After our stay in Arles I planned on taking a train to Brugges, Belgium (from Avignon) on May 19th. Even until a couple of days ago it looked like there were many trains running that route but now that I am going in to book it says that no trains are available. Does anyone know why this might be? Could it all be sold out 3 weeks in advance? Are there other alternatives to get to Bruges from Provence or would I just have to trek back to Paris and go to Bruges from there?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6116 posts
The problem is likely because this is a cross border trip, and SNCF sometimes doesn't play nicely with these. You could book a TGV back to Paris on the SNCF site, then an onward trip to Bruges on the Belgian rail site. This would require a change of stations in Paris. Or try booking through the Trainline website. This is a 3rd party site that will charge a booking fee, but may be easier.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2198 posts
You can try the international website of the Belgian national carrier NMBS/SNCB for booking without a 3rd party. Some trains are indeed fully booked, but still enough seats available.
Posted by
Lake District, England
9293 posts
The 1147 looks to be the best train as that avoids a cross Paris transfer.
That train is also available to buy as far as Brussels on SNCF connect. Then buy a local Brussels to Brugge (Bruges) ticket at Brussels.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8244 posts
It's quite hard to get to Bruges without changing in Brussels. So I suggest you consider SNCF/Oui to Brussels. From there, there are at least five unreserved local trains an hour in the daytime. Those local trains don't always have long-distance luggage racks.
I see these on the Belgian rail site, https://www.b-europe.com/EN.