JeanneB

My sister is having to consider a flight into Brussels for their Paris trip. Her agent suggested they could train to Paris.

Is the train station in the Brussels airport? Where does it arrive in Paris? How would I look up itineraries/fares on SNCF---station names?

I'm looking at other alternatives for them using easyjet, etc. But would like to get the train info for her.

JeanneB

I found it on SNCF---finally.

It does leave from the airport, stops at Brussels Midi, then to Paris Nord.

I can't tell if one has to change trains at Midi. There's only one seat assignment, though. Perhaps that means no train change.

Anyone know?

norween

On the sncf site, it looks like there is a change at Bruxelles Midi :
Bruxelles Airport to Bruxelles Midi is a indicated as a Corail train (standard local trains)
Bruxelles Midi to Paris as a Thalys (High speed train)

JeanneB

The time between trains is so short. The itinerary on SNCF shows only 13 minutes at MIDI. They've never trained in Europe, so I don't know about suggesting they do this with luggage & after an overnight flight.

I guess they could go into MIDI and aim for catching the next hour's train to Paris. That would give them time to get their bearings and make sure they're on the right platform.

hopscotch

There are commuter trains running about every 20 minutes from Brussels airport to each of the Brussels city train stations, Nord, Centraal, and Midi/Zuid in that order. Trains to Paris depart only from Midi/Zuid, the third stop. All trains from Brussels to Paris are Thalys and require a seat reservation. You can ticket and reserve at Midi/Zuid. There is a train to Paris every half hour. These are high speed TGV type trains. Very nice. The trains arrive at Paris Nord station in 1-1/2 hours. You'll feel like you are flying, without the turbulence! First class includes a nice lunch with wine.

tjenneke

There are no low cost carriers flying between the "Brussels international" airport and paris

PalQ

The key with Thalys trains to save a lot of money is not just show up or you may pay lots more money - but go to www.thalys.com or www.voyages-snch.com and get an advance purchase deep discounted ticket such as the Smilys fare (sold only in round trips but usually cheaper quite a bit than one ways - maybe she is returning to Brussels) or throw return portion away. But these tickets can be impossible to get unless reserved way in advance.
Of course leave ample time for plane to be late.
the Thalys train reaches nearly 190 mph in France.

JeanneB

Thanks, everyone. I convinced them the better thing to do was to fly one day earlier (they got the upgrades they wanted for that day). They'll arrive the night before me and stay at CDG that night.

I'm jealous: they'll be all refreshed and ready to go when I drag myself off the plane! They are very happy not to have to figure out the train.

WallyKringen

I'm glad for you that you made a decision you're happy with. But to anyone else reading this - 13 minutes to change trains is plenty in Br. Midi coming in from the airport. So don't forego a good trip combination because you think it takes forever to go from one platform to another - it doesn't.

JeanneB

Wally,
I agree, the time is sufficient...if one knows what they're doing. But they have never been in a foreign train station, let alone having just emerged from an overnight flight. It COULD be done, but I'm glad they don't have to try.