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Train from Utrecht- Ghent on Sept 15

Posted by (Canada ) on

Google https://www.b-europe.com/ for booking, I couldn't copy and paste the correct link for some reasons, but hope someone can clarify the correct departing and arrival train station name for me.

After visiting the Utrecht, we will take train to Ghent ( staying 2-3 N), then a day trip to Bruges, and visiting Brussels. Shall I choose Ghent as my base city, then one day trip to Bruges first, how many days/nights in Brussels. Some recommend 2N Burges, is 1 day trip enough ?

There are more than one departing point in Utrecht CS (NI), is this the correct one I choose ?

Then, to Ghent there are two options 1) Gent-Sint-Pieters (Be)... 2) Gent Dampoort (Be), which one is the right one to choose as my destination.

For example, I choose the train depart at 11:18, arrival at 14:33 total time travel is 3.15 hour. What is " Changes: 2" means, which was above the 3.15 hour. Also, whats " IC" means next to the schedule ? Some other schedule has both " IC " and " train icon". Could someone explain to me the difference ? A bit confused here.

Whats the difference between 1 vs 2nd class, comfort level of the chair ?

Price for 2nd class $70 euro, is this regular or advance purchase price ?

Is this website in which people usually book to take train between cities and cities ?

How many suitcases we can each bring on train ? We fly international, we each have one checked-in suitcase, and one each carry one.

Thanks.

Posted by
21140 posts

Utrecht CS is the main station in Utrecht.
Gent Sint Pieters is the main station in Ghent.
Changes 2: means you will change trains twice to get to Ghent. From what you described, you change trains at Rotterdam Centraal and Antwerp Centraal. That is for the 9:18 departure from Utrecht Centraal.
IC means it is an Inter City Train, unreserved and you can use any IC train on that route to Ghent for the day.

You can as many suitcases as you can handle, but I would recommend you take 1 smallish wheeled suitcase and a small back pack. That way you can manage train travel easily. Just because the airline will haul it doesn't mean you have to bring it.

I am getting a price of 26 EUR. 2nd class. What is your travel date?

Posted by
107 posts

Thanks for your prompt response.

Aim for Sept 14 or 15, one way. $ 70 euro/ person. What did you find a low price ?

Posted by
21140 posts

When I look at September, I am seeing 35 EUR. Perhaps a scheduled price increase. Are you buying for 2 people. Or did you accidentally ask for a return ticket.

Trains are not bookable yet any way, and there is probably no reason to book ahead.

Posted by
2487 posts

The Intercity service from the Netherlands to Belgium (called »Intercity Brussel«) is fixed price. At the website of the Dutch railways I see a price of EUR 34 for a single ticket. You can buy the ticket in advance, but also the day before at the ticket window at Utrecht Centraal. It has no reservations and can't sell out.
Changing at Antwerpen Centraal, you have the choice between Gent-Dampoort and Gent-Sint Pieters. Sint Pieters is the main station, which you need for Brugge and Brussels. Dampoort is closer to the centre.
I don't see the need of changing accommodation. Brugge and Brussels are both some 30 mins away on amazingly frequent trains. Gent is a nice, lively city, in my not so humble opinion much better than artificial Brugge and unpleasant Brussel.

Posted by
107 posts

Thanks everyone.

To clarify the reason people suggest not to reserve ticket in advance because it’s not available online yet ( now) but most importantly i can buy ticket at ticket counter ( 1st come 1st served ? could be possible seats sold out for the time I prefer.

When visiting Bruges on Sept 15/16, it’s 10 mins direct train from Gent Damport- Gent Sint Pieters ?

What about the route from Gent to Brussels, same stop from Gent Damport - Gent Sint Pieters ?

Thanks for clarify small details, I’m sure once I’m physically there, this train system would make more sense.

Posted by
33818 posts

None of the trains you are looking at can sell out - they don't have reservations, and if you pick a particularly busy one you either search for a seat or stand until one comes free.

Dampoort is convenient for the trains between Gent and Antwerpen, much less convenient for Gent to Brussel or Gent to Brugge/Bruges.

The main train line between Brussel and Oostende which both Gent and Brugge are on is a straight line which skips Dampoort.

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