Brussels to Amsterdam by train

Traveling from Brussels to Amsterdam by train is fast, affordable, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know:

• Travel Time: High-speed trains (e.g., Thalys, Eurostar) take ~1 hour 50 minutes. Intercity trains take ~2 hours 45 minutes.
• Ticket Prices: Starting at $27 (€25) for second class. First-class options are available for added comfort.
• Departures: 7–10 daily trains, departing from Brussels Midi/Zuid and arriving at Amsterdam Centraal.
• Train Types:
  • Thalys/Eurostar: High-speed, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and premium seating options.
  • Intercity/EuroCity Direct: Budget-friendly, longer travel time, basic amenities.
• Booking Tips:
  • Book early (up to 7–11 months in advance) for the best fares.
  • Rail passes (e.g., Eurail) are valid but may require reservations for high-speed trains.

Quick Comparison:

Whether you’re in a hurry or looking to save, there’s a train option for every need. Keep reading for details on ticket types, schedules, and discounts.

The EuroCity Direct from Brussels to Amsterdam

Train Ticket Types

Traveling by train between Brussels and Amsterdam comes with various ticket options to suit different needs for comfort and flexibility. Below, you’ll find details about 2nd class, 1st class, and flexible travel options.

2nd Class Tickets

2nd class tickets are a budget-friendly option. On Eurostar trains, prices start at $27.50 (around €25), offering a 2+2 seating layout. You can make changes for free up to 1 hour before departure, while cancellations are allowed up to 7 days before departure for a €25 fee.

EuroCity Direct provides two ticket types:

• Saver Tickets: Priced at approximately $27.50 (€25), these are valid only for specific trains. Changes are allowed until the day before travel for a €5 fee.
• Full-flex Tickets: Costing about $70.50 (€64.10), these allow travel on any train on the travel day and offer full refunds if canceled by the day before.

Both train options include amenities such as power outlets, USB ports, and WiFi.

1st Class Tickets

For a more comfortable experience, Eurostar 1st Class offers:

• Plus Tickets: Starting at about $49.50 (€45), these feature a 2+1 seating arrangement.
• Premier Tickets: These include free changes and cancellations up to 48 hours after departure, though they come at higher prices.

Refundable Tickets and Rail Passes

Refundable tickets and rail passes are ideal for frequent travelers. Here’s a quick comparison:

The Eurail Benelux Pass is another option, offering access to trains across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. While regional trains don’t require extra reservation fees, high-speed trains may need additional reservations. These passes often work well with early booking discounts and other rail pass perks, which will be covered later.

Train Companies and Routes

Here’s an overview of the main train services and routes available for your trip.

Eurostar Services

Eurostar runs high-speed trains from Brussels Midi to Amsterdam Centraal, reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The trip takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, with stops at Antwerp, Rotterdam Centraal, and Schiphol Airport. Three service classes are available:

Intercity Trains

For travelers on a tighter budget, Intercity trains offer a more affordable option. The route starts with a Dutch domestic Intercity train from Brussels Midi to Rotterdam Centraal, followed by an hourly Eurocity train to Amsterdam Centraal. Stops include Breda and Brussels Airport, providing a cost-effective way to reach your destination.

EuroCity Direct Trains

EuroCity Direct trains strike a good balance between speed and flexibility. Running at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 km/h), these trains connect Brussels Midi to Amsterdam Zuid in about 2 hours and 8 minutes. Operated by NS International and NMBS/SNCB, they offer 16 daily departures. The newer ICNG (Intercity New Generation) trains include features like level boarding and bike spaces.

These routes play a key role in shaping how you choose and book your tickets, which is covered in the next section.

How to Buy Tickets

Once you’ve decided on ticket types and routes, here’s how to book your train tickets.

Online Booking

You can book tickets directly through official websites like SNCB International for cross-border trips or Eurostar’s site. These platforms offer real-time schedules, fare comparisons, and mobile ticket downloads. Setting up an account can save your preferences and make future bookings faster.

