautifully lit.

Read More: A guide to going to Paris on a day trip from London

If you would prefer to stay within the UK, I have put together a guide to the best day trips from London where you can discover historic castles, charming towns and seaside escapes without crossing the Channel.

2. Brussels (2 hours by Eurostar)

Brussels may not always top the list of must-see European capitals, but it makes a surprisingly rewarding day trip from London. The Eurostar journey takes just two hours, arriving at Brussels Midi station, from where you can reach the historic centre in about 20 minutes by tram or on foot.

How to Get There

• By train: The Eurostar runs regularly between London and Brussels. An early morning departure will give you around eight to nine hours in the city before your evening return.
• By coach: A few organised coach tours offer day trips to Brussels, sometimes combined with Bruges. These are cheaper but involve longer travel times, often 14 to 16 hours in total.
• By plane: At just over an hour, flights are quick, but by the time you factor in travel to and from the airports, the Eurostar is the better choice.

What to Do in Brussels in a Day

• Grand Place: Start your visit at Brussels’ spectacular main square, lined with ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall.
• Atomium: Built for the 1958 World Expo, this futuristic structure is one of the city’s icons. It offers panoramic views and exhibitions on design and science. The Atomium is not in the city centre, so you will need to take the metro or a bus to get there.
• Belgian Chocolate & Beer: Brussels is famous for its chocolate shops and breweries. A guided tasting tour is a fun and time-efficient way to sample both.
• Manneken Pis: This quirky statue of a little boy has become a symbol of the city. It is smaller than most expect, but worth seeing if you are nearby.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

• Use the metro or trams to move quickly between sights.
• Book a walking or food tour if you want to cover more in less time and learn from a local guide.
• Don’t miss trying a Belgian waffle from one of the many street vendors.

3. Lille (1 hour 20 minutes by Eurostar)

Lille is one of the quickest and easiest day trips you can take from London. At just one hour and twenty minutes by Eurostar, you can arrive in time for a late breakfast in the city’s Flemish-style old town. Often overlooked in favour of Paris or Brussels, Lille offers a relaxed pace and plenty of culture without the crowds.

How to Get There

• By train: Eurostar services from London to Lille Europe station are frequent and fast. The station is a short walk from the city centre, so you can start exploring almost immediately.
• By coach: Direct coaches are less common but are sometimes offered, particularly around Christmas when Lille’s markets are popular. These trips take longer, usually five to six hours each way.

What to Do in Lille in a Day

• Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle): The city’s main square is surrounded by elegant Flemish architecture and lively cafés.
• Palais des Beaux-Arts: France’s second-largest fine arts museum after the Louvre, with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts.
• Vieux Lille: Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, lined with boutiques, cheese shops and bakeries.
• Euralille Shopping Centre: For something more modern, this large complex near the station offers a wide range of shops and restaurants.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

• Plan your sightseeing around a leisurely lunch — Lille is known for its food, particularly carbonade flamande (beef stew) and waffles.
• The city is very walkable, but local buses and trams are available if needed.
• If visiting in December, Lille’s Christmas market adds extra charm to the old town.

4. Bruges (around 3 hours 15 minutes via Brussels)

Bruges is often described as one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, with winding canals, cobbled streets and medieval squares that feel like a storybook come to life. It is a little further from London than Paris or Brussels, but it makes a magical day trip if you do not mind an early start and a late return.

How to Get There

• By train: Take the Eurostar from London to Brussels (just over two hours) and then connect onto a Belgian Rail train to Bruges, which takes around one hour. From Bruges station, the historic centre is a ten- to fifteen-minute walk.
• By coach: Several companies run direct coach day trips from London to Bruges. The journey is long, typically 14 to 16 hours door to door, but you will usually get several hours of guided time in the city. These trips are especially popular in December for the Christmas markets.

