Lille, Hauts-de-France to Brest, Brittany from $47: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard services include meal options provided by the catering team on TGV and OUIGO trains. TGV trains offer a wide range of snacks and beverages, including hot meals in First Class, while OUIGO trains have a pay-per-item catering service where you can pre-order meals or buy snacks and drinks from the onboard menu.

• For the trip from Lille to Brest, you can choose from different seating options. First Class offers more spacious seating and greater comfort, with at-seat service. Business Class is available on some trains and includes amenities such as power outlets and more legroom. Economy Class is also available, providing a budget-friendly option with standard seating. Make sure to check operators like SNCF (TGV) and OUIGO for specific seating arrangements and amenities at their websites: sncf.com and ouigo.com

• Upon arriving at Brest, be prepared to navigate the station where there are luggage lockers available for short-term storage, allowing you to explore the city hassle-free. The station also has restrooms, but note that showers are not available. Follow the signs for the exit and find the bus stop just outside for quick connections to local routes.

• The fastest way from Brest train station to the city center is via Bus Line 2, which directly connects the station to key areas in the city center. Buses run frequently, taking about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also use a taxi or rideshare service from outside the station, which provides a more direct route.

• Ensure you check the FlixBus schedule as it operates once daily from Lille to Brest, and consider arriving at Lille station at least 30 minutes early to find your bus with ease. For the latest schedules, visit flixbus.com

• Bring snacks and entertainment for your long journey; with a 13h 20m travel time, having a selection of food and activities will make your trip more comfortable, especially since there's no regular food service on FlixBus.

• Upon arriving at Brest station, familiarize yourself with the layout as it can be bustling - key landmarks include the ticket counters, the exit towards public transportation options, and vending machines, which can be particularly helpful if you're planning to use local buses like the 'Bibus' system. For station maps and local transport options, check brest.fr