Chocolates for everyone if you respond?
 

Okay,one and all-going to Brugge,Belgium next week for three days. We want to center ourselves in Brugge instead of Brussels.We cannot seem to find in guidebooks any info on whether one must take a train into Brussels proper in order to get out to Brugge.Does the train from airport that goes into Brussels go the other way out to Brugge or are we talking about something completely different? Should we "bit the bullet" and just rent a car? We wouldn't mind running over to Ostende and or Ghent if there was any time. Any suggestions for a hotel near the Brussels airport for the night before our return flight? OR could we just catch train out of Brugge back to airport the day we leave? <BR>Hotels in Brugge..........Hansa in town or Terduinen that seems further out? I (of course) will send chocolates for all suggestions?he,he,he Amy

At the airport, buy a ticket to Brugge. The train goes into Brussels and you will probably have to change trains (probably at the Brussels Midi station) to continue on to Brugge. When you buy your ticket at the airport, ask which platform you have to go to in Brussels to connect to Brugge (the platform numbers may even be printed on your ticket.) In Brussels, be careful that you get off at the correct station, since there are 3 different Brussels stations. Save the chocolate and eat it once you're home, bowing toward northern California and repeating "thank you, Russ, thank you, Russ..."

Crazy board. Didn't load my edited message. Figure 1-1/2 hours between airport and Brugge. There are easy, cheap trains to the coast and to Ghent from Brugge, and there's a tram you can ride between towns along the coast. For a short visit, a car is unnecessary.

Unless things have changed since I last took the train from the Brussels airport (and maybe thay have), you can't transfer at Brussels Midi (Zuid). The plane from the airport stops only at Brussels Nord and Brussels Central; it doesn't go on to Midi. The Brugge train stops at all three Brussels stations. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't bother with a car unless you've brought so much luggage that the convenience of throwing it in the car outweighs the inconvenience of worrying about driving and parking (but then, I'm a public transport kind of person). The airport train runs every 20 minutes or so and takes about 20 minutes. The Brussels-Brugge train runs every 30 minutes and takes about an hour. So this isn't a difficult trip. <BR> <BR>If you want to go to Oostende or Gent from Brugge, it's also easy by train. Trains to both are very frequent (at least two per hour), start early in the morning and run until late at night. The trip to Oostende takes only about 15 minutes, and to Gent it's about 30 minutes. The Gent station isn't in the historic center of town, but it's very easy to take a bus or tram. <BR> <BR>I stayed at the Ter Duinen years ago (1992). I liked not being right in the center of the tourist crush, and still found it close enough to easily walk everywhere. There was a bus stop right there for the bus to/from the station, or of course you can take a cab. It depends upon what you want, though. <BR> <BR>While you're facing northern California eating Russ's chocolates, please throw some in that same direction for me. Preferably Daskalides from Gent.

This is why I love this forum-you guys are terrific!Thanks for taking the time to set me straight. Any other suggestions on this trip will be appreciated.Thanks for your imput and I'll even have a couple beers for you over there? Amy

Amy - if you plan to have a beer in Brugge - be sure you hit my favorite little pub - the Tavern LeGarre. It's very small, and on a very small alleyway - but you can ask at the tourist info, it's not very far from the tourist info centre. They make their own beer - and the house beer is the absolute best in the whole world - like liquid velvet going down. They only allow patrons a maximum of three because they are so strong. Enjoy!!! Sandee <BR>

I'm foggy on the details because it was an exceptionally long flight, but I think that I caught the train at the Brussels airport in the summer of 1997 and was able to take it directly to Brugge without any changes. I do recollect that the train stopped in Brussels but I'm pretty sure that I stayed put until we got to Brugge. Is this possible or am I suffering from jet lag dementia?

Belgian railway web: <BR> <BR>http://193.121.180.8/ <BR> <BR>Looks like you will have to change trains at Midi inbound and outbound. Trip takes about 1 1/2 hours - whether to take the train from Brugge to the airport the day of your flight would depend a lot on the time of your flight.

