chaleroi to antwerp and bruges

[siemens]

hi help anyone please, im going to belguim for the weekend. we are arriving at chaleroi at 8pm friday nighjt and thought it best to stay in brussels that night as it is the only part we know.plan is to visit bruges but id love to check out antwerp for shopping for a few hours. does anyone know directions and distances from chaleroi to antwerp or bruges on the train or buses and any good tips. look forward to any suggestions

[kwillmott]

This question would be better placed in "Travel".

[Barney's pal]

I used to live in Belgim, close to Chaleroi. It is an industrial town and not very interesting. It would probably take over an hour to get to Bruges and you would have to go Via Brussels. Mons is very close to Chaerloi, and a very pretty town. It is alot less touristy than Bruges which will be packed this time of year. Mons has alot about world war 1 cos it started and ended there, and some angels were supposed to have appereared, if you're interested in that sort oif thing. I would recommend it , definately worth a visit, and much more relaxing than Bruges! Barney's pal

[Mortartube]

I can't help much with trains or buses but I can give you approximate driving times which may help. Ostend to Charleroi is about 1 hour 30 mins leaving Ostend about Midday on a week day. Although this is a driving routefinder, it gives you some idea of where you are going. Put in Charleroi on the coming from and Bruges or Antwerp in the going to box. As you will see, Bruges and Antwerp are some distance apart. I have been to Bruges (very nice), but have yet to do Antwerp.

http://www.drive-alive.co.uk/route_planner.php

Train times are here.

http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/

The train from Brussels Airport to Bruges (Changing at Brussels midi station) takes around 1hr 40 min according to internet info. So I would add another 45mins at least from Charleroi.

Some information here may help.

http://www.hfholidays.co.uk/bruges/index.asp

Have a good time, there are some nice places in Belgium and some nice people.