I have purchased a Eurail pass and am working out the logistics from getting from place to place with the OEBB planner on the eurail website. I wish to get from Brussels Centraal to Paris and the schedule lists Brussels Central to Brussels Midi (3 mins.) and then 7 mins. later getting on Thalys to Paris Nord. Having never traveled in Europe I don't know if that train stop will be a chaotic nightmare so that we couldn't catch the Thalys in time. Also, do I need to reserve our seat on the Thalys train here in the states before arriving or can I do it once in Europe for a lot less money? I have checked the Thalys website (can I say we are in Belguim and just print our tickets at home) for a better deal? It will be the Thursday before Easter and I know there will be tons of Europeans traveling at the same time....Thanks in advance for your help and info!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Seven minutes is enough time to catch the Thalys. But there are trains that connect Central and Midi every five minutes or so; if possible give yourself a little extra time. You must have reservations on Thalys trains, only a few seats per train are available for pass holders. If you book in advance via thalys.com you can get non-refundable/non-changeable fares for about 40 euros. You can only print out tickets at home via the french version of the site; it doesn't matter that you are starting your journey in Belgium.