I have been planning on taking the train from Paris to Brussels to Bruges to Amsterdam and then fly to London (over the course of two weeks), but I'm wondering if that's the most efficient way to go about things based on train routes/schedules? Basically we're starting in Paris and need to end up in London, but between those two points we can do Brussels-Bruges-Amsterdam in any order. Anyone have any thoughts or knowledge about train routes? Thanks!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Paris-Brussels-Bruges-Amsterdam is the most efficient way to do it. You could switch around Brussels/Bruges though. From Paris to Brussels take the Thalys highs-speed train. Reservations are required. For the cheapest fare book well in advance at http://www.thalys.com; 90 days allowed. Brussels to Bruges take the regular inter-city trains. They depart every 30 minutes, simply purchase your ticket at the station on the day of your journey. Bruges to Amsterdam you have two choices. Make your way to Antwerp via inter-city train, and connect with another IC train to Amsterdam. Purchase tickets at the station on the day of your journey. For a faster journey, take the IC train to Antwerp, and connect to the Thalys train to Amsterdam. Book this journey via this site: http://www.nshispeed.nl/en
Posted by
OP
Asheville, NC, US
16 posts
Thanks so much for the quick response! If I went Paris-Bruges-Brussels-Amsterdam would I have an easier time getting to Amsterdam with a straight shot or would I still need to switch trains in Antwerp? (And if that's easier, what would the Paris to Bruges train situation be?)
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
You're welcome!
From Brussels to Amsterdam is a "straight shot", no changing of trains. The Thalys train you take from Paris to get to Brussels is actually the Paris to Amsterdam train with a stop in Brussels. The Thalys goes from Paris to Brussels to Antwerp to Amsterdam. So most everyplace you plan to visit (except Bruges) is along on the same train line:)
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There are two ways to get from Paris to Bruges by train. 1. Take a Thalys train to Brussels and an IC train from there to Bruges. 2. Take a TGV to Lille and an IC train from there to Bruges. Some TGVs arrive at Lille Europe and others arrive at Lille Flandres. IC trains depart from Lille Flandres so you may need to walk between the stations. For certain departure times you'll need to make a connection to another IC train in Kortrijk on your way to Bruges.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
....there is also a third way. Every evening Thalys has at least one direct train to Bruges requiring no changes.
Posted by
OP
Asheville, NC, US
16 posts
Okay, sorry, this may be a really stupid question, but here goes: I was going to go ahead and book the Thalys train from Paris to Bruge (the evening one that was suggested above). On the Thalys website I see there's a "kid & co" offer that is showing for Comfort 2, 51 euros. It says "fare available for one or two accompanying adults with a child under 12"... does that mean that the 51 euros is total for one child and two adults or the 51 euros is the fare for each the people traveling with the child?