Bikes by rail - Amsterdam to Bruges - advice please

[bobzieb]

We are planning to ride from Bruges to Amsterdam later in the year using our own bikes and would like to return to Bruges via Rail. We've looked on the various Rail Company sites but the choice of company, train type and route is confusing so, if anyone out there has navigated this route before, we would be very grateful for your advice.

[Cyril Haearn]

It's not a long journey and doubtless there are plenty of trains, I would allow time and buy tickets on the day

[nez]

My experience of Dutch trains is they have places for bikes and markings on the platform where to stand. All very civilised.

[yutkoxpo]

The Dutch part is easy, the Belgian more challenging. The Belgians aren't quite as organised as the Dutch - not a criticism, just an observation.

https://www.nsinternational.nl/en will allow you to book your (international) ticket, although you cannot book the bike online. I believe you can use the chat facility for that, worst case the phone.

While it's a relatively short distance, there are several changes to be made.

[m-gineering]

We are planning to ride from Bruges to Amsterdam later in the year using our own bikes and would like to return to Bruges via Rail. We've looked on the various Rail Company sites but the choice of company, train type and route is confusing so, if anyone out there has navigated this route before, we would be very grateful for your advice.

There isn't much to choose. Forget the so called 'high speed' trains, so you just have to deal with NS and NMBS. Note you need a ticket for your bike both in NL and B,it should be possible to get an international one from a ticketmachine (12 euro's) If you have an international trainticket the rushhour restrictions for bike travel do not apply

[mjr]

While it's a relatively short distance, there are several changes to be made.

Two, to be exact: Antwerp and Gent. Or one at Brussels South but it takes longer. Or you could go direct to Vlissingen, take the ferry and pedal 25 miles.

[yutkoxpo]

While it's a relatively short distance, there are several changes to be made.

Two, to be exact: Antwerp and Gent. Or one at Brussels South but it takes longer. Or you could go direct to Vlissingen, take the ferry and pedal 25 miles.

I believe any routes with less than 2 stops will involve a Thalys train where bikes need to be disassembled & packed

Taking a bike on board
Space on board the train being limited, bicycles can be accepted in limited numbers as long as certain rules are followed - both bicycle wheels must be removed and everything must be covered by a non-rigid cover with maximum dimensions 135 x 85 x 30 cm.

Any bicycle not complying with these conditions will be refused by the Train Manager and will not be accepted on board. People travelling with a bicycle must present themselves on the platform 30 minutes prior to the departure time.

More bicycle friendly transport will require at least 3 stops.

[mjr]

While it's a relatively short distance, there are several changes to be made.

Two, to be exact: Antwerp and Gent. Or one at Brussels South but it takes longer. Or you could go direct to Vlissingen, take the ferry and pedal 25 miles.

I believe any routes with less than 2 stops will involve a Thalys train where bikes need to be disassembled & packed

Nope. NS ICDirect Amsterdam (confirmation they're allowed off-peak) to Antwerp or Brussels, NMBS IC after.