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How to get from Paris -> Brussels -> Bruges via train?

We intend to travel from Paris to Bruges via train but would like to look around Brussels for a couple of hours. Just curious if anyone has any advice on how to do this? From looking over Rick's guidebook it looks like there are 3 different train stations in Brussels and the "Central" station looks to be more strategically located if one wants to look around the Grand Square. If we want to do this will we have to essentially buy two sets of tickets? That's my guess but I thought I would ask. If anyone has any other recommendations that would be great.

Posted by
16893 posts

Paris-Brussels service is operated by the reserved Thalys train. Book well in advance for the best prices. For a few euros more, tickets on that train can also cover your unreserved local train connection to Any Belgian Station within 24 hours of arriving in Brussels. If you book at Thalys.com, you'll probably see that term. If you book through Rail Europe, you'll request a ticket to Bruges but the printed ticket will say Brussels ABS. Show that ticket to any conductor who checks onboard the next train.

They Thalys only arrives at Brussels Midi/South station, but you can also use your ticket to connect to the Central station.

Posted by
14 posts

Thanks. We ended up getting tickets from Rail Europe, which for some odd reason was considerably cheaper than the Thalys site itself. We were afraid the Rail Europe tickets may not include this ABS option, but it looks like even if we end up having to pay for a ticket to Bruges we will still have saved money. If you don't mind me leveraging your expertise... do you know which Brussels station trains to Bruges would leave from?

Posted by
8889 posts

There are 3 stations in central Brussels (names in French / Flemish / English):

  • Bruxelles-Nord / Brussel-Noord / Brussels North
  • Bruxelles-Central / Brussel-Centraal / Brussels Central
  • Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid / Brussels South

Belgian domestic trains (including trains to Brugge) stop at all three, international trains (like the Thalys and TGV trains from Paris) only at Brussels South, which is the main station.

Posted by
14 posts

Thanks! Looks like we are set. Getting into Brussels at 9:57 AM so we should have plenty of time to look around Brussels before heading to Bruges later in the day.

Posted by
7182 posts

I.am, there are many trains each hour from Midi to Centraal, which will save you sightseeing time. That's included with any ticket TO Brussels, so it does not use up your ABS endorsement, if you have it. As previously noted, there is no reason to go back to Midi to board the frequent, unreserved service to Brugge. The train to Brugge may not have as useful luggage racks as the Thalys train. You can learn your hotel location on Google Maps.