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Want to spend some time exploring the Belgian capital and looking for more information on traveling by train from Amsterdam to Brussels? Look no further!
On average, the distance from Amsterdam to Brussels is 108 miles, with the train journey taking around 2 hours and 8 minutes. However, the fastest high-speed NS and Eurostar services can sweep you from Amsterdam to Brussels in just 1 hour and 53 minutes. As there are around 17 direct trains running on this popular route every day, there’s no need to change along the journey.
On this route, you’ll jump on a train at Amsterdam-Centraal station. Whether you’re traveling with Eurostar or NS, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities including comfortable seating and free WiFi. In a mere 2 hours, you’ll arrive at Brussels Midi station. Fancy traveling in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll receive complimentary food and drink.
Revered for its waffles, beer and chocolate, Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the perfect place to spend a few days. Not sure what to see and do? You can't go wrong with the Grand Palace and the Waffle Factory. If you're still not sure whether Brussels is worth visiting, check out our comprehensive guide. Looking for somewhere to stay? Browse our rundown of Brussels' best hotels.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, keep reading for FAQs, train times and tips on how to find cheap train fares. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Amsterdam to Brussels first, keep reading for more information on:
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On October 1, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red color scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and a generous baggage allowance at an affordable price.
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).
Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.
Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.
The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
Trains in the rest of Europe:
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
Sports equipment:
There are no baggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.
There is no onboard catering on NS trains.
The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.
Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.
Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the car. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal baggage.
Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a leash - you must also buy a dog train ticket.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam from abroad, chances are you’ll be arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Want to know how to get to the city center from the airport? Keep reading for more details.
Trains from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The fastest and cheapest way to get to the city center is the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal station. Trains are operated by NS, the main rail operator in the Netherlands. Services run every 10 - 15 minutes from 06:00 am to 01:00 am (they depart every hour during other times). The journey takes only 15 minutes, leaving you in one of Amsterdam's most central and best-connected locations.
Buses from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
If you’d like to take the bus, the Amsterdam Airport Express, or Bus 397, departs from the airport several times an hour from 5:00 am to 12:30 am. You can take this big red bus right outside the main airport hall, and it takes about 30 minutes to arrive in central Amsterdam.
Although the bus does not go to Amsterdam Centraal station, it does have stops near Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, and Leidseplein, which are still quite central areas.
As of September 2023, a one-way ticket costs €6.50 (around $6.87), while a return ticket costs €11.75 (around $12.43). You can buy a ticket online, pay with a contactless card on the bus, or purchase a ticket from the ticket office during its opening hours.
Handily located in the middle of the city, Amsterdam Centraal station is well-served by public transport, including:
After you’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal station, you can get ready to catch your train. Read on for more details.
What’s on offer at Amsterdam Centraal?
As you wait for your train to Brussels, there are plenty of facilities available at Amsterdam Centraal station to keep you busy:
Which facilities are in the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station?
If you've opted for a Eurostar Premier ticket from Amsterdam to Brussels, you can access the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station. To find the lounge, head to Platform 2a. Here you’ll find:
On your way from Amsterdam to Brussels by train, your train will stop off at certain cities.
In total, the journey from Amsterdam to Brussels takes just under 2 hours. Depending on which service you travel on, you can visit some of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands and Belgium. The line from Amsterdam to Brussels serves:
You can begin to soak up the city’s atmosphere as soon as you’ve arrived in Brussels.
When traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels by train, you’ll arrive in the center of the Belgian capital, at Brussels Midi station.
Once you’ve stepped off the train, you can make your way out of Brussels Midi station. You won’t need to go through passport checks again. Make sure you keep your ticket handy when you arrive, because you’ll need to scan the barcode on your ticket to pass through the gates and exit the platform area.
When you leave Brussels Midi station, you’ll find yourself positioned close to the center of the city. From here, you can reach Brussels’ central square, the Grand Place, by tram, metro, bus, taxi or on foot:
Brussels can be explored on foot, but you can also take advantage of the city’s modern public transport network.
Taking the metro in Brussels
Comprised of 4 lines, Brussels’ metro network is one of the most modern metros in Europe. The metro can take you to and from anywhere in the city from 5:30 am until midnight, seven days a week. Usually, metro trains run every 5-10 minutes.
All public transport is managed by the Brussels Intermunicipal Transport Company (STIB) and can be used with the same ticket. You can choose to buy either a standard fare for a single journey, as well as 5 and 10 single tickets. Also, you can opt for a season ticket, which will give you unlimited travel on all public transport during its validity, starting from one day. All ticket options will allow you to travel on the metro, trams and buses.
Taking the tram in Brussels
Boasting 17 lines, the Brussels tram network is one of the largest in the world. Opening at 6:00 am and closing at midnight (though individual line opening hours may vary), the tram is an excellent way to navigate the city while sightseeing along the way. The tram will take you from the city center, past some of the city’s most famous landmarks and into the outskirts of the city.
Taking the bus in Brussels
Made up of over 50 lines, Brussels’ bus network is another great way to see the city while you get from one destination to another. Also, the bus is a great way to navigate Brussels during the evening, as the night buses (Noctis) operate around the city on Friday and Saturday until 3:00 am.
Famous for delicious chocolate, golden beer and Gothic architecture, Brussels is the perfect location for travelers looking for a short city break. To help inspire your next trip, here are some ideas for things to do during your trip to Brussels, as well as Belgium in general:
Enjoyed your time in Brussels and want to explore more of Europe? You can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Brussels:
If you’re flying abroad from Brussels, you’ll most likely depart from the city’s main airport. Brussels Airport is Belgium’s busiest airport and is situated around 7 miles northeast of Belgium’s city center.
Trains to Brussels Airport
If you want to get from central Brussels to the airport in a fast and inexpensive way, you should take the train! On average, the train from Brussels Central to Brussels Airport takes around 20 minutes. However, on the quickest SNCB services, the train can take you there in as little as 15 minutes. Generally, the train from Brussels Central to Brussels Airport runs every 10 minutes between 5:00 am and midnight, 7 days a week. The airport train station is located directly below the terminal.
Buses to Brussels Airport
Although not the fastest option, taking the bus to the airport from the city center is the cheapest option. From central Brussels, you can take the Airport Line (Line 12), a service that takes passengers to level 0, directly below the Arrivals entrance. You can take the bus from central bus stops such as Trône and Luxembourg-Brussels station. In total, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
Taxis to Brussels Airport
If you want to get to Brussels Airport from the city center with minimum fuss, you could take a taxi. In Central Brussels, there are many taxi ranks and companies. Please note that traveling in a taxi can be expensive – the average fare from the city center to the airport is around €50 ($53.36).
After visiting Brussels, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.