Navigating train stations in Bruges and Antwerp

The station at Brugge has the standard "through and through" design, and it isn't particularly large. All the tracks run parallel to each other and walkway connects them underneath. "Spoor" means "track". Antwerp's layout is more complicated, because there are three (or more, I can't quite remember) levels of train tracks. The upper tracks are mostly local commuter trains that dead-end in the station, whereas the lower tracks are mostly longer distance trains that follow the through-and-through pattern. As far as track numbers, I forget which are located where, but the signs in the station direct you where to go. They're hard to miss. And just to confirm the correct track of your train, you can check one of the many monitors.

Darcy, checking the monitors is key to finding the right track. Sometimes the departure times are not listed until 20 minutes or so before the train departs, so don't panic if your train (or its track number) isn't listed right away.

Thanks everyone; this site is so great, I take off on my big adventure next Sunday, with Rick Steves and you all "in my bag". Darcy

Darcy, The prime language spoken in both Brugge and Antwerpen is Flemish - a dialect of Dutch. Handily most of the Dutch signs will be easily understandable, and there is a fair quantity of English on the signage, too. To help - Antwerp in Dutch is Antwerpen Amsterdam is Amsterdam the numbers are the same - 22 is 22. Train is Trein.
IC is IC. and as mentioned, track is Spoor.

Antwerp station has three levels of tracks directly above each other: the Amsterdam train will leave from the tracks on the bottom level. Sounds as if the Bruges train will arrive on one of the upper levels. It isn't a long distance, but if you have heavy luggage or are uncomfortable with long escalators you might need to wait for a lift.

So there is a direct train from Bruges to Antwerp? I know it would be a regional train.. Would you buy the high speed ticket (Antwerp- Amsterdam) ahead of time?

There are regular and quite frequent intercity trains betwen Antwerp and Brugge.

Changing trains at a station is like changing planes at an airport - without the security check. You get off your first train, find a departures board monitor (not an arrivals board - double check to be sure), find your next train and its track on the board, and then go to it. To find your next train, you'll need the departure time; then look for the train number and the final destination. Remember that trains will be listed by final destination, and that intermediate destinations will either be in smaller type or not listed, depending on the type of board you are looking at. Yes, don't be afraid to ask for help - of anyone besides an obvious tourist! Many people in the stations will be "regulars" who can help you quickly, so there's no need to flounder around.