BELGIUM - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 63

Money exchange: “GWT” located in Arrivals Hall, Departures Hall, in the duty-
free shopping area, and near the baggage carousels.
Arriving by Train
Brussels has three train stations along its main line: one in the north (Gare du
Nord), one in the south (Gare du Midi), and a midcity underground station (Gare
Centrale). EuroCity trains and the major express trains do not stop in the central
station. Change at either the north or south station and then transfer to a local train
if Gare Centrale is your destination. The Eurostar, Thalys, and TGV trains arrive at
Brussels Midi.
North Station (Nord Bruxelles or Gare du Nord), Rue du Progrès 76. Primarily
domestic commuter traffic. Tel: [phone] (general travel information).
• Money exchange: In a corridor to the left when exiting from the trains into the
main station area. Hours: 0800-2000 daily, including Sunday.
• Hotel reservations: At the information booth in the departure hall. Hours:
0900-1700 Monday-Friday.
• Train information: In the corridor off the left-hand side of the main station area
as you exit from the trains. Hours: 0600-2200 Monday-Saturday.
• Train reservations are available at ticket window No. 3 or No. 4 in the main sta-
tion area.
• Rail pass validation is at window No. 3 or No. 4.
A railway museum is located on the mezzanine of the North Station. Turn right
when entering the main station from the train area, and walk up the stairs at the
end of the concourse. The museum holds an interesting collection of rail-trans-
portation vehicles, ranging from the first Belgian steam locomotive to some of the
present-day diesel and electric traction units. The museum is well worth the time
of your visit. Admission is free.
Central Station (Gare Centrale), Carrefour de l'Europe 2. Links both North and
South Stations via underground trackage. Many of the express trains do not stop
here. You may, however, board any of the local trains as a shuttle to either of the
main stations and vice versa. Therefore, it is possible to establish yourself in one
of the downtown hotels or pensions quite near Central Station yet be able to make
any train connection with a minimum of inconvenience.