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Bruxelles MIDI transfer - do I have enough time?

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We have what looks like 52 minutes to transfer trains in Bruxelles-MIDI from a THALYS train to a EUROSTAR train. There was a note that said check in closes 30 minutes before departure and to allow 45-60 minutes for passport control. The ticket looks like the below

 

14:08 - BRUXELLES-MIDI (Belgium) Thalys

0h 35m (Eurostar -check in closes 30m before departure; allow 45-60m for passport control)

14:52 -BRUXELLES-MIDI (Belgium) Eurostar

I think the 35 minutes in between is saying that is how long it takes to get from one train to the other...not sure, because it doesnt mention anything but the note next to it. 

Im worried that we will miss the connection and this is the train to Gatwick Airport to our flight out. We dont want to have any issues.

  1. Is anyone familiar with this process and able to guide me in terms of how this works?
  2. Where/how do you check in? Can this be done while I’m on the first train on some app or does it have to be done in the station? 
  3. How long does that security/passport control process take? 

Thank you kindly for any help you can provide. 

 

Best answer by BrendanDB

When are you travelling?

1. Yes, the barriers close about 30 minutes before the Eurostar's departure. All you have to is to get in the Eurostar terminal by then. Then you're good and still have plenty of time for the secutainment and passport checks. They state 45 min to 1 h time, in order to spread passenger flow.

2. When getting of the Thalys, get down from the platform to the main concourse. Almost right next to it You'll see the Eurostar terminal. It's one or two minutes walking. You will be almost immediately there. You can't miss it, it's very flashy and very British (platforms 1,2 or 3).

3. Depends on the amount of passengers, it's usually done in 5 to 10 minutes. You'll spend more time in the waiting area anyway , than at the check in. 

If you're unsure about it you can try to rebook on an earlier train, or take the reservation free IC from Amsterdam to Brussels earlier. 

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BrendanDB
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When are you travelling?

1. Yes, the barriers close about 30 minutes before the Eurostar's departure. All you have to is to get in the Eurostar terminal by then. Then you're good and still have plenty of time for the secutainment and passport checks. They state 45 min to 1 h time, in order to spread passenger flow.

2. When getting of the Thalys, get down from the platform to the main concourse. Almost right next to it You'll see the Eurostar terminal. It's one or two minutes walking. You will be almost immediately there. You can't miss it, it's very flashy and very British (platforms 1,2 or 3).

3. Depends on the amount of passengers, it's usually done in 5 to 10 minutes. You'll spend more time in the waiting area anyway , than at the check in. 

If you're unsure about it you can try to rebook on an earlier train, or take the reservation free IC from Amsterdam to Brussels earlier. 

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    tamekadyon
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  • Al_G
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As long as the inbound train is on time you will have enough time, just.

Check-in is just waving your reservation/ticket at the scanner. It is the security and double immigration that takes the time.

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    tamekadyon
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  • rvdborgt
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That should be enough time. If you miss the Eurostar because of a delay, they're obliged to rebook you onto the next available train without any extra costs, because this is a transfer that should work.

The Eurostar check-in and secutainment is in the station.

Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
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    tamekadyon
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  • Yorkie
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Transfers in Brussels Midi are straightforward and only takes a few minutes between platforms. Since Thalys and Eurostar are the same company they will ensure your connection or find you a seat on the next available. Although they close checkin at 30 mins before departure they ensure that everybody arriving by then will clear passport control or again be found a seat on a later train.

The general feedback is Eurostar staff in Brussels are extremely helpful if trains are delayed.

Eurostar tends to use platforms 1 and 2 and thalys seem to arrive on 4 or 6 so should not be too far. 

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    tamekadyon
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  • rvdborgt
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Yorkie wrote:

Transfers in Brussels Midi are straightforward and only takes a few minutes between platforms. Since Thalys and Eurostar are the same company they will ensure your connection or find you a seat on the next available. Although they close checkin at 30 mins before departure they ensure that everybody arriving by then will clear passport control or again be found a seat on a later train.

The check-in is only really closed 15 minutes before departure.

Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
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    tamekadyon
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  • April 9, 2023

In case it's useful for planning the brisk walk, station platforms and Eurostar location map can be downloaded at the bottom of this page: https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Stations/Brussels-Midi

Live information about arrival platform/track also available. 

Eurostar entrance looks like:

 

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    AnnaB
Michael Weinstein

I have a similar issue at Brussels Midi. The question is whether 20 minutes is enough time to transfer from the Eurostar train to an IC train going from Brussels to Liege? The Liege train is the last train that night going to Liege. This is our first time ever at the Brussels Midi station.

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