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Before you go
Your trip to Waterloo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Waterloo – Brabante Valão Destination Bruxelas
How to get there
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Waterloo 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
By train from Brussels stations, the journey to Waterloo takes about half an hour; for the battlefield, Braine-l'Alleud station is closer. TEC buses W and 365 also link Brussels to Waterloo. By car it's about 20 km via the N5.
How many days
A full day, on a day trip from Brussels, covers the Musée Wellington, the Mémorial 1815, the Butte du Lion and Hougoumont. With half a day, prioritise the battlefield.
When to go
From April to October the open field is more pleasant and the days are long. Around 18 June, the date of the battle, there are usually events and, in some years, reenactments. In winter, wind and rain make the climb up the Butte du Lion harder.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
It's not necessary. Train to Braine-l'Alleud and the W bus take you to the battlefield, and the Musée Wellington is a 15-minute walk from Waterloo station. By car it's easier to link the dispersed sites, such as the Dernier QG de Napoléon in Vieux-Genappe.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Waterloo
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Morning
Musée Wellington
Train from Brussels to Waterloo and a walk to the Musée Wellington, in the former inn of the Allied headquarters. Cross the street to see the chapel of Saint-Joseph.
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Afternoon
Mémorial 1815 and Butte du Lion
Bus or taxi to the Route du Lion. Visit the Mémorial museum and the Panorama and climb the 226 steps of the Butte du Lion.
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Late afternoon
Ferme d'Hougoumont
Electric minibus to Hougoumont to see the north gate and the chapel that survived the fire.
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Evening
Return to Brussels
W bus to Braine-l'Alleud station and train back to Brussels for dinner.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What language is spoken in Waterloo?
French. Waterloo is in Wallonia, in Walloon Brabant, just south of the border with the Flemish-speaking region.
Is the battlefield in Waterloo?
It lies south of the town, in the municipality of Braine-l'Alleud, about 5 km from the centre. The battle took the name Waterloo because Wellington was staying there.
Which train station should you use for the battlefield?
Braine-l'Alleud, about 2.5 km from the Mémorial 1815, with the W bus to the Route du Lion. Waterloo station is the most convenient for the Musée Wellington.
Can you see Waterloo in half a day?
Yes, if you focus on the battlefield: Mémorial 1815, the Panorama and the Butte du Lion. To include Hougoumont and the Musée Wellington, allow a full day.