How to take a train journey from Paris to Brugge/Bruges by train

This routing via Bruxelles/Brussels is the fastest and easiest option for train journeys between Paris and Brugge/Bruges, compared to the alternative route via Lille.
Though that 2hr 37min journey time is dependent on making a transfer between trains in Bruxelles/Brussels of under 20 mins.
However, don't be too concerned about making the connection because your ticket will be valid on any train between Bruxelles/Brussels and Brugge and there are 2 - 3 express (IC) trains per hour between the two cities.
Reservations aren't available on the trains between Bruxelles and Brugge.

For a stress-free journey it's a good idea to be at the Gare Du Nord at least 20 minutes before departure as all passengers taking the Thalys trains have to pass through security checks.
So being at the back of the queue wondering if you'll be able to board in time, is a scenario best avoided.

Book early and save: Yes

Online bookings open: up to 6 months ahead of the travel date

This booking period tends to be shorter when looking up journeys between mid August and mid October.

Though take care if you will be looking up a journey more than six months ahead of the travel date.
For a few weeks after the six month period the discounted ticket prices can also be available, but the non-discounted tickets can be on sale for dates further ahead.
So if you be will looking up a journey more than six months ahead and only see prices of more than €100, refrain from purchasing and return to the booking service a few weeks later.

Trains departing at different times can be cheaper than others leaving on the same day, so you may need to look through the day's departures to find the cheapest fares.

If you'll be travelling with a valid Eurail or InterRail pass, you'll save money if you take the alternative route via Lille.

On the Eurostar train to Bruxelles

The ticket terms are:

*Exchanges

Book to travel in Standard and Eurostar Plus class:
The booked date and time can be exchanged to a different departure to the same destination up to one hour before departure time.

• If the cost of your new ticket is more than the cost of your original ticket, you will be required to pay the difference;
• If the cost of your new ticket is less than the cost of your original ticket, you will not receive a refund of the difference.

Book to travel in Eurostar Premier class:
The booked date and time can be exchanged to a different departure to the same destination up to 48hrs after departure time (from November 4th 2024).

• If the cost of your new ticket is more than the cost of your original ticket, you will be required to pay the difference;
• If the cost of your new ticket is less than the cost of your original ticket, you will not receive a refund of the difference.

The Eurostar ticket terms summary is here

Refunds

Book to travel in Standard and Eurostar Plus class:

• Up to seven days or more before the date of departure you will need to pay a fee of £25 per person for a one-way / single ticket and £50 per person for a two-way / return ticket - So you will only receive any sum you paid in excess of these sums.
• Less than seven days before the date of departure, tickets are non-refundable - Also applies if you exchanged a ticket to an alternative departure, under seven days ahead.

Book to travel in Premier class:
Up until 48hrs after departure time (from November 4th 2024), tickets can be refunded at no additional cost,

The Eurostar ticket terms summary is here

Child tickets
Children under the age of 12 travel at a flat rate price of €15 in Standard, €20 in Comfort and €30 in Premium Class.
Source = Eurostar

Bike Tickets

Tickets are not-required as non-folding bikes can only be taken on board as hand luggage - as both wheels must be removed and everything must be covered by a non-rigid cover with maximum dimensions of 135 x 85 x 30 cm.

Dog Tickets

Charged at a flat fee rate of €30, but the payment will be taken by the train conductor, as these tickets cannot be booked online.

This routing via Lille is longer and more awkward than travelling from Paris to Brugge/Bruges by train via Bruxelles, but it can be around 50% cheaper.

If you will be travelling wiith a Eurail or an Interrail Pass, you will definitely be saving as the rail pass reservation fees are cheaper on the TGV trains to Lille, than on the Thalys trains to Bruxelles.

Book early and save: Yes

Online bookings open: up to 6 months ahead of the travel date

If you will be travelling with an InterRail or Eurail pass, you will have to pay a reservation fee prior to the boarding the TGV to Lille, but it will be cheaper than the rail pass fees for taking the Thalys trains, on the alternative routing via Bruxelles
If you want to avoid paying any reservations at all, you will need to take this routing:

• Paris to Amiens](/train-travel-info/journeys/from-paris-to-amiens-by-train/) on IC trains
• Amiens to Lille on TER trains
• Lille to Brugge; changing trains at Kortrijk