First time rail travelers will be traveling from Brussels to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Paris, Paris to Bruges, Bruges to Brussels. Can we just buy train tickets when we arrive in Brussels for travel to Amsterdam or would a reservation be necessary? Same for travel from Amsterdam to Paris and Paris to Bruges? Thanks in advance for information.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
It is rare for trains to completely sell out. The only advantage to early purchasing is the discount options. If a reservation is required it will be included in the price of the ticket. Some of the legs may be on regional trains that do not require a reservation.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
There are regular IC trains between Brussels and Amsterdam, no reservations are needed or available, so you can wait until the day of your journey to purchase tickets. From Amsterdam to Paris, Thalys high-speed trains provides the only direct service. In order to get the lowest fare you have to book in advance ASAP (90 days allowed) via http://www.thalys.com; the savings are significant. From Paris to Bruges same deal....Thalys to Brussels and IC train from Brussels to Bruges. Thalys also runs a direct train to Bruges every evening.