I am arriving at BRU airport and going to Bruges. I realize I need to change trains. I would like to go from the airport to Central Station and go for a quick look at the Grand Place then take a train from Central Station to Bruges. Is it possible to buy a ticket from the airport to Bruges with this "30 minute" stop at Central or should I buy a ticket from the airport to Central and then buy a ticket at Central for Bruges? Thank you for your help.
Liz, just get to Central and leave your luggage at the left-luggage area. Note the departure times for trains to Bruges, head for Grand Place and stay as long as you'd like. When you're ready...go back to the station, retrieve your luggage, then buy a ticket for the next good train to Bruges. By good train I mean a shorter, non-commuter train if at all possible (less stops and less people). Try to avoid the rush hour, but it's hardly the end of the world if it works out that way.
I'm not 100% certain on this, but I'm pretty sure Brussels airport is considered the same "zone" as the three city stations. The conductor won't stamp your ticket until the train leaves the Brussels area. So yes, you should be able to hop off at Brussel Centraal, then use the same ticket on a later train to Brugge.