I will be travelling from Bruges to Paris in July 2012. Innsearching for an afternoon train, i am routed via Brussels with a 9 or 18 minute transfer time. My concern is that it is not enough time my husband and inwill each have 2 bags. I have never been to the train station in Brussels, but believe it is apretty big station. Suggestions?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
I would take the 18 min transfer but 10 mins is adequate.
Posted by
columbus, nc
294 posts
I agree with Frank. I generally avoid transfer times of less than 10 minutes unless I'm familar with the station.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
It doesn't matter. In Belgium, unless you're taking a premium service train like Thalys, your ticket is valid on any train between your start and end point for the entire day. If you miss one train going to Brugge, you would only have to wait about 30 minutes for the next.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
tom, she is travelling the other way around
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Oops, how did I miss that major detail? My apologies...
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
So if you are concerned ( I would be too if I had to lug tons of luggage ) why not take the prior train from Brugge? They are at least twice an hour and need no reservations.
Posted by
OP
charlotte, NC, USA
2 posts
If I understand correctly, I would go ahead and make a reservation for the Thalys train from Brussels to Paris. The train from Bruges to Brussels is a local train and doesn't require an advance reservation and I could take one that provides enough time for transfer at the Brussels station.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Thalys does have a direct morning train from Bruges to Paris.
For later departures you have to take the regular inter-city train to Brussels-Midi; purchase tickets at the station on the day of your journey. For the Thalys from either Bruges or Brussel to Paris purchase in advance at http://www.thalys.com