Train Question

Yes, you can do that.

Thank you Kenko for spreading fake news and imposing a hefty fine on forum members.

Unfortunately RS guidebook does show some incorrect information regarding Belgium.

The "Brussels Zone" system was abolished in December 2024.
So you'll need a new train ticket for your trip from Brussels-Midi to Brussels-Central.

Read here 'Is my international ticket from/to Brussels-Midi/Zuid valid in the entire Brussels metropolitan area?'
https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Questions/Tickets

Thank you, Windyram! This is very helpful and I appreciate it.

You would be best buying a ticket from Amsterdam CS to Brussels Central, then another ticket from Brussels Central to Gent St.-Pieters, and of course you already know to change at Midi, which is the terminus. There is a board in the main concourse at Midi which shows where trains are going, and there are plenty in that direction, so don't fret if you miss one, as there will be another along shortly.

You can use the SNCB/NMBS site for the second ticket: https://www.belgiantrain.be/en . Best to check the NS International site for the train from Amsterdam CS, as there are a lot of cheaper alternatives - that is, if you are not too time sensitive.
https://www.nsinternational.com/en

Lavandula

Thank you Lavandula. I have already purchased our tickets and I’m unable to change them at this point. it was significantly less money to go from Amsterdam Zuid to Brussels Midi. We plan to use the local trains to get to Centraal station and eventually Ghent. Thank you for the suggestion.

Oh, you won't have a problem if you have already made those arrangements. You would need to buy a ticket from Midi to Central under those circumstances, and you can probably buy a ticket from Central directly to Ghent St.-Pieters. All those are local trains. You can buy them in advance online from the SNCB website or app, or in the station on the day, it makes little difference. Trains never sell out and if you miss one, you can get the next one.

Lavandula

You can buy them in advance online from the SNCB website or app, or in the station on the day, it makes little difference.

As far as price is concerned, there is NO difference whatsoever. Ticket prices for domestic trains are fixed, so there is no difference between buying a ticket in advance or at the time of departure. However, you can no longer buy a ticket on board, which means you will automatically be charged the ticket price plus a fine if you are checked.

Kimberly,
May I point out that you’re using the wrong name for your train?
If you’re traveling from Amsterdam-Zuid to Brussels-Midi, you’re not taking the Eurocity (EC), but the Eurocity Direct (ECD).
The EC runs between Rotterdam and Brussels-Midi and also stops at Brussels Central.

These two type of trains also have different tickets.

Here you’ll find a map showing the two types of trains: ECD and EC.
https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/EuroCity

Thank you, Windyram. That was definitely an error on my part. Yes, you are correct - it is EuroCity Direct. I also appreciate you catching that so that I refer to it correctly moving forward. :)