seems like the best way is to take a train to Midi station Brussels and then another train to Paris. From Brussels to Paris the Eurostar and Thallys lines look like they are the same thing? Any comments, recommendations. Should I make a reservation ?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Warren....Eurostar doesn't run from Paris to Brussels. Thalys is the train that links Paris and Amsterdam via Brussels. You can either take Thalys to Brussels, then one of two hourly local trains to Bruges, or take the French TGV to Lille, then a regional train to Bruges. The trip thru Brussels might be a bit faster, but it may be slightly more expensive too. Book online to get the cheapest fares, and to ensure you have a reservation, which is needed on the TGV and the Thalys. Check the French national railway website for schedules and tickets (http://www.voyages-sncf.com) or book Thalys directly at http://www.thalys.com...SNCF is majority shareholder in Thalys, so either site shud do. You can book 90 days out on SNCF. You may find that a PREMs fare is cheaper...25 Euro each way. You have to buy both ends, but if you're only making a one-way trip, just discard the return...at 50 Euro, probably still cheaper than one-way regular. Be aware of ticket refund and change limitations.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Unless Thalys is running a special, the cheapest way to get from Bruges to Paris is to take regional trains from Bruges to Lille (fare is around 16€) and a TGV from Lille to Paris. Booked 90 days in advance at www.voyages-sncf.com, the PREM'S (discount) fare for the Lille-Paris TGV can be as low as 17€. This is for a single (one-way) ticket. No need to book a return ticket. Leave France as the default country, do NOT choose cancellation insurance, and print your own ticket.