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Question

changing a booking

  • June 1, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 36 views
S

I booked a journey from London to Leipzig and now realise that the transfer time is impossible at Brussels because of customs etc - I naively thought that I would not be offered a train that it would be impossible to catch. So….I’ve paid for a reservation on Eurostar, but want to change the Brussels to Leipzig leg. Is it possible to do this, or do I have to start all over again and lose my reservation fee? 

Also, how much time should I allow for the transfer at Brussels?

And do I need to book the Brussels to Leipzig leg or can I just get on the next available trains (after checking that they are valid for the Global Pass).

    4 replies

    R
    Railmaster
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    • rvdborgt
    • Railmaster
    • June 1, 2026

    The planners only offer transfers that take into account the minimum connection times.

    You didn't mention the exact trains but a 20-minute transfer in Brussels is quite doable. Although there may be a few customs officers watching the crowds, there are no systematic checks and you can normally just leave the Eurostar terminal. Also see:

    https://www.seat61.com/stations/brussels-midi.htm#Eurostar_to_ICE_20_minute_connections

    Whether you need a reservation from Brussels depends on the train and when you are travelling. If you miss your connection in Brussels, then make sure you get a HOTNAT stamp from the Eurostar train manager on the train to Brussels, or from the international ticket office, as described by Seat61.

    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.
    S
    • SarahV
    • Author
    • Rail rookie
    • June 1, 2026

    My transfer time is indeed 20 min at Brussels, so it’s very good to know that it is feasible, though that seems astonishing! Are there no real customs checks, then?? and is the station small??

    Also thanks SO MUCH for the HOTNAT tip though I’m not sure there are any fast trains for my route on that day after the one I’m hoping to catch. Hopefully I can hop on other trains?

    I know that I do not need a reservation from Brussels, though it is recommended. 

    Thanks also for the Seat61 link. 

    Great answer!

    ralderton
    Railmaster
    Forum|alt.badge.img+9
    • ralderton
    • Railmaster
    • June 1, 2026

    My transfer time is indeed 20 min at Brussels, so it’s very good to know that it is feasible, though that seems astonishing! Are there no real customs checks, then?? and is the station small??

    You’ve done all your immigration in London before boarding. The only check in Brussels is the aforementioned bored customs officers. They might pick on one or two travellers for a spot check, but mostly you'll just sail through.

    If you’re travelling in summer, you need a reservation on the Brussels-Cologne leg.

    Do expect some disruption on your way across Germany. Keep checking your route on Bahn.com, and it will inform you of any delays and suggest a better route if necessary.

      S
      • SarahV
      • Author
      • Rail rookie
      • June 1, 2026

      I’m a woman of a certain age - they’ll defo ignore me!😄

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