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Brussels Central Vs. Brussels Midi Train Stations

We are taking the train from Amsterdam to Brussels.
Our train goes to Brussels Midi Station.
Our Hotel is quite near Brussels Central Station.
Is it worth the trouble to change trains from what looks like on the map a 5 minutes train ride continuation, or is it best to get a cab/uber/public transport/whatever for the remainder?
If changing trains is the way to go, has anyone done it and is it an easy process? Is there a long wait for a connecting train?
We will have our luggage with us, of course.
Any and all info is welcomed, and I thank you in advance for your assistance.

Posted by
8178 posts

Last July I took train from Central to midi to transfer to catch one of the international trains Nothing to it you just want to leave a enough time to catch the other train

Posted by
33991 posts

There are around 20 trains an hour making the 3 minute one stop journey, before continuing elsewhere. Your ticket to Brussel Zuid / Bruxelles Midi / Brussels Midi (Belgium is multilingual, that is the station name in Flemish, French and English) is also valid to Brussel Centraal / Bruxelles Central / Brussels Central. Check the screens, or ask a uniformed staff member or go to the little round booth and ask which platform for the next one or two and make your way there after you get off the train from Amsterdam. Don't bother settling in to the new train, by the time you sit down you will be standing up.

Taking and paying for an uber to take much longer and cost much more makes little sense.

Use Google streetview to see which path to take to your hotel from the station.

Posted by
35 posts

many thanks, and much obliged. appreciate the info!

Posted by
631 posts

Our train goes to Brussels Midi Station. have you actually booked it??

The Thalys trains only call at Midi station but the slower/ cheaper InterCity trains call at Central as well. It takes about an hour longer overall but is MUCH cheaper if booked in advance - and you avoid the hassle.

most hours from Amsterdam at 8 minutes before the hour

Posted by
33991 posts

Yes, the Thalys is much cheaper if booked far ahead.

Unless you want to take the slower "International" train there is no need to think of the simple change of trains at Brussels as any sort of hassle. It really is easy, and the trains to connect to are every minute or two.

Posted by
35 posts

awesome, thanks,
this sets my mind at ease.