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How to travel by train from Amsterdam to Bruges ?

How to travel by train from Amsterdam to Bruges ?

Old Mar 26th, 2013, 02:14 AM
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How to travel by train from Amsterdam to Bruges ?

Hello,

Pls let me know how to travel from Amsterdam Centraal to Bruges by train ?

I saw 2 ways
1.Amsterdam to brussels by Thalys , then take a train from brussels to bruges
2.Amsterdam to Rotterdam by FYRA,then rotterdam to antwerp ,then antwerp to bruges

i found the second option cheaper if i choose to travel by second class.
I heard FYRA train does not run on time.Is it true ?

Pls let me know which option to choose and pls suggest if you have any other way in mind ?

Thanks !
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Old Mar 26th, 2013, 02:50 AM
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Fyra was supposed to run between Amsterdam and Brussels, but due to technical problems now only runs between Amsterdam and Breda. As you noted, change in Rotterdam for the intercity to Antwerp or Brussels. Or take a regular train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam - or Roosendaal - and change there for Antwerp.

A regular train is cheaper, and doesn't need booking in advance (but if it's busy, you may not get a seat, and will have to stand). For Fyra and Thalys, you will need to book a seat in advance.

Thalys is faster than a regular train, but more expensive. Second class is fine on these trains.
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Old Mar 26th, 2013, 07:49 AM
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Just see what prices www.b-europe.com gives you, remembering that Thalys is variable-priced like an airline, InterCity regular trains are fixed-price and flexible.
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Old Mar 26th, 2013, 11:53 AM
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Hello Tulips,Man_in_seat_61,

I am planning to take the following train route,it has 2 changes br />
FYRA 922: Amsterdam Centraal - Rotterdam Centraal
Benelux 1217: Rotterdam Centraal - Antwerpen Centraal
IC 1833: Antwerpen Centraal - Brugge

Its charging me 28.5 Euro per ticket.But its not allowing me to reserve a seat on any
of the trains.How would reservation work on this trains ?

Also what would be the cost of reservation for each ?

Is it safe to travel by 2nd class on this trains ?
(i am carrying good amount of luggage with me,Also I am new to Belgium and am not aware of any platforms)


(Source of train route: www.b-europe.com)

Thanks,
AK
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Old Mar 26th, 2013, 12:22 PM
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I have heard there are pickpocketers in 2nd class trains and also heard Antwerp station is not safe for tourists due to pickpocketers.
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Old Mar 26th, 2013, 03:58 PM
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Pickpocketting is common in most larger cities in Europe. In some cities it is more of a problem than others. I haven't heard that Antwerp station is particularly problematic, but train stations are easy pickings because people have luggage, they are distracted, etc. Pickpocketers will not hurt you physically - it isn't like being mugged. They just want to slip your money or electronics out of your bag or pocket without your knowledge.

So you need to be vigilant. Make sure your valuables aren't in exterior pockets of your bags, esspecially in a daypack. Don't carry a wallet in your back pocket. You can carry your money and cards in a moneybelt or something under your clothing to be extra secure. Pack light so that you don't have as much luggage to keep track of. Pay attention to your surroundings. Keep a hand on your luggage. Lots of things you can do so that any pickpocketers pass you up and go after someone else.
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Old Mar 26th, 2013, 04:20 PM
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We bought tickets from Schipol to Brugges, routed through Brussels. The conductor suggested we get off at Antwerp and catch a train to Brugges, which would save some time, and avoid having to deal with the multiple stations in Brussels. That routing worked, any my only complaint was I couldn't find at ATM at the Antwerp station.

We almost always buy second class tickets; the people riding in those cars seem friendlier.
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Old Mar 26th, 2013, 09:55 PM
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Thanks !

Now pls tell me how to reserve ticket for FYRA ?
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Old Mar 29th, 2013, 10:02 AM
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It is not possible nor necessary to reserve a ticket for the local (Amsterdam-Rotterdam) Fyra. All you will have to do is pay a supplement if you want to board a Fyra train.

As to (un)safety at Antwerp Central: it is not unsafer than any other large train station. Just keep your eyes open!
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