doryyoung

Hi all
I'm looking at train schedules from Brugge to Brussells Central then on to Paris. Can I make a transfer from whatever platform the Brugge train arrives in to Platform 6 for my departure to Paris in 20 minutes? Will I be cutting it too close?

Thank you for any advise!

PalenQ

If the train is on time no problem - just a few minutes from the domestic platforms to the Thalys check-in - but since there are so so many trains from Bruges to Brussels why not go a bit earlier and be sure - especially if you have a non-refundable non-changeable Thalys ticket (www.thalys.com).

You know it is just as quick to go to Paris via IC train to Lille Flandres and then change in Lille to TGVs to Paris-Nord - can be cheaper if you do not get a discounted Thalys ticket.

If doing Thalys check the ABS add-on fare - All-Belgian-Stations allowing you to go within 24 (48?) hours of your Thalys train from any Belgian station - costs a few euros extra (not sure currently available though).

For lots of great info on Belgian and French trains check out these IMO superb sites: www.seat61.com - great info on discounted tickets on Thalys and TGVs Lille to Paris; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

BTW you do not want to go to Brussels' Central station as Thalys trains I believe only depart from Brussels Midi (South) station - Central station is a minor station near the heart of Brussels but you want to go to Midi station, which trains arrive at before going onto Brussels Centrale.

PalenQ

At Brussels Midi trains from Bruges usually come in on platform 9 or 11 and Thalys leave from platform 4 - just a short stroll with escalators to help with luggage - and also free luggage carts (bring a euro coin - you get it back if you return the cart to a lock up rack).

PalenQ

https://www.thalys.com/be/en/offers-...an-station-old

Apparently the ABS fare is automatically included in any Thalys fare except paperless ones - anyway see the official site above.

doryyoung

Thank you for your help PalenQ -I must have missed the schedule to Midi because on my search on Thalys it only looked like Brugge train went to Central and then you have to change at Midi..it is so confusing. I will recheck that because I would love to delete that extra stop!

2010

Useful information as we will be traveling from Bruges to Paris in the fall. Thank you!

PalenQ

IC trains from Bruges to Brussels only stop usually once - at Gent and then at Brussels-Midi (a k a Zuid or South station) - then they go on to Brussels Central and Nord stations I believe - Central is past Midi.

PalenQ

About the ABS fare - I'm not exactly sure how it works - what you have to do to hop on a train - just show your Thalys ticket which automatically includes the ABS? Point is I'd ask at the Bruges train station about it - may need to go to ticket window - not sure. But gets a free trip to Brussels on any train within 24 hours - could even stop over in Brussels for the night or a few hours to look around (in which case go to Midi station, stash bags in locker and go to Centraal Station, only a short walk from the famous Grand' Place and Mannequin Pis, statue of small lad peeing that is now the iconic emblem of Brussels - so take advantage to also see some of Brussels stellar sites.