Train from Amsterdam to Bruges
 

It seems that unless you take the super-expensive Thalys from Amsterdam to Bruges, you have to change trains twice . . once in Rotterdam, then again in Antwerp. The Thalys goes to Brussels Midi and then one change there. Is this correct? Are these the only options? Doesn't 85 euros one-way sound like a lot . . for a 3 hour trip?

I think you may be correct. Several years back we went from Brugge to Amsterdam and I think we had one change in Antwerp. And it wasn't very expensive.

What have they done?

85 euro on Thalys, 43 on non-Thalys. It's only 45 minutes shorter to go on Thalys, so we're going on non.

Last spring we went from Amsterdam to Bruge with just one change in Antwerp. Don't remember the cost but I'm certain it was less than 85 euros . Beautifull station in Antwerp by the way. Be sure to walk around.

Did you buy a ticket straight to Bruges, or did you buy separate tickets: one to Antwerp, then one to Bruges?

Bought ticket straight to Bruges from ticket window in Amsterdam on day of departure

Use www.b-europe.com with print-at-home tickets.

This will price up both options:

1) Thalys Amsterdam-Antwerp/Brussels, InterCity Brussels/Antwerp-Bruges

2) InterCity Amsterdam-Rotterdam, InterCity Rotterdam-Antwerp, InterCity Antwerp-Bruges

Thalys has airline-style dynamic pricing, cheap in advance, expensive closer to departure, and reservation is compulsory.

InterCity trains have fixed-price kilometric tariff pricing which stays the same and isn't subject to availability, you can buy at that price at the station, no reservation necessary or possible.

Thalys goes at 186 mph, InterCity trains only up to 100 mph.

It's your call which you choose based on time saving versus price shown when you book.

Snafus with the Fyra high-speed line to Antwerp have caused a change of trains (non Thalys) at Rotterdam and Antwerp now to reacfh Bruges the quickest most direct and usually cheapest route - this could be remedied soon and you can once again take a train direct to Antwerp and change for Bruges.

There are no reservations possible on IC trains and yes a flat fare - any tikcet gets you on any train the whole route - Thalys trains require reservations.

For lots of great stuff on Benelux trains check out www.seat61.com - Man in Seat 61 who posts above his superb superb commercial site; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. YOu can always buy IC tickets on the spot - no need to go thru the hassle of booking online and printing out - you never know what come up and if you have to scrub your trip you are stuck with a hard to refund ticket perhaps - unless saving money just wait until Amsterdam to buy your round-trip ticket to Bruges.

Actually Fyra runs Amsterdam to Rotterdam, and is bookable, though you can also just buy a ticket on the day for it.
Thlys takes 3:05, if you change at Antwerp, Thalys/IC/IR takes 4:13, IC/IR takes 4:03.
Fyra and IC cost the same, (€43.80) Fyra can be 3 changes or 2, IC is always 2. It just depends on what time you go which you get and which suits you best. Thalys could be cheaper, if you book far enough in advance, but is fixed to a specific train, and may be considerably more expensive if you aren't able to get the cheapest ticket.

There is an international train to Brussels again, but it starts in THe Hague. (Rotterdam is its next stop). They're beefing up the schedule, but it's a political thing: could take a while to make this into a viable train service again.

Thalys could be cheaper, if you book far enough in advance, but is fixed to a specific train, and may be considerably more expensive if you aren't able to get the cheapest ticket.>

Yes indeedy - Thalys could be fastest and cheapest way IF you can score the limited in number cheapo tickets that can cost a fraction of full fare and with the ABS feature - All-Belgian-Stations which you can purchase as an add-on for a few euros you can go from any Belgian station the Thalys serves - i.e. Antwerpen Centraal to any other Belgian station - i.e. Bruges and back - get the deep discounted return Thalys tickets to Antwerp and then use the ABS fare - which was in effect not long ago for sure but have not heard about it now - assume it is still around.

Well the Benelux Railpass, valid in Belgium and Holland (and Luxembourg would cost $200 for 3 days of unlimited rail travel midnight to midnight - cheaper than 170 euros which is about $220! So never ever pay 85 euros each way!

Just go to the international web site for the NS at https://treintickets.nshispeed.nl and pick your departure. Even the €43.80 one way for Amsterdam Centraal to Brugge seems rich for me, compared to the fares just a few years ago. Since you will be changing trains at Antwerp don't miss the opportunity to have a good look at this beautiful station and see the city, maybe for a couple of days. For more on trains see http://tinyurl.com/eym5b. For an advance look at the main hall of the Antwerp station see http://tinyurl.com/27yuvmm.

Yes do not just dash thru Angtwerp's grand Central Station - an Art Nouveau fantasy inside and out - go outside and have a look too. - Antwerp's famous Diamon Center is just outside the doors as well in case you have some lose change!