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Hi, I need some help please re the best train option from Amsterdam Centraal to Brussels Noord.

From my research, I have 2 options:

1) Thalys train - € 32,00 + 2.50 CC charge for youth ticket to Zuid station, would then take underground to Noord.

2) http://www.ns.nl/ Intercity train - € 24,60   + 2.50 cc charge for youth ticket to Brussels Agglo station, would then take underground to Noord. This is via the Roosendaal (roosendaal grens) borderstation. If I choose Maastricht (vise grens), there's no youth fare available.

So my questions are:

- The only benefit of Thalys over a regular train is that the trip is approx 45 min quicker if on schedule, is that correct?

- If thats the case, I would just take a regular train. How does the Roosendaal  option differ from the other borderstation? How long is the journey?

- Is it easy to get from Agglo to Noord?

- I am assuming I can take any train on the day the ticket is booked for if I choose the cheap train because it doesnt give a departure time. Where can I find schedules?

- Should I pre-book or will I get the same fare at the station? I can't see whether it's promo or not...


THANK YOU!

- The only benefit of Thalys over a regular train is that the trip is approx 45 min quicker if on schedule, is that correct?

Basically, yes. Plus you get seat reservation. With IC you can take any free seat on the train you want.

- If thats the case, I would just take a regular train. How does the Roosendaal  option differ from the other borderstation? How long is the journey?

Via Roosendaal it is shortest and fastest way, you can travel via Maastricht, but it will take much longer (fastest option almost 5 hours) due to changes and distanc + will be more expensive

- Is it easy to get from Agglo to Noord?

  "Agglo" it is not a station. Agglo is short for agglomération, means that ticket is valid till any station in Brussels 
Trains from Amsterdam arrive to Brussels-Central and Brussels-Zuid, so you can simply change train there and continue till Brussels-Nord. Or alternatively get off at Brussels-Central and walk till Nord, it is not that far.

- I am assuming I can take any train on the day the ticket is booked for if I choose the cheap train because it doesnt give a departure time. Where can I find schedules?

Schedule can be found here http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?newrequest=yes&protocol=http:& or http://onlineboeken.nshispeed.nl/microtips/ or http://www.b-rail.be/int/E/

- Should I pre-book or will I get the same fare at the station? I can't see whether it's promo or not...

Tickets for 32 euro have limited availability (thus for specific train), so if you want to be sure - buy in advance online.  Tickets with Youth fare 2nd class for 24.6 euro available only for trains after 9am on week days or whole day during weekend. Such tickets are valid on any train within the time frame.
http://onlineboeken.nshispeed.nl/microtips offers as well special Promo Fares for Thalys trains, but those are available only for certain dates in September and October. Promo Fare - 25 euro.

Thanks so much!!!

Are the youth tickets limited availability or can they be bought at the station without worries?

Are the youth tickets limited availability or can they be bought at the station without worries?

Within conditions of Youth 2nd class fare there is nothing about limited availability or advance purchase online, so you can purchase your ticket at the station as well.