Train transfer/Brugge to Amsterdam

That is is cutting it a bit close considering that you are locked in into a specific Thalys departure. When I took this same route last May the train out of Bruges was running a few minutes late; it was an earlier train during the morning rush hour. A simple solution is to take an earlier train, also consider picking up the Thalys at Brussels. Bruges to Brussel-Midi trains operate a little bit more frequently than the the Antwerp line.

Just so you understand correctly, if you're worried about a tight connection (and given the multi-level layout of Antwerpen Centraal, that is not an unreasonable fear), just take an earlier train from Brugge. Your ticket does not limit you to one particular train at a certain time for the IC connection on Belgian rail.

If you miss that connection, just go to the reader board and take the next one.

LaRae: if she has a train-specific reservation for the Thalys section (or any Thalys trains for that matter), she can't just take the next train if she misses the connection. Take an earlier train. Another info: you can't take an Antwerpen-Amsterdam train in Bruxelles-Midi!!!

Thanks for the replys. So would this work: take a local train from Brugge to Antwerpen Centrall (which I think can't be booked ahead?). I can prebook my Thalys up to 90 days ahead to leave from Antwerpen Central to Amsterdam Central which will have a specfic train and time to leave. As long as I make it to Antwerpen Centall in time to make the Thalys, it works. I don't need to book both legs from Brugge to Amsterdam together.

You're summary is perfect Sondra:) Book your Thalys ticket at http://www.thalys.com, you can print your ticket out at home. Your Bruges to Antwerp tickets can be purchased at the station on the day of your journey.