Booking Platforms

Third-party booking platforms are another option. They gather choices from multiple operators, letting you compare routes, travel times, and fares all in one place.

Station Ticket Sales

Prefer to book in person? Head to stations like Brussels-Midi or Amsterdam Centraal. You can buy tickets at staffed counters for personalized help or use self-service kiosks, which support multiple languages, for a quicker process. These options make it easy to book tickets in a way that works best for you.

Prices and Discounts

Ticket Price List

Train ticket prices between Brussels and Amsterdam depend on when you book and the service you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the current fares:

The average ticket price is about $43, though this can fluctuate based on demand and the season ^[5]. Second-class tickets cover basic amenities, while first-class options provide more comfort. Booking your ticket early can help you snag lower fares.

Early Booking Deals

Planning ahead can lead to significant savings. Booking tickets around 77 days before your trip often results in the best prices ^[5].

• Eurocity Direct Saver: Starting at $27 ^[4]
• Eurostar Standard: Starting at $31 ^[4]

You can book Eurostar tickets up to 7 months in advance, while Eurocity Direct tickets are available up to 11 months ahead ^[4].

Rail Pass Options

For frequent travelers, rail passes can be a cost-effective choice. Here’s what to know about using them on this route:

• Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on regular trains between Brussels and Amsterdam.
• For high-speed trains like Eurostar, you’ll need a seat reservation, which costs between $25 and $35 with a Global Pass ^[6].
• Traveling on weekends (Saturday through Monday) might offer better availability and lower prices ^[4].

Train Times and Duration

Daily Schedule

Trains between Brussels and Amsterdam operate consistently throughout the day, starting early in the morning and running until late at night. Eurocity Direct follows this timetable:

With frequent departures, travelers have plenty of options to fit their schedules.

Travel Time by Train

The duration of the trip depends on the type of train you choose:

Whether you’re looking for speed or savings, there’s an option to suit your needs.

Number of Daily Trains

Here’s a breakdown of the daily services:

• 6 direct trains per day^[5]
• Eurocity Direct trains running hourly during operating hours^[3]
• Eurostar services available throughout the day^[3]

These frequent departures provide flexibility for all types of travelers.

Extra Fees and Rules

Seat Booking and Changes

Certain routes come with additional charges. For example, a €3 ICD fee applies to trips between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport (both classes), while a €6.70 Diabolo fee is added for journeys passing through Brussels Airport. Change policies depend on your ticket type:

If you modify your ticket within seven days of departure, it becomes non-refundable. Name corrections aren’t allowed – you’ll need to buy a new ticket.

Baggage Rules

Eurostar has specific baggage limits depending on your class of service:

For extra baggage, pre-booking costs €35 (up to 85 x 85 x 36 cm), or €30 on the day (maximum length 200 cm). Bikes can be transported starting at €45, but they must be disassembled. Musical instruments are allowed from €35 (up to 85 x 85 x 36 cm).

First-Time Travel Guide

Reservations are mandatory for Eurostar journeys, with fees of €22 for Standard class and €27 for Comfort class ^[7]. Folded strollers and pushchairs travel free, but you’ll need to manage your luggage yourself. Always keep your tickets and any supplements handy for inspections.

Summary

Here’s a breakdown of the Brussels–Amsterdam route: It covers 173 km (107 miles), with high-speed trains completing the trip in 1 hour 50 minutes and regional trains taking 2 hours 43 minutes ^[1][2].

Travelers have three main service options to choose from:

To save on travel costs, consider these tips:

• Book tickets early to lock in cheaper fares.
• Travel during off-peak hours for discounted rates ^[5].
• Compare services – IC & EuroCity is often the most wallet-friendly option ^[3].

With 7–10 daily departures ^[2], this route offers plenty of flexibility for planning your journey.