-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
Antwerp
- Thread starter OwlMan
- Start date
- Status
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
duesselmartin
Established Member
On B-europe.com you can book Eurostar / Thalys London to Antwerpen. Personally I prefer the train. Much more relaxing.
johnnychips
Established Member
Get the plane. You will be outside the terminal in Antwerp airport ten minutes from the plane stopping maximum. Buses take fifteen minutes to the centre, or get a taxi. Fantastic restaurant at the airport too.
You will also avoid the queues and scrums at St Pancras; and, especially, Brussels South, which seems to get worse every time I use it. At Antwerp airport you can check in 30 minutes before take off, it used to be less with just hand baggage. It broke my heart when VLM stopped flying from Manchester.
The imponderable is London City: I haven't used it, but it would have to be spectacularly bad to equal the queues at Brussels.
You will also avoid the queues and scrums at St Pancras; and, especially, Brussels South, which seems to get worse every time I use it. At Antwerp airport you can check in 30 minutes before take off, it used to be less with just hand baggage. It broke my heart when VLM stopped flying from Manchester.
The imponderable is London City: I haven't used it, but it would have to be spectacularly bad to equal the queues at Brussels.
Last edited:
[second attempt after another BT network failure wiped my last typed reply!]
The best way to arrive is by a terminating train, into the mid- or high level platforms. If that doesn't work out then return after dumping your luggage to marvel... The low and deep-level platforms were superb when we saw them, the support columns being clad with light-boxes that made even the lowest through platforms seem as though they were lit by daylight.
It made me realise what an opportunity had been missed at St Pancras!
Beware the mosquitoes though, especially if you like sleeping with the windows open... Anti-histamine cream is quite expensive over there.
The best way to arrive is by a terminating train, into the mid- or high level platforms. If that doesn't work out then return after dumping your luggage to marvel... The low and deep-level platforms were superb when we saw them, the support columns being clad with light-boxes that made even the lowest through platforms seem as though they were lit by daylight.
It made me realise what an opportunity had been missed at St Pancras!
Beware the mosquitoes though, especially if you like sleeping with the windows open... Anti-histamine cream is quite expensive over there.
Last edited:
johnnychips
Established Member
I thought we were talking about Belgium, not the Congo... if you need anti-malaria pills to take the train, follow my advice and get the plane...you can still visit the station which is, indeed, magnificent!
Last edited:
At first we wondered about the hotel bedding, then realised that the "Low Countries" are pretty marshy, as you would expect from the name. So if you suffer from mozzies, take your precautions! Took the gloss off our visit, I can tell you...
gordonthemoron
Established Member
Belgian anti histamine tablets are very powerful according to the missus
- Status