Brussels to Paris
 

I'm going to Paris next week, but there is no availability on the flight I want. So instead I will fly to Brussels and take a train to Paris (and will do the reverse two weeks later). What is the best way to go between the airport and train station in Brussels, and how long should it take?

It's very simple, almost: you take the train directly from the airport to the city.

The only thing that you must know is that the trains to Paris leave from the South train station (Gare du Midi in French and Brussel Zuid in Dutch). The train from the airport stops first at the Central Station, and then goes to the south station.


Trains from the airport run about every 15 minutes, and the trip takes about 25-30 minutes.

I think that Thalys and SCNF are both partners in AAdvantage and you might be able to get miles for the train ride. Not sure how it works though.


------------------
I Love New York

A number of airlines partner with them, but getting miles involves buying a connecting ticket from the airline in question.

A standalone train ticket won't do. Nor do the airlines sell train-only tickets, as far as I know.

dvdexter, I just got back from Paris-BRU yesterday, here's how it works:

From Brussels airport, there is no direct train to Paris, you have to transfer at Bruxelles-Midi station (unless you want to stop over Brussels downtown, then you go to Central Station)
You will need two RT train tkts: one for InterCity Express, Airport->Bruxelles Midi, which takes 20-30 minutes one way, and one for Thalys Bruxelles->Midi to Paris Gare du Nord, which takes 1 hour 30 minutes one way
(make sure you tell the tkt agent first or second class)
If you know exactly the return date, get the less expensive but restrictive 'loisirs' fare.

From Bru to Paris, I was not in a hurry, so I just got on the next available train.
From Paris to BRU, I took the earliest train at 6:25a.m., arrived Bruxelles-Midi at around 8:05a.m., disembarked, then immediately hopped on the Airport Express at 8:18a.m., arrived at the airport at 8:48a.m., at Delta's check-in counter about 9:00a.m. for my 10:50 flight to JFK.

There were long lines everywhere. So allow yourself plenty of time. I made it to the gate at 10:05a.m.

(It may seem a bit complicated, but is not at all.)

I still have the fare/time schedule booklet for Thalys. If you need more info, please email me. Would be more than happy to answer any questions to my best knowledge for you.

[email protected]