What to Do in Bruges in a Day

• Markt Square: The heart of Bruges, lined with colourful gabled buildings and overlooked by the imposing Belfry tower. Climb the Belfry’s 366 steps for sweeping views of the city.
• Canal Tour: A boat ride along Bruges’ canals is one of the best ways to take in its medieval architecture.
• Burg Square: Home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the ornate City Hall.
• Chocolate and Beer: Bruges is filled with artisan chocolate shops and cosy beer cafés. A tasting tour is a fun way to sample the local flavours.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

• If travelling by train, book your Eurostar tickets early and allow time for the connection in Brussels.
• Wear comfortable shoes — Bruges is best explored on foot.
• If you are visiting in winter, the Christmas market in Markt Square is particularly atmospheric.
• Try local specialities such as moules-frites (mussels with fries) or a Belgian waffle before heading back to London.

5. Amsterdam (4 hours by Eurostar)

Amsterdam is at the very edge of what most travellers would consider a realistic day trip from London. The Eurostar takes around four hours each way, which does not leave as much sightseeing time as Paris or Brussels. Still, if you are determined to experience the Dutch capital in a single day, it is possible.

How to Get There

• By train: The Eurostar runs directly from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal. If you take one of the earliest departures, you can arrive late morning and have around six to seven hours in the city before catching an evening return.
• By coach: A same-day return is not realistic — the journey is too long.
• By plane: Flights from London to Amsterdam take about one hour, but when you include travel to and from the airports and security checks, the Eurostar is usually more convenient.

What to Do in Amsterdam in a Day

• Canal Cruise: One of the best introductions to Amsterdam, giving you a chance to see the city’s famous canal houses and bridges from the water.
• Anne Frank House: A moving and important museum, but queues can be very long. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
• Van Gogh Museum: Home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings.
• Jordaan Neighbourhood: Wander the narrow streets filled with cafés, galleries and independent shops.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

• Book museum tickets well in advance, especially for the Anne Frank House.
• Choose just two or three main sights to avoid feeling rushed.
• Use trams or bikes to move around quickly, but keep in mind cycling can be hectic for first-timers.
• If possible, consider staying overnight to enjoy Amsterdam’s evening atmosphere and to make the journey more worthwhile.

6. Rotterdam (3 hours 40 minutes by Eurostar)

Rotterdam offers a very different experience to other European cities near London. Largely rebuilt after World War II, it is known for bold modern architecture, innovative design and a thriving food scene. At just under four hours by Eurostar, it is on the longer side for a day trip but still manageable if you are keen to see a different side of the Netherlands.

How to Get There

• By train: The Eurostar from London to Rotterdam Centraal takes around three hours 40 minutes. From the station, you can walk or take a tram to most of the main sights.
• By coach: Journey times are too long for a day trip, so coaches are not a practical option.
• By plane: Flights from London to Rotterdam The Hague Airport take about an hour, but the Eurostar is usually more convenient since it brings you directly into the city centre.

What to Do in Rotterdam in a Day

• Cube Houses: These quirky, tilted yellow houses are one of Rotterdam’s most famous landmarks. You can visit the “Show Cube” to see inside one.
• Markthal: A huge indoor food market with dozens of stalls offering Dutch and international cuisine, all beneath a striking arched roof decorated with colourful artwork.
• Erasmus Bridge: Known locally as “The Swan,” this sleek white bridge is one of the city’s icons and offers great views of the skyline.
• Maritime Museum: A reminder of Rotterdam’s history as one of the world’s busiest ports.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

• Rotterdam is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, but trams and metro lines are also efficient.
• Plan your visit around a leisurely lunch at the Markthal to make the most of the city’s food culture.
• Consider combining Rotterdam with Amsterdam for a longer trip, as trains between the two cities run frequently.

7. Ghent (around 3 hours 30 minutes via Brussels)

Ghent is one of Belgium’s most underrated cities. Often overshadowed by nearby Bruges, it combines medieval architecture with a lively, youthful energy thanks to its large student population. Canals wind through the old town, overlooked by churches, guild houses and even a castle, making it a rewarding alternative to Bruges for a day trip.

