From Riga to London by coach and train – part two

Riga to London: Day 2 of the European Coach & Train Odyssey – Berlin to Brussels

Day two of our grand adventure from Riga, Latvia to London in England dawned after a night of fitful sleep on our Ecolines coach. We’d already conquered the leg from Riga to Warsaw in Poland, and after a midnight change, were now rattling through Poland towards Germany. As the first hint of light touched the horizon, around 5 am, our bus pulled into a service station just before the German border. The 15-minute stop was a lifeline – a chance to stumble out into the cool morning air, stretch our stiff legs, and grab a strong coffee before the final push to Berlin.

Right on schedule, we rolled into Berlin’s Am Funkturm coach station on Masurenallee. With a sense of accomplishment, we joined the stream of passengers disembarking, watching as our bus, now noticeably emptier, continued its journey towards Braunschweig and ultimately Stuttgart. Berlin awaited!

Navigating the U-Bahn & The Grand Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Our first mission was to get from the coach station to the colossal Berlin Hauptbahnhof (central station). A mere 300-metre walk brought us to the Kaiserdamm U-Bahn station – a perfect start. A quick tip for fellow travellers: remember to validate your single journey ticket (a very reasonable €3) in the little stamping machines before you board, or you could face a fine.

The journey itself was a neat little tour of Berlin’s efficient transport system. We switched from the U-Bahn to the S-Bahn near the Berlin Zoo station, a change that involved a brisk 100-metre walk between platforms. In under an hour, we emerged into the stunning, light-filled concourse of the Hauptbahnhof. With a few hours to kill before our train to Brussels, we were free to explore this temple of transport, grab a proper breakfast, and simply revel in not being on a moving vehicle.

All Aboard the ICE: First-Class to Cologne

This was the moment we’d been waiting for: swapping the bus for the rails! Berlin welcomed us with glorious, sunny weather, which did wonders for our travel-weary spirits. When I’d booked the tickets, I’d decided to treat ourselves – for only about €10 more (in reality, just €7, as the seat reservation was included), we upgraded to first class. At €64.50 per person, it was an absolute steal, even cheaper than our bus ticket from Riga to Berlin had been!

And was it worth it? Without a doubt. Boarding Germany’s sleek Intercity Express (ICE) train was a revelation. We sank into spacious, plush seats with ample legroom, and the carriage was a haven of quiet calm. For four and a half hours, we zipped through the German countryside at breathtaking speed, a world away from the rumble of the coach. It was comfort and style, all the way to Cologne.

A Whistle-Stop in Cologne & The Final Leg to Brussels

Our stop in Cologne was a brief 30-minute affair – just long enough to dash out of the Hauptbahnhof to catch a stunning, sun-drenched glimpse of the magnificent cathedral towering over the square before hurrying back to our platform.

The final train from Cologne to Brussels was, it must be said, a slight come-down from German luxury. The carriage, including our first-class section, was packed and the train itself looked a little tired and well-used. But with the end in sight, our spirits weren’t dampened. The good news? It was only a two-hour sprint to the Belgian capital.

A Well-Earned Rest in Brussels

We’d made a strategic decision to break our journey in Brussels, booking a room at the Meininger Hotel Brussels Midi, just a stone’s throw from the Gare du Midi. This was a genius move to avoid the stress of a potential delayed connection causing us to miss our Eurostar to London. Plus, it saved us a fortune, as last-minute Eurostar fares can be eye-watering.

The hotel was a perfect traveller’s hub. A mere five-minute, 400-metre walk from the station, it was surrounded by a tempting array of cafés. We followed our noses to the Turkish Cicek Kebab, a further 300-metre wander, and were rewarded with authentic, delicious, and wonderfully cheap kebabs. The hotel itself had a lively bar by reception and, a real bonus, a shared kitchen and dining area at the back. We took full advantage, brewing a pot of tea to enjoy with our leftover kebab for lunch the next day.

And so, our second day of travel drew to a close. After the long haul from Riga, the simple pleasure of a hot shower to wash off the road dust was pure bliss. We collapsed into bed, relaxed and ready for the final, thrilling leg of our journey: the Eurostar to London.