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Train travel from Amsterdam to Bruges and Bayeux, and back to Amsterdam

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In about 1 month, my wife and I will be flying in and out of Amsterdam. We plan to also visit Bruges and Bayeux. I have a basic understanding of the Eurostar, Eurocity Direct and IC trains. My two questions relate to determining how far in advance I need to buy the various train tickets.

My first question is regarding getting from Bayeux back to Amsterdam the day before we fly out at the end of our trip. Since this trip is long, I plan to take the IC from Bayeux, then splurge for the Eurostar between Paris and Amsterdam. For best pricing, it appears that I need to purchase the Eurostar ticket sooner than later. Can I (should I) just purchase the Eurostar ticket now, and then can I purchase the IC tickets a few days in advance as our trip evolves (or unravels)?

My second question is about getting from Amsterdam to Bruges, and then from Bruges to Bayeux. Since we will not be in a rush during that part of the trip, I plan to use the Eurocity Direct and IC trains. Am I correct in thinking that I do not need to commit to these tickets more than a few days in advance, or even the day of travel?

In summary, right now I only want to commit to tickets that I need to or should purchase in advance.
Thank you.

Posted by
23149 posts

Amsterdam to Bruges can indeed be done with IC trains, but with Bruges to Paris will need either the Eurostar or TGV, which will be much cheaper if you buy early. It is unlikely that Eurostar and TGV trains will sell out, but you will be paying the maximum price last minute. You do know you have to change stations in Paris between St. Lazare and Nord.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks Sam. I don’t think I posed my question clearly. My understanding is that my options for each of the three trips (1. Amsterdam to Bruges 2. Bruges to Bayeux and 3. Bayeux back to Amsterdam) are the Eurostar (in combo with IC trains), or the Eurocity (in combo with IC trains). You mention TGV trains, so I guess that adds a third option?

I understand that I should get tickets for Eurostar in advance, which I plan to do for the trip from Bayeux back to Amsterdam. But I would like to have flexibility for the other two trips (Amsterdam to Bruges and Bruges to Bayeux).

Is it correct that Eurocity trains are a less expensive option (compared to Eurostar) that do not require advance ticket purchase? Also, regarding the necessary IC trains, can I buy tickets as we go without a cost penalty?

Posted by
23149 posts

You can check the difference between using the Eurocity Direct vs Eurostar at
https://www.nsinternational.com/en
By looking at tomorrow, you can see the price difference for last minute tickets either way, Off hand, looks like about 40 to 50 EUR savings with EC Direct.

For Brugge to Paris, check https://www.b-europe.com/EN
You will see a single connection in Brussels with Eurostar, and a 2 change route through Kortrijk and Lille Flandres that uses a TGV for the last leg saving about 25 EUR.

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