How to Get There

• By train: Take the Eurostar from London to Brussels Midi (just over two hours), then connect onto a Belgian Rail train to Ghent. The onward journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes, and Ghent’s historic centre is a short walk or tram ride from the station.
• By coach: Some organised tours combine Ghent with Bruges in one day. While this is a longer journey, it is a good way to see both cities if you are short on time.

What to Do in Ghent in a Day

• Gravensteen Castle: A striking medieval fortress in the centre of the city, complete with towers and a moat.
• St Bavo’s Cathedral: Home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, one of the most important works of art in European history.
• Canals and Graslei/Korenlei: The old quays along the River Leie are lined with colourful guild houses and make one of the most scenic spots in the city.
• Belfry of Ghent: Climb the UNESCO-listed belfry for sweeping views across the rooftops.

Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

• If travelling by train, plan your connections in advance to make the most of your time.
• Consider booking a walking tour to cover the highlights more efficiently.
• Ghent is less crowded than Bruges, which makes it a pleasant choice if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Combine Ghent with Brussels if you want to see two Belgian cities in one day — the train between them takes less than an hour.

Extreme Day Trips by Plane

For the truly ambitious traveller, it is possible to fly from London to other European cities and return the same day. With several airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City, the choice of destinations is extensive. Flight times are often under two hours, which makes the idea tempting.

If you are determined to add another country to your itinerary, here are some of the best options:

8. Dublin (1 hour flight)

• Why go: Compact and welcoming, Dublin is one of the easiest cities to explore in a short time.
• Highlights: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the lively pubs of Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse.
• Tips: Dublin Airport is close to the city centre, with express buses running frequently, making it one of the more practical flight-based day trips.

9. Copenhagen (1 hour 50 minutes flight)

• Why go: A beautiful city with colourful harbourside houses, modern Nordic design, and a relaxed cycling culture.
• Highlights: Nyhavn harbour, the Little Mermaid statue, and Tivoli Gardens.
• Tips: Public transport from the airport to the city is excellent, with metro trains reaching the centre in under 20 minutes.

10. Berlin (1 hour 45 minutes flight)

• Why go: Germany’s capital is filled with history, museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
• Highlights: Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Museum Island.
• Tips: Berlin is large and spread out, so focus on one or two areas to make the most of your limited time.

11. Geneva (1 hour 40 minutes flight)

• Why go: Nestled beside Lake Geneva with views of the Alps, this elegant city is ideal for a quick taste of Switzerland.
• Highlights: Jet d’Eau fountain, St Pierre Cathedral, and lakeside promenades.
• Tips: Geneva Airport is just minutes from the city centre by train, so transfers are quick and easy.

Practical Tips for Planning a Day Trip from London to Europe

A day trip abroad from London takes some planning, but with a few practical steps you can make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Book Tickets in Advance

• Eurostar tickets are cheapest when booked early, often several months ahead. Popular routes such as London to Paris can sell out quickly, especially at peak times.
• If you plan to visit a major attraction, such as the Louvre or the Anne Frank House, reserve your tickets online before you travel.

Allow Time for Passport & Security Checks

• Eurostar requires passport and security checks before boarding. Arrive at St Pancras International at least 60 minutes before departure.
• For flights, follow your airline’s recommended check-in times.

Start Early, Finish Late

• To maximise your sightseeing time, choose the earliest train or flight out of London and the latest return. This usually allows for 8–10 hours at your destination.

Travel Light

• Bring only what you need for the day: passport, tickets, camera, and a small bag for essentials. Avoid checking luggage as it wastes precious time.

Consider Guided Tours

• A guided walking tour, food tour, bus tour or river cruise can be an efficient way to see the highlights in a short amount of time. Many tours are available to book in advance with skip-the-line access.

Overnight Stays

• If you have the flexibility, consider staying overnight. For destinations such as Amsterdam or Berlin, an evening in the city adds a whole new dimension and makes the travel time more worthwhile.