We traveled by train from London to Edinburgh last year which was pretty straight forward.
Are there any pointers for traveling from Paris to Brussels by train? We are taking Eurostar from the Gare du Nord station to Brussels Midi. It sounds like there are a lot of details for arriving and checking in and I'm a little concerned.
Thank you for any tips.
Maninseat61 Eurostar info
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/london-to-paris-by-eurostar.htm
The train company Eurostar merged with the train company Thalys which used to run the trains from Paris to Belgium or Amsterdam. These trains are also called Eurostar but do not need a long check in time ahead of the train journey. The long check in time is needed for going to London as you have to pass thru EU outbound passport control, UK inbound passport control and security.
Going between France/Belgium/Netherlands is just a regular train journey. Jump on and go.
https://www.eurostar.com/us-en/travel-info/your-trip/check-in
(or well, scan your ticket code at the barrier, jump on and go, hahaha!!)
Basically there is Eurostar "Blue" which is the cross channel trains, and Eurostar "Red" which is the Paris - Brussels - Amsterdam/Cologne service. For Eurostar Red it is fine to be at the platform 10 minutes or so before departure. If you are more than 20 minutes before departure at the station you will not be able to board yet.
Today I am on the Eurostar to Amsterdam, leaving Gare du Nord earlier this morning. Our first stop was Brussels.
Expect the train to depart Gare du Nord from Hall 1, platforms are not posted earlier than 20 minutes before departure. Tickets were check as we boarded. There is no need to be at the station earlier than 20 to 30 minutes before departure. The entire procedure is very straightforward, nothing to worry about.
As an added bonus, the train has free internet connections so you can easily check the RS forum as you enjoy the scenery.
Thank you so much for the pointers! I really appreciate your help! Enjoy Amsterdam!
