FLTENNIS

Is it necessary(better) to purchase the rd trip day train ticket in advance? online?. Does it work to just buy a ticket from Brussels to Bruges on the same day? does that create any problems.....
First time there next month. Thanks for help

vivi

I went from Brussels airport to Bruge (with a few hour stop-off at the Central Station for Brussels sightseeing.) I bought the ticket on the day of travel, very easy, no problem at all.

PalQ

the fare is cheap - ask at the station what's the best ticket - daag retour (day return) or maybe some kind of all lines pass. In any case not expensive - but be sure to say day return. Miriam?

topcat

You can buy your ticket at the station. Simple and only takes a couple of minutes. I don't think there's a discount for same day return though. Fare was 11.30 euros for a one-way, 2nd class last month.

BTilke

Absolutely no need to purchase a ticket online. Get it at the station--fares depend on what day you're traveling (week-end, weekday, holiday), how many of you are traveling together (5 or more qualify for a group discount), first or second class (on week-ends and holidays the trains to Gent/Brugge and the coast can be mobbed in second class--first class if actually pretty cheap). Tip: look for trains with final destination of Knokke/Blankenberge or Ostende...those are the direct trains stopping in Brugge and also the nicest trains in the Belgian system. Finally, if you get to the train station, see that a train to Brugge is leaving in a couple of minutes and there is a line at the ticket window (at the Gare du Midi, you want the Service Interieur windows and long lines there are not uncommon), not to worry. Go straight up to the train platform. When the train arrives, tell one of the train personnel (they wear grey uniforms and stand next to the train on the platform watching people board) you are going to Brugge but didn't have time to buy your ticket. They will sell it to you on the train with only a small surcharge (about 1.5 euros). If you DON'T tell them beforehand, you'll get hit with a big penalty.
Finally, if you are day tripping to Brugge via Eurostar to Brussels, your trip to Brugge (or any other train station in Belgium) is free.
Trains back to Brussels from Brugge run until fairly late at night and usually leave roughly on the hour and half hour.

PalQ

Great advice from BTike. the old rule on trains - sans ticket find the conductor before he finds (and potentially fines) you. find him first and you may just pay a small service fee for buying onboard - he finds you you are considered to be riding without a ticket and could be fined and still have to buy ticket.