Hi I need some advice on what would be the most cost effective way to travel in and around Belgium via train.....I will be in Bruges (3 nights) Ghent (3 Nights) and Antwerp (2 nights) and will travel to a few other cities/areas from these three bases (Brussells, etc) I will be arriving in Bruges from Haarlem and heading out to Iceland via Schiphol. I have pretty much ruled out a Benelux travel pass as I think going point to point is more cost effective. Questions: getting from Haarlem to Bruge, what is the best way? My research indicates a transfer in Rotterdam. Should I buy a one way ticket from Haarlem to Bruges, or would it be advantageous (cheaper) if I bought a RT ticket but returning from Antwerp to the AMS airport? And once I am in Belgium, I am thinking that the 10 trip train pass would make the most sense for me. Does that make sense. I think I can maneuver the train stations in Netherlands and Belgium, but just am looking for the most cost effective way. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Joe in Colorado
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"I am thinking that the 10 trip train pass would make the most sense for me." You mentioned you will take other daytrips, so most likely, yes. "Should I buy a one way ticket from Haarlem to Bruges, or would it be advantageous (cheaper) if I bought a RT ticket but returning from Antwerp to the AMS airport?" It will make no difference. The price of the ticket will be determined by the type of train you ride and the distance you travel. Whether or not you purchase a return ticket at the same time has no effect on the calculation. "getting from Haarlem to Bruge, what is the best way? My research indicates a transfer in Rotterdam." "Best" depends on how many changes you want to make and cost. The slightly slower but much cheaper route has you riding on intercity and regional trains with changes in Leiden, Roosendaal and Antwerpen. The slightly faster but almost twice as expensive option is on intercity trains and the Thalys high speed service, with changes in Rotterdam and Antwerpen.