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Travelling by train from Amsterdam to Brussels
Planning a day trip from Amsterdam to Brussels by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Amsterdam to Brussels can take just 1 hour and 53 minutes on the fastest services. You can travel directly on this route with Eurostar. On board, you'll find comfortable seating, space for luggage and, on most services, free WiFi as standard.
You can also travel with NS and SNCB from Amsterdam to Brussels. Not all routes are direct – but don’t worry! We’ll show you every step of the way in our Journey Planner and app.
Travelling by train means you can go straight from city centre to city centre. You’ll step off the train at Brussels-Midi station (the city’s main train station), just a 20-minute stroll away from the world-famous UNESCO site Grand Place. Take in the famous market square and much more, as the city is yours to explore as soon as you arrive!
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels and we’ll show you how much you can save. Just remember, the sooner you book, the cheaper your tickets can be.
Why not start a search for cheap train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels with us today? If you want to find out more first, keep reading for:
- Today’s train times
- Eurostar and NS classes
- Onboard services on Eurostar and NS
- SNCB classes and services on board
- Travelling from the airport to central Amsterdam
- How to get to Amsterdam Centraal station
- Everything you need to know about Amsterdam Centraal station
- Train stations between Amsterdam and Brussels
- Arriving at Brussels Midi from Amsterdam
- Using public transport in Brussels
- Things to do in Brussels and Belgium
- Popular train journeys from Brussels
- Explore Europe with an Interrail pass
- Travelling from central Brussels to the airport
Amsterdam to Brussels by train
It takes an average of 2h 56m to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels by train, over a distance of around 108 miles (175 km). There are normally 22 trains per day travelling from Amsterdam to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from £20.92 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Amsterdam to Brussