Day Trip to Luxembourg from Brussels: Itinerary & Logistics!
I’ve never liked it when people brag about their adventures, but after traveling across 16 countries in Europe, to this day I still think taking a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels was one of the best decisions I ever made as a young backpacker!
It’s so easy and efficient to get between these two bordering countries by train that there’s no reason not to pop over to another country while you’re exploring Belgium.
Despite their close proximity to one another, Luxembourg offers its own unique swing on local cuisine, distinctly different attractions and architecture compared to Belgium, and many of the locals speak a minimum of 3 languages.
Coming from Brussels’ iconic Grand Place, you can see the world’s last Grand Duchy and visit the Grand Ducal Palace, take in panoramic views from atop the Bock Casemates, or stroll through the Grund.
In this post, I’ve included everything you’ll need to know before starting your journey including the best time to visit Luxembourg, how much time you’ll need, practical tips for visiting Luxembourg City, some top-rated day tours of Luxembourg if you want to hire someone to show you around, and even the best things to do in Luxembourg.
Even if you’re short on time, Luxembourg City can be explored in a single day so there’s no reason not to hop on a train and go explore one of Europe’s tiniest countries!
How to Get to Luxembourg from Brussels
When it comes to actually getting to Luxembourg from Brussels, regardless if you plan on joining an organized tour or not, you have several different options.
✔ Train
Personally, taking a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels by train is one of my favorite memories from backpacking in Europe. With nearly 30 different options for direct trains from Brussels to Luxembourg, this is the simplest method of getting between these cities.
It’s not only scenic and much more comfortable than flying or taking the bus, but it almost always saves you money. However, I will admit that if you aren’t planning on staying at least one night in Luxembourg, then you may want to consider flying since the journey takes about 3 hours each way.
I know it can be overwhelming trying to plan an entire itinerary on your own, so I would suggest booking train tickets to Luxembourg from Brussels (you’ll want to get off at the Gare Lëtzebuerg Station in Luxembourg) then booking one of the day tours I suggested below.
This will save you some money since you won’t be paying for private transportation, will give you the experience of riding Europe’s most famous railroad, and will allow you to be on your own schedule.
✔ Bus
Buses are another good way of getting from Brussels to Luxembourg City. While not as scenic or comfortable as the train, they mainly provide affordable transportation for budget travelers.
Most buses run through companies such as Flixbus, Eurolines, Ouibus, and RegioJet. Journies from Brussels City to Luxembourg City typically cost around 20 euros and take about 3 hours each way.
If you want to compare schedules and pricing as well as be able to book your tickets all in one place, I suggest using Omio!
✔ Car
If you’re looking for the option that is going to give you the most freedom on your day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels, then rent a car!
It will cost you the most money, especially during the peak season months, but if you have a specific itinerary planned then it will be worth it to cover the Brussels to Luxembourg distance of about 135 miles.
This will give you the freedom to move at your own pace, include as many side trips as you would like (to Dinant, for example), and allow you to experience more of the rural neighborhoods of Luxembourg.
However, do keep in mind that some areas of Luxembourg are pedestrian-only, so you will still have to do some walking.
You’ll also want to take a look at Luxembourg’s driving requirements (i.e. international licenses, insurance policies, etc.) and you’ll need to make sure that you can drive your rental car over international borders as some agencies do not allow this.
✔ Plane
While taking a flight may seem like the most efficient option due to the close proximity of the two cities, but there are actually no airlines that provide direct flights between Brussels and Luxembourg.
Thus, the journey often includes a minimum of one layover lasting over 1 hour in duration, which combined with the 2 hour pre-departure arrival time, the two flights lasting about an hour and 20 minutes each, and the time it will take for you to go through the airport when you land, the total travel time just went up to about 6-7 hours.
This is more than double the time the time it will take you compared to taking a bus, train, or driving yourself, and it’s often the most expensive option with a minimum cost averaging $250 USD per person.
↪️ Pro Tip: You also have the option of creating a Bruges to Luxembourg day trip itinerary! In my opinion, Bruges was far more beautiful and exciting than Brussels (you can read my full comparison of Bruges vs Brussels to help you decide), and it’s well worth the extra little bit of travel time.
The Best Things To Do in Luxembourg
No matter if you’re spending one week or one day in Luxembourg, these are some of the best things you should include on your itinerary!
Haute Ville
Known as the upper area of the city, Haute Ville is full of beautiful cobblestone streets, sophisticated museums, art galleries, and well-manicured gardens.
Visitors can enjoy shopping on the famous Grand Rue, strolling by the Grand Duchy, and photographing the beautiful rural neighborhoods of the city.
This is where the majority of tourists spend most of their time since it’s also where you’ll find most of the restaurants, bars, and streetside cafes.
This is the most “European” part of Luxembourg, so it’s going to look a little more like any common town in Europe, and a little less like… well, Luxembourg.
On any day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels, try to spend at least a couple of hours in Haute Ville before making your way down to the Grund.
The Grund
The Grund is the lower half of the city that boasts incredible, medieval ruins intertwined with the Alzette River.
This is where many tourists go to escape the crowds of Haute Ville and find themselves immersed in gothic architecture and magical views overlooking the city.
This is also where you’ll find the most magical views of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Grand Ducal Palace, as well as perfect trails for an evening stroll.
In my opinion, this is the most romantic part of the city and is well-deserving of the majority of your time.
No day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels would be complete without a visit to the Grund, and no visit to the Grund would be complete with a visit to the Casemates du Bock!
Casemates du Bock
The Casemates du Bock are a spectacular sight to see when on a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels.
These magnificent structures were built to protect the city from invaders during World War II and are made up of hundreds of different rooms, walkways, and levels.
The vast network of tunnels is a mysterious and impressive sentiment to how military personnel lived during these times of war, and it’s quite incredible to see for yourself.
From the southern side of the ruins, visitors can look out over the Alzette River and get exceptional views of Neimënster – the iconic public meeting place and concert hall that has represented Luxembourg City since the 17th century!
The Casemates du Bock are my absolute favorite place to visit in Luxembourg City and you could easily spend several hours exploring these tunnels.
If you’re looking to learn about the history of the Casemates du Bock from a professional guide, I highly suggest joining one of these Guided Tours of Luxembourg City.
We happened to be walking through the tunnels when we spotted a walking tour and we just so happened to blend right in… hopefully you learn from us and book your tickets in advance!
Grand Ducal Palace & The Changing of the Guard
The Grand Ducal Palace is the official residence of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and is a must-see for any architecture enthusiast.
The incredible building was built as an imperial residence during the German occupation and now serves mostly ceremonial functions, but it also houses some very interesting museums.
Every day, visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard outside of the Grand Ducal Palace. The palace is on 24-hour watch and requires a guard to be posted at all times.
Thus, the “changing of the guard” is describing the end of one guard’s shift, and the beginning of the oncoming guard’s shift.
The event is quite amazing to witness since Luxembourg is the last country in the world with a Grand Duchy!
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg City is a must-see for anyone who has an appreciation of architecture and religions.
It’s the main church located within this medieval city, which provides visitors with plenty to look at as they explore its intricately carved interior or admire views from up high on top floors that have been made accessible for public viewing.
The building is known for its soaring spires and beautiful stained glass windows that create the ultimate centerpiece to an already beautiful city center.
Explore the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art
The Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art is located in the historic city center of Luxembourg and is a must-see on any day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels.
The museum’s collection includes paintings from several famous artists as well as photography by some of Europe’s best photographers – all on display inside 17th-century guildhalls which have been beautifully restored into an elegant contemporary space.
While the museum is spectacular for anyone young and old, art enthusiasts travel to Luxembourg from far and wide to catch a glimpse at its everchanging collections and exhibits.
Even if you simply enjoy picking up a paintbrush every now and then, the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art is sure to impress you.
You can learn more here!
Stroll the Place d’Armes
Place d’Armes is one of the most well-known, beautiful places to visit in Luxembourg City. It is a beautifully designed area that will bring you back to medieval times.
It features shops and cafes, perfect for people looking to grab lunch or spend some time people-watching while enjoying Luxembourg’s beautiful architecture!
While this is one of the more touristy areas of Luxembourg City, it is definitely worth at least a short visit on your day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels!
Luxembourg Viaduct
Also known as the Passerelle, this iconic Luxembourg Viaduct is a must for any architecture aficionado. It was built in 1861 and spans the gorgeously flowing river, with its mighty supports reaching up to nearly 150 feet into the air on either side of its steep falls below!
The road over this structure features fantastic views from every corner from the Haute Ville all the way down to the Grund of Luxembourg City.
This majestic structure carries vehicles over the beautiful Pétrusse Valley, offering exceptional views of the surrounding landscape and Haute Ville.
If you’re joining an organized tour from Brussels or are driving yourself, try to ensure that you get the chance to drive over this decades-old viaduct!
Adolphe Bridge
The Adolphe Bridge in Luxembourg City is an architectural marvel. This Gothic-style stone arch bridge was built in 1903 and has become a city landmark as well as one of Europe’s most famous bridges over the Moselle River!
Spend some time strolling this long bridge while taking in the pretty epic surrounding views of the railway and lush greenery below.
The bridge recently added a lower deck in 2018, so people can enjoy passing under the road from the Boulevard Royal in Haute Ville to the Avenue de la Liberté in Gare.
Best Luxembourg Tours
If you’re thinking about taking a day trip Luxembourg from Brussels and want to include Dinant like I suggested (this is a very popular travel combination), then there are a few ways you can do it.
First, you can opt to book your journey through train travel, you can rent a car, can take a bus, or you can join an organized tour.
If you aren’t too familiar with booking your own travel needs and organizing an itinerary to fit a schedule, then it may be easier for you to join one of the organized tours I have mentioned below.
Some of these tours include pick up and drop off in downtown Brussels as well as multi-lingual guides and safe transportation. While others may require you to get yourself to Luxembourg before beginning your tour.
Be sure to read the “What’s Included?” and “Additional Info” sections to answer any questions you may have before booking.
✔ Organized Tours
Luxembourg and Dinant Tour from Brussels
Offers an 12-hour tour to both Dinant and Luxembourg City including pick up and drop off in Brussels via an air-conditioned vehicle.
You will also be provided with a multi-lingual guide, the opportunity to see many of the major attractions in each city, and free time for exploring.
If you’re taking a few different Luxembourg tours from Brussels, this is a good one to consider.
The Best of Luxembourg City Guided E-bike Tour
This ultimate E-bike city tour provides you with a 3-hour guided tour around the city! You will meet your guide in Luxembourg City, so you will need to plan your own transportation from Brussels.
Unlike many city tours, this guided tour provides you with your bicycles and helmets and offers you a unique way of viewing the city with a guide.
They will bring you to all of the best spots in the city so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride!
Luxembourg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
This private tour from Brussels to Luxembourg lasts 2 hours and offers you the inside scoop on experiencing the city with a local! You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to your English-speaking tour guide, learn about the history of each major attraction, and buy food and authentic Luxembourg souvenirs along the way.
When I visit new places, one of my favorite things to do is to start a conversation with a local.
You always learn about the best hidden gems and restaurants and can gain insight into what life is truly like for them. In my opinion, this is a great way to explore Luxembourg City.
✔ Self Guided Tours
Another great way of exploring the city on your day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels is to plan your very own self-guided tour! The best way to do this, in my opinion, is to buy a city guide.
Whenever I book a trip to a new destination, the first thing I do is purchase a full guide to the area. In this case, I would purchase this Luxembourg Travel Guide. If you want to save yourself a little bit of money, you can also purchase the DK Eyewitness Belgium and Luxembourg Travel Guide!
Once you have an idea of everything you want to include on your trip with the help of both this post and your handy travel guide, you can start planning your self-guided tour.
This is where Google Maps will become your best friend. You can simply type in everything you want to see into the directions tab, and organize your journey to be as time (and walking) efficient as possible.
I have provided a sample walking itinerary of Luxembourg City so you can see what I mean below.
✔ Free Walking Tour of Luxembourg City
Having been all over Luxembourg City myself, this is the ideal walking tour that you could take, particularly if you only have one day to explore the city centre.
Day Trips to Luxembourg Outside of Brussels
Heading somewhere else in Europe but want to include a day trip to Luxembourg? Check out these day trips from other popular European destinations!
Day Trip to Luxembourg from Paris
Getting to Luxembourg from Paris is a cinch! Simply hop on the TGV train at Gare de l’Est in Paris and you’ll arrive in Luxembourg City about 2 hours and 12 minutes later.
There are 3 stops along this journey, but you’ll just be getting off at the very end.
A day trip to Luxembourg from Paris is a fantastic idea since you’ll be combining similar destinations in one trip! How are Paris and Luxembourg similar? Glad you asked.
They share the same language, similar cuisine due to France’s influences, and similar weather so you won’t need to pack for an array of seasons on your trip.
If you’re planning on combining two destinations in one trip, Paris and Luxembourg are a great combo!
Day Trip to Luxembourg from Amsterdam
A day trip to Luxembourg from Amsterdam can be a lot of fun, but I do suggest one thing… don’t spend just one day in Luxembourg if you’re coming from Amsterdam!
Especially if you’re traveling via train, the journey will take you between 6 and 7 hours and will include multiple stops and train changes. If you decide to fly, you’ll save a lot of time with a nonstop flight averaging around one hour, but it will cost you typically between $200-$300.
So, while Luxembourg and Amsterdam are another wonderful combo due to their vast differences (i.e. the nightlife of Amsterdam paired with the culture of Luxembourg makes for an awesome trip), I would highly recommend either flying if you can afford it or spending at least two days in Luxembourg before taking a return train.
Day Trip to Luxembourg from Frankfurt
Taking a day trip from Frankfurt to Luxembourg is another good trip idea. Frankfurt’s high class and European architecture combined with Luxembourg’s sophisticated culture and Grand Duchy makes for an exciting experience all around.
But, similar to Amsterdam, the trip will usually take you around 4 hours by train each way.
So, yes, it is possible to make this trip in one day, but 8 hours of traveling will only leave you with about 4 or 5 hours of sightseeing in the middle.
If you don’t mind long travel days, then I highly suggest taking a day trip to Luxembourg from Frankfurt!
But, if you like to take your time in a new city, then consider flying or including Luxembourg on a future trip.
Day Trips from Luxembourg City
Spending a few extra days in Luxembourg and want to explore outside of the capital? Check out these popular tours and destinations!
✔ Vianden Castle
Vianden Castle is one of the most popular day trips from Luxembourg available to visitors!
This tour, in particular, provides roundtrip public transportation with a small group (maximum of 10 people) and the entrance fee for the castle. They also bring you to the old town of Vianden where you will have free time for exploring!
The tour is a total of 5 hours and typically takes place in the middle of the day, so you’ll still have plenty of time for breakfast and will be returned to Luxembourg by mid-afternoon.
This is a wonderful day trip to the castle for people of all ages and also gives you the opportunity to experience another Luxembourgish town!
✔ Mullerthal Forest
The Mullerthal region of Luxembourg is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s easy to see why the area is also known as “little Switzerland” for its lush greenery, moss-covered forests, and tranquil, toppling waterfalls!
The area boasts incredible hiking trails of all difficulty levels and is home to the most beautiful scenery in Luxembourg, and even Europe according to some.
We were unable to make it out to the Mullerthal region on our last visit to Luxembourg, but we will surely be including it on our next visit!
Did you know that many people in Luxembourg can speak up to 4 or 5 different languages? It’s truly incredible and it makes me personally very jealous as someone who has a hard time just remembering enough helpful phrases to get me through a trip.
Typically, people can speak Dutch, German, Luxembourgish, French, and English!
FAQ
Can You Do a Day Trip from Belgium to Luxembourg?
You can absolutely take a day trip from Belgium to Luxembourg if you don’t mind a long travel day.
The minimum amount of time it’ll take you to get between the two cities is about 2 hours and 40 minutes by bus or train (not including the time it takes to get in and out of the stations), so you’ll need to keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
If you want to spend a lot of time exploring Luxembourg’s museums, see the Changing of the Guard, and get a tour of the Bock Casemates, then you might want to consider spending 1-2 nights in Luxembourg instead of just taking a quick day trip.
Is Luxembourg Worth a Day Trip from Brussels?
Luxembourg is absolutely worth a day trip from Brussels for us since we love staying on the move, but it depends on how much you want to see the city and how long you have.
We found Luxembourg to be breathtaking with its cross between medieval architecture and sophisticated ambiance and we were so happy we decided to make the quick trip!
But, if you only have half a day or don’t like long travel days, then you may think differently about whether or not a day trip to Luxembourg is worth it from Belgium.
Is It Worth Going to Luxembourg for a Day?
While in reality 2-3 days would be the perfect amount of time to spend in Luxembourg, we found it worthwhile to take a day trip.
Even with a short amount of time, we were able to stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the museums, and check out the big-hitting attractions like the Adolphe Bridge, the Grand Ducal Palace, and the Bock Casemates.
It is possible to see and do a lot in one day in Luxembourg City, but you won’t get to see everything, you may end up feeling rushed, and you almost definitely won’t be able to explore outside of the capital, so it comes down to what your interests are.
How To Do a Day Trip to Luxembourg?
If you decide you do want to take a day trip to Luxembourg from a surrounding city, then you’ll first need to choose how you’re getting to Luxembourg and how you plan on getting around once you arrive.
You can take a train, bus, plane, or choose to drive yourself, or even opt for a roundtrip full-day tour if there’s one from your city of departure.
If you have a full-day tour or you a rental car then you’ll have your own private transportation, otherwise you’ll either have to deal with walking everywhere, renting bikes, or arranging for a taxi or rideshare everywhere you go.
We walked everywhere right from the train station since the city is very walkable, so don’t think you have to plan for arranging transportation if you don’t want to!
It’s also advisable to make a list of everything you want to see in Luxembourg before you go and make an efficient route so you have enough time to see everything.
To be honest, we kept our schedules completely open and ended up finding some great restaurants and views without trying very hard. Unless you want to get in to see certain museums or galleries, you don’t necessarily need to make an exact itinerary and follow it to a T.
Many of the best things that have happened to us on our travels weren’t planned, so be open to keeping your schedule flexible a little and you might just do something you never thought you’d enjoy!
What is the Best Time to Visit Luxembourg?
The best time to visit Luxembourg is between May and September when the weather is nice, all businesses are open for the longest amount of hours, the city’s gardens are lush and full of flowers, and it’s easy to find plenty of activities to do.
We prefer to visit in May or September (off-season) since the peak season months of June through August are associated with inflated prices for flights, trains, tours, food, and accommodations.
You’ll also be sharing your experience with tens of thousands of other tourists – not exactly how you pictured your magical day trip to Luxembourg, I’m sure!
During the off-season periods of March through early June and mid-September through mid-November, you’ll find comfortable, festive weather, but with far fewer tourists and none of the inflated prices.
