Shuttle/Train Rotterdam to Bruges for Disabled Traveler

[peachquilter]

We are hoping to travel for a few weeks after docking in Rotterdam, even though my husband recently suffered a fall.  We had planned on taking the train from Rotterdam to Bruges and then a few days later the train to Amsterdam.  Hubby now permanently cannot lift anything over 8 lbs and may be using a walker, hence how will we get our luggage onto the train.  I don't think I can do it by myself without holding up lines of passengers.  (This trip has been in the making for a couple years and we really don’t want to cancel.)  Any suggestions for still using the train?  Or does anyone have the name/phone of a shuttle/taxi service they recommend?  In our area, we use shared shuttles to defray the cost but I don’t see anything like that online.  Thx for your input.  Marilyn

Edited March 15 by peachquilter
Error

[gumshoe958]

Sorry to hear about your husband.

 

Just checking you understand the distances and times involved here: well over 100 miles and 2 hours from Rotterdam to Bruges and well over 150 miles and 3 hours from Bruges to Amsterdam, across an international border.

 

If a taxi is willing to take you you’ll be looking at several hundred Euros/dollars for the round trip. Uber, as an example, is currently quoting over €600 just for the Bruges to Amsterdam leg.

 

If money’s no object, fine - otherwise I would stick to the train. I can’t believe Belgian and Dutch railways don’t offer a service of assisting with getting on and off trains, particularly if you book it in advance.

[rhiannon84]

Hi peachquilter, check out Man In Seat 61 for train advice. https://www.seat61.com/european-train-travel-with-special-needs.htm
 

I think you may be assuming trains are similar to those in the US with a big step? That’s very rare in the UK/Europe, where it’s usually flat from the platform, or the station attendants have a ramp for the smaller steps. Also, people travel by train with luggage all the time - and are conditioned to help out those who find it a bit harder! 
 

The train should be a pleasant experience, save your taxis for getting round the towns and cities which have cobblestones or uneven paving (e.g. Bruges)

[Ine]

Please be aware there are NO direct trains from Rotterdam to Bruges. You have at least 1 or 2 transfers! Which also might mean you need to change platforms too. 

Maybe better look for buses like Flixbus.I copied their site, so you have an impression.

You luggage will be stored, your husband needs a few steps to get into and from the bus.

To get to the stop in Rotterdam it is an easy short cabride.

 https://www.flixbus.ca/?_sp=1248ef2d-cfbb-437f-b5a2-a59c5ecc7fdc.1710512126821&atb_pdid=fc1da07c-62cc-49ed-92a5-5f18e858b681&noRedirect=true&_spnuid=0fa23b53-c401-41dd-b360-55cd131e9a8d_1710512126729

 

 

[rhiannon84]

Both the Dutch and Belgian train operators offer assistance with travelling, and you can book help from the Belgian operators for international trains. Have a look at these sites and see if you think that will help - you can also contact them to ask any specific questions about your routes

 

https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-disability/ns-travel-assistance.html

https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/travel-info/prepare-for-your-journey/assistance-reduced-mobility
 

However, Ine's suggestion about taking a coach with Flixbus might be better if there’s direct links

[peachquilter]

5 hours ago, rhiannon84 said:

Both the Dutch and Belgian train operators offer assistance with travelling, and you can book help from the Belgian operators for international trains. Have a look at these sites and see if you think that will help - you can also contact them to ask any specific questions about your routes

 

https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-disability/ns-travel-assistance.html

https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/travel-info/prepare-for-your-journey/assistance-reduced-mobility
 

However, Ine's suggestion about taking a coach with Flixbus might be better if there’s direct links

 

13 hours ago, gumshoe958 said:

Sorry to hear about your husband.

 

Just checking you understand the distances and times involved here: well over 100 miles and 2 hours from Rotterdam to Bruges and well over 150 miles and 3 hours from Bruges to Amsterdam, across an international border.

 

If a taxi is willing to take you you’ll be looking at several hundred Euros/dollars for the round trip. Uber, as an example, is currently quoting over €600 just for the Bruges to Amsterdam leg.

 

If money’s no object, fine - otherwise I would stick to the train. I can’t believe Belgian and Dutch railways don’t offer a service of assisting with getting on and off trains, particularly if you book it in advance.

 

12 hours ago, rhiannon84 said:

Hi peachquilter, check out Man In Seat 61 for train advice. https://www.seat61.com/european-train-travel-with-special-needs.htm
 

I think you may be assuming trains are similar to those in the US with a big step? That’s very rare in the UK/Europe, where it’s usually flat from the platform, or the station attendants have a ramp for the smaller steps. Also, people travel by train with luggage all the time - and are conditioned to help out those who find it a bit harder! 
 

The train should be a pleasant experience, save your taxis for getting round the towns and cities which have cobblestones or uneven paving (e.g. Bruges)

 

8 hours ago, Ine said:

Please be aware there are NO direct trains from Rotterdam to Bruges. You have at least 1 or 2 transfers! Which also might mean you need to change platforms too. 

Maybe better look for buses like Flixbus.I copied their site, so you have an impression.

You luggage will be stored, your husband needs a few steps to get into and from the bus.

To get to the stop in Rotterdam it is an easy short cabride.

 https://www.flixbus.ca/?_sp=1248ef2d-cfbb-437f-b5a2-a59c5ecc7fdc.1710512126821&atb_pdid=fc1da07c-62cc-49ed-92a5-5f18e858b681&noRedirect=true&_spnuid=0fa23b53-c401-41dd-b360-55cd131e9a8d_1710512126729

 

 

 

5 hours ago, rhiannon84 said:

Both the Dutch and Belgian train operators offer assistance with travelling, and you can book help from the Belgian operators for international trains. Have a look at these sites and see if you think that will help - you can also contact them to ask any specific questions about your routes

 

https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-disability/ns-travel-assistance.html

https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/travel-info/prepare-for-your-journey/assistance-reduced-mobility
 

However, Ine's suggestion about taking a coach with Flixbus might be better if there’s direct links

I know I'm a big cry baby, but I've got tears in my eyes that you all have graciously taken your time to assist us.  It has been a rough month with hospitals, doctors, tests.  Thank you so much. This is great info.  Hugs. 

[harst62]

Send your luggage ahead with shipgo.com

[FreestyleNovice]

On 3/15/2024 at 9:50 AM, gumshoe958 said:

..

across an international border.

 

..

 

..

 

Just for the record or anyone's future reference: The border is a non-problem, both Belgium and The Netherlands are Schengen countries and have free passage between them. There is no border, but border police might be present onboard the international trains.

[gumshoe958]

22 hours ago, FreestyleNovice said:

 

Just for the record or anyone's future reference: The border is a non-problem, both Belgium and The Netherlands are Schengen countries and have free passage between them. There is no border, but border police might be present onboard the international trains.

Indeed, no physical border. But I suspect crossing it adds €€€ to a taxi fare.