Amy, <BR>The train from the Brussels airport to the city is essentially a shuttle. It simply richochets between the two sites. You'll have to change for Bruges. The shuttle takes about 20 minutes; the train to Bruges an hour. You can pick up the bus at the Bruges train station which will drop you off directly in front of Ter Duinen if you choose to stay there. I highly recommend Ter Duinen. Canal side with spacious modern rooms most of which are air conditioned; sumptuous breakfasts in the morning served in a lovely dining room overlooking the canal, the hotel is a charming, scenic fifteen to twenty minute stroll to the bell tower and central square. Marc, the proprietor, should provide you with a complimentary pass that entitles you to discounts at some of Bruges' museums and other attractions. Be sure to ask him about one. Once in Bruges, you'll never want to leave, particularly now when it isn't yet overburdened with tourists.

I stand corrected about Midi. Sorry, I was relying on my old experiences. At least I covered myself by saying that things might have changed. Though I haven't taken the airport train for several years, I really was in Gent last year and can confirm that the city is still there....:-)

Have a bier (or deux!) for me while you're there! Try Leffe or Chimay Blue, but remember -it's stronger than American beer. Have fun!

Ghent is really interesting and you can take a boatride to Brugge- about 2 or 3 hours. Only 15 minutes away if you take the express train, so really you shouldn't miss it. Right now they are having an outdoor art exhibit, really fanciful, with hammocks in the middle of the city and bacan wrapped around church pillars and Tarzan yells every so often--dozens of installations. Have fun. And to avoid crowds in brugge, walk very early in the morning to get the feel of the beauty and peace that is hard to find among the throngs.

Amy, <BR>There are several hotels near the airport, the closest being Sheraton Brussels Airport opposite to the entrance hall. Some others are Novotel in Zaventem (5 min. from airport - free shuttle), Belson Hotel in Evere (8 min. from airport - free shuttle), Holiday Inn Brussels Airport in Diegem, or Holiday Inn Express in Diegem (= cheaper). <BR>Let me know if you need phone/fax numbers. <BR> <BR>

Yes-if you have the local number for the holiday inn express near airport-=let me know. Thanks,Amy

Holiday Inn Express <BR>Berkenlaan # 5 <BR>1831 Brussels Airport/Diegem <BR>phone 02-7253380 <BR>fax 02-7253810 <BR>(if you call from abroad, first dial +32) <BR> <BR>

The canalside rooms at the Ter Duinen are very noisy from about 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., pretty much precluding the idea of taking a nap or going to bed early. And they don't have showers. The only 2 rooms with showers are located on the back side. I've seen great raves about the hotel and that's why I stayed there 3 weeks ago, but I was not at all impressed, and wished I'd stayed at the Hansa or Prinsenhoff.

Wish I had heard about NO SHOWERS at this hotel before I booked-we both have long hair and its very difficult to shampoo in bathtub. Lets see,firefighter's strike at the airport,no showers...any other bad news? Au revoir,Amy

We were just in Brugge last week and stayed at the TerDuinen. We really enjoyed the Hotel and the Breakfast was our best in the 21 days we spent in Europe. It was about a 10-15 minute walk into town but such a nice one along the canal and stores that we enjoyed it. It started to pour rain one day we just jumed on a bus and it dropped us off right in front of the Hotel.I would agree that it would be pretty noisy if you had a room in the front, think we had room 36 in the back. <BR>It was a lovely room with large bathroom that had double sinks and a bathtub with handheld shower. Marc was very helpful in supplying any info we needed. We loved Brugge although it was pretty busy. Got our chocolates from Verbeekes. They supplied us with insulated bags for a small price since it was so hot when we were there. We had dinner at Da Stove one evening which was wonderful. Only 24 seats in the whole restaurant.