These are the best times to visit Luxembourg since you’ll save money, spend less time waiting in line at major attractions, and you’ll have more opportunities to chat with the locals!
We visited in May and found it to be absolutely wonderful. On our next trip to Luxembourg, we will likely be visiting in the fall to see the stunning foliage!
What Should I Know About Luxembourg?
Whether you are visiting Luxembourg for the first time or this is your fourth or fifth time returning, there are a few good tips to keep in mind.
➡ To start, people who live in Luxembourg are called Luxembourgers
Luxembourg is sandwiched between Germany, Belgium, and France and is the 7th tiniest country in Europe. So, yes, you can expect the food and beer to be phenomenal with its interesting combination of both local specialties and international classics.
➡ It’s the only Grand Duchy in the entire world
So, don’t expect to see a king or queen strolling through the Grand Ducal Palace. Instead, you may see or hear of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess making an appearance.
➡ Most Luxembourgers know up to four or five languages
From a very young age, the citizens of Luxembourg are taught German, French, and their native language, Luxembourgish. Some people also learn how to speak Dutch, and many people learn English later in life.
Since many locals will know at least some English, you won’t need to worry about getting around the city.
Though, if you happen to speak some French or German, that may speed things up a little. I speak French pretty well, and I just defaulted to speaking French while in Luxembourg for ease of communication.
➡ If you plan on entering multiple museums, visiting the Grand Duchy, and seeing the castles, then I highly suggest purchasing the Visit Luxembourg Card
It will save you time, the hassle of buying different tickets everywhere you go, and money since you’ll be getting free or reduced rates at all attractions.
➡ Last, but definitely not least, be sure to pack comfortable, supportive walking shoes for your day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels
Luxembourg is made up of cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks, and ancient medieval castles that have been deteriorating over time.
Needless to say, the walking conditions aren’t great and you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so good shoes are a must.
How Can I Spend a Day in Luxembourg?
If you only have one full day in Luxembourg, you have a few different options on how you could spend it.
➡ If cities aren’t your personal favorite place to spend hours upon hours walking around, then I would recommend taking a train directly to the Mullerthal region.
Here, you’ll find enchanting forests full of toppling waterfalls and stunning scenery. If nature is what you’re seeking, take a few photos of the Grand Ducal Palace and then head straight to Mullerthal.
➡ If cities seemingly frozen in medieval times are your thing, then spend the day exploring the Grund, the Bock Casemates, and walking over the aqueducts.
Luxembourg City is a unique and perplexing place to simply wander.
You can be in an upscale, sophisticated part of town one moment and deep in the Grund scouring cobblestone streets next to the world’s last Grand Duchy the next!
The city is full of history, so there’s a lot to keep you occupied for at least a couple of days.
➡ If you don’t have much motivation to be on your feet (or on a train) all day, then have yourself a picnic in the park.
Practically anywhere you pick will be scenic and particularly beautiful in the summer months when the flowers have bloomed.
There are also plenty of small shops where you can pick up some local food, or you can get take-out (also called take-away) for a pre-made gourmet meal!
If you only know English before heading to Luxembourg, you’ll likely get along just fine. But, if you want to practice your French-speaking skills before you get there, check out these helpful French resources!
What Time Is It in French 11+ Ways: How to Ask and Tell Time in French
How to Say Nice to Meet You in French 15+ Ways
33+ Ways to Say Thank You in French (with Audio)
Saying No in French 31+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation)
Good Morning in French: 17 Helpful French Greetings
Good Night in French 17+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation)
1-10 in French: Learn to Count from 1-10+ in French (with Pronunciations)
If you’re looking for a day trip from Brussels, Luxembourg is the perfect destination.
With its beautiful architecture and rich history, it’s no wonder that this small country has been designated as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From historic war-era ruins to world-famous palaces, taking a day trip from Brussels to Luxembourg is well worth your time!
