Enough time to catch train?

Having never been to BRU...but having caught (yea!) many trains from Paris CDG and elsewhere after arrival...I'm not comfortable with only 2 hours. AND that's assuming you aren't collecting any checked luggage. Since there are so many trains between Brussels and Paris (and they're short trips), I'd really recommend taking a later one. I'm assuming that you're staying in Paris. Spend the time after arrival getting your sea legs, so to speak - sit awhile and have some breakfast, catch your breath, etc. Don't start your trip being freaked out before ever leaving home :-( On our last trip, we actually had plenty of time to catch the earlier train that we really wanted; instead, we had several hours to wait. That was OK; we had breakfast, wandered around a bit, got our circulation going again (at least it felt like it!), and we didn't have to run for our train! Perhaps others will post that they've flown into BRU jillions of times and it'll be easy-peasy...but I'm guessing you're wanting to book a Thalys train in advance, with no refund possible. I wouldn't chance it.

Could be, should be. BUT what is the down side risk if your plane is late? Another thought. If you are already at the airport, why not just fly to Paris? Or make Paris your finally stop.

I found Brussels airport real easy to navigate and we got to Brussels midi in no time (maybe under an hour once off plane). But we brought carry ons and are pretty fast navigators by foot. Is this train to Paris needing reservations? I would look into that. That way if you do miss the train, there isn't money lost in reservations and ticket purchase.

The latest train you could take from the airport to Bruxelles-Midi departs at 10:09 and arrives at 10:30, giving you 7 minutes to get on the 10:37 Thalys train to Paris. If your plane arrives on time and you get through immigration/passport control relatively quickly, you should be able to catch the 10:09 train. Does that mean you should count on it? IMO, absolutely not. If you leave the airport at 10:36, you'll arrive at Bruxelles-Midi at 11:00. You'll have 13 minutes to get on the 11:13 Thalys train to Paris. If you want to play it really safe, plan to take the 12:37 Thalys train, especially if you plan to book non-exchangeable discount fare tickets.

Thank you all for your insight. I feel the same way.....I want to allow ourselves enough time. My husband on the other hand, WANTS TO GET TO PARIS (so we can sleep)!!!hahaha. I will look into a later train. Another question though. Is it possible to get tickets for the train to Paris (not crazy expensive), right when we get into Brussels??? Are they usually sold out? Is buying in advance REALLY that much cheaper?? My FIL (the 85 year old) thinks things are the way they were 30 years ago! He just wants to get train tix right then and there. I don't like to leave things to chance. Should we just get all our train tickets NOW? Thanks,
OCD Mama wanting my daughters first time in Europe to be a GOOD experience:)

From what I've read, it's possible for Thalys trains to sell out. If you wait until you get to Brussels to buy your tickets, even if the train you want to take isn't sold out, it's quite possible that you won't be able to sit together. All seats are reserved. With either a 7-minute or a 13-minute connection, there is no way you'll have time to buy your tickets at Bruxelles-Midi. You'll need to factor in some time to stand in line. The standard 2nd class fare for Brussels-Paris is €89.00. You can buy an ABS (any Belgian station) ticket for an additional €10.00 which will cover your ride from the airport to Bruxelles-Midi. The best online advance purchase discount fare is €29.00. With the ABS feature it's €36.00. I suggest that you book tickets on the 12:37 train. Take the first available IC train from the airport to Bruxelles-Midi. Buy some coffee and a pastry and sit back and people watch for a bit. Take a short walk and explore the area around the station. Buy the fixings for a picnic lunch to eat on the train. Before you know it, it will be time to get onboard for Paris.

It's too tight, simply put. Trains from Zaventem Airport to Bruxelles-Midi take around 26min to complete the journey, and depart 3 to 4 times per hour. Thalys trains do sell out fairly often on 2nd class if you leave it to the very last moment. You'd be stuck with buying 1st class tickets. In all likelihood you will not find tickets seating together buying just before departure. Just in case you decide to do so, it is better to buy tickets in Bruxelles Zanventem Aéroport station, which is far less crowded than Bruxelles-Midi. Unfortunately, the evil outdated hated useless rail workers unions threaten strikes whenever SNCB comes with proposals to fit stations with automatic ticket vending machines, so there are few of them in Bruxelles and they don't sell international tickets.

buy. tickets. in. advance. don't listen to your FIL if he hasn't been to Europe for 30 years. there is no downside to buying tickets in advance (except I guess perhaps not being able to take an earlier train if you do arrive quickly). that's not much of a downside. on the plus side, you'll all be able to sit together, tickets may be cheaper, and you won't have to stress.

Thanks Everyone. We got our tickets! The times and the prices we wanted:) Your input was invaluable. Sometimes I think the older generation has a hard time with all the new technology and resourses we have today! The internet has opened up the whole world. I think my FIL will listen to me from now on;) Thanks again,
Kelly