train from Brussels to Bruges

It couldn't be easier by train. Intercity trains depart from all 3 Brussels train stations every half hour in the direction of Bruges (most of them terminate in Oostende and De Haan). The duration of the trip is about 90 minutes. I don't know the exact cost, but I'm pretty certain it's under 10 euro.

"How long would you suggest staying in Brussels if we want just a glimpse of it?" I'm one of the few on this website who would recommend more time in Brussels than Bruges. Bruges is definately prettier, but there's a lot more to see and do in Brussels. If all you want to do is see the Grand Place, Mannekin Pis, and eat some treats (frietjes, pralines or waffels), you can do that in less than a day. For each museum you wanted to visit (Brussels has the most underrated collection in Europe, in my opinion), add one half day for each.

You can research train rides throughout Europe pretty easily on www.bahn.de. You can't buy for Belgium on that site, but it will let you work out times.

That trip is pretty straightforward. It's about an hour long and I beleive there are departures about every 30 minutes throughout most of the day.

I would allow just 1 night for Brussels. You could easily spend several days there, but all you need is part of an afternoon and 1 evening to get a good taste of the city. Mannequin Pis, waffle or escargo from a street vendor, a little window shopping, the square in late afternoon, long leisurely dinner (that I would eat outdoors on the square).

[EDIT: I was typing at the same time Tom was... and agree with him. My wife and I prefer Brussels and would stay there 2-3 days ourselves -- but if you're wanting to know a minimum time to get a good taste -- I think Tom and I agree that 1/2 day will get your feet wet.]

It's one hour by train from Brussels to Bruges. The 2nd class fare is 12.90 EUR.

We were in Brussels for the first time last month getting our son installed in his semester abroad lodgings and visiting with a local friend. We were there for 2 1/2 days and unfortunately didn't have enough time for the museums or to go to Bruges but I did research getting there.

The Belgian Train (SNCB) site is http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/. It's a little tough to navigate, but as I recall, they had a special on weekend day trips to Bruges for about 10 euros/round-trip/person. It only takes about an hour each way from Brussels Centraal station.

If you want just a glimpse of Brussels, I recommend taking one of the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours. We stayed at the Sheraton at Place Rogier (not very back door-esque but we needed to use hotel points) - the bus stopped right by the hotel.

Also, the Brussels Metro site is http://www.stib.be/index.htm?l=en. Other than signs and announcements being in Dutch as well as French the metro works pretty much the same way it does in Paris and London.

This helpline is WONDERFUL! Thank you all so much for your suggestions and information. Does anyone have a suggestion of a decent but central hotel or B&B for 75 or 80 Euro in Bruges and Brussels? (I'm estimating that's the lowest price for a decent place?) We're seniors so like our own bathroom. Thanks. Julia

"75 or 80 Euro" I don't usually stay in Brussels (I have family nearby), but this sounds a little low for what you're requesting. You might have to pay at least 100 euro a night.

Tom is, as usual, correct.

In Brussels we normally pay 95 to 110 Euro for a 3-star place within a 5 minute walk of the square. 4-star starts at 120 Euro and goes up quickly. Last time we were there, I think the name of the place we stayed was Hotel Chambord, and paid 110 Euro, I beleive. This hotel is very plain, a little dated, but in an exceptional location. For a little more affordable in Brussels, consider the Ibis Brussels Center St. Catherine. It is about 1 1/2 miles off the Grande Place, putting the walk time at 20 minutes, but has double rooms usually (depending on dates / availability) from 90 to 100 Euro. A third option in Brussels, and this is not a recommendation -- it is a 'third option'... is the Hotel A La Grande Cloche. Place is old, some rooms nicer than others, and typically considered grubby by my snobby friends -- but is my favorite in Brussels (I'm cheap). It is 1/2 mile south / southwest of the Grande Place and has rooms with WC in the hall for 60 - 70 Euro, complete bathrooms in a triple for under 85 Euro.

I haven't stayed in Bruges in years, but have helped some friends book. Nothing solid worth staying in there for under 100 Euro that I know of. More typical closer to 120 Euro in Bruges -- but at 120 Euro you get superb accomodations.

We spent a week in Brussels in Sept 2009 and stayed here for 68 euros including breakfast and a private bath.
http://www.bluets.be/

It is a small hotel close to a metro station.
The hotel gets mixed reviews on Trip Advisor mainly because some people find the owner too brusque but we enjoyed her personality. The rooms are wonderful, lots of antiques. There is no elevator but the hotel provides a baggage lift in the form of a stair lift.

It is about a 20 minute walk to the Grande Place.

From Brussels we did day trips to Brugge and Antwerp. Travel by train on the weekend is very cheap.