Slightly confused, would appreciate suggestions--it seems you can travel from these areas by Thalys train, regular train, and eurolines bus. From Bruges to Amsterdam you can go via Antwerp or Brussels. Would appreciate any recommendations you can make. We will be spending 2 nights in Bruges before heading to Amsterdam to catch ferry to Newcastle.Which ever way--should I book in advance. Many thanks--Pam
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
It's easy to travel by Thalys to Bruges and to Amsterdam. Because seat reservatios are required on Thalys, you need to make these reservations in advance.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
" Because seat reservatios are required on Thalys, you need to make these reservations in advance."
Sort of, but not really. Unlike most trains in Belgium and the Netherlands, buying a ticket on Thalys obligates you to a certain seat on a particular train, but these rarely sell out. You can usually buy your ticket right before you leave, and because trains leave every hour, you rarely have to wait. There may be discounts available if you can commit to taking a particular train in advanced.
From Brugge, you have to take a regular Belgian rail (NMBS) train to either Antwerp Centraal or Brussel Zuid to connect to Thalys. A single ticket (can be purchased at the counter in Brugge) covers both legs of the trip.
The other cheaper option is the regular Intercity Express train that runs the same route as Thalys, but is a little slower. Unlike Thalys, your ticket on this train does not obligate you to a particular seat or train. They run all day, about as frequently as Thalys.
I have never taken a long distance bus in this area, but knowing the traffic between Brussels and Amsterdam, I could not see any advantage to this option.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Paris-Bruges: Take a Thalys train to Brussels and an IC train from there to Bruges. If you book well in advance, you can get a discount fare on the Thalys train. You also can take a TGV to Lille and IC trains from there to Bruges. Booking in advance can get you a discount fare on the TGV. Cheapest would be a Eurolines bus to Brussels and an IC train from there to Bruges.
Bruges-Amsterdam: Take an IC train to Antwerp and connect to an IC train to Amsterdam. No discount for advance booking and your tickets are good on any train. Or take an IC train to Antwerp and a Thalys train from there to Amsterdam. Book the Thalys leg well in advance to get a discount fare. Or take a Eurolines bus all the way from Bruges to Amsterdam.
If you want both speed and comfort, take the train. If you want flexibility and are willing to pay the price to get it, you can buy either Thalys tickets or TGV tickets at the last minute. Your seat reservation is included in the price of the ticket. If you can commit in advance to a specific departure time, then book ASAP (up to 90 days) to get a discount fare. If you want to travel as cheaply as possible, take the bus.
Posted by
West Islip, New York, USA
26 posts
I am planning the same trip, but Brugge to Paris, in sept. I have been checking websites. according to this website http://www.b-europe.com/Travel/, I think I can travel brussels to paris for 25 euros per person if I book at least 30 days in advance. (no refund) Am I correct on this and how much does it cost to take train from Brugge to Brussels?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Debbie,
The 2nd class fare for an IC train from Brugge to Brussels is 12.90 EUR.
Yes, the lowest fare for Brussels-Paris on a Thalys train is a Smoove fare for 25 EUR. And yes, that ticket is non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Book your ticket ASAP (up to 90 days in advance) at www.thalys.com. Smoove fare tickets sell out very fast!