I have a Thalys train ticket from Paris Nord to Bruxelles Midi for a May trip. I want to book a hotel near CentraleStation for one or two nights before going on to Bruges/Ghent. Will I have to buy a separate ticket to get to Centrale, or will my Thalys ticket cover that? This is not an ABS ticket as is my return ticket from Bruges back to Paris. By the way, both were pretty cheap at 29 euros for one, 36 euros the return. I was happy!

My latest plan is to spend one night (maybe 2?) in Brussels, then 4 in Bruges, traveling to Ghent for a day trip. I'm torn between splitting Bruges and Ghent into 2 nights each. I know having one hotel is easier, but would be really nice to have a room in Ghent - I'd see a lot more of it that way. I'm older and need breaks!

My other decision is about Brussels - 1 or 2 nights? If only one, I'd have a little more time in Bruges.
But I do like museums and kind of hate to cut Brussels short. In all, I will be leaving Paris on a Saturday 10:30 AM train and returning the next Friday on a 2:30 PM train. I hate to be so indecisive and need to make up my mind! So any input would be appreciated.

I didn't mean to go into all this, only the question about the Midi to Centrale question. But thanks!

Sue

1. No you must buy another ticket from Bxl Midi to Bxl Central.
Cost 2-3 euros.
2. I recommend Novotel de la tour noire.
3. Bxl is often underrated esp on travel forums. 2 nights is nice.
4. I would split between Brugge and Gent. I love Gent and you would miss the evening atmosphere. Gent lives at night - and doesn't depend on tourists as much as in Brugge.

Don't hesitate to ask more I love my country.

Btw 'hello' is said 'goeie dag' in Flanders (shew yer dach) or 'bonjour' in Bruxelles.
Hello works too.

If you plan to use public transport while in Brussels, you can buy a JUMP multi-trip or x day pass at Midi.
http://www.belgianrail.be/en/travel-...ards/jump.aspx
It also covers the trip from Midi to Central by rail.

WOAH!!

No, you don't need another ticket.

Please can everyone remember that any Thalys ticket to or from Brussels Midi is automatically valid for a free transfer on local trains between Brussels Midi and any station in the Brussels city area, for example between Brussels Midi and Brussels Nord or Brussels Central.

So yes, your Thalys ticket covers the transfer to Central.

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

Sure Man In Seat ? I did ask the controller not so long ago and he told me : no way sir, you must buy a ticket from Midi to Central. Now maybe he didn't know better.
So I buy transfer tickets... since years.

I just looked at that Thalys link, and it definitely says you can travel between stations in the Brussels Zone using your same ticket, either the day before or day after arrival. Since I'll be using it immediately after arrival at Midi, it should be good.
I'll report back, WoinParis. If Belgium is like the U.S., you often get misinformation from workers - and have to dig for the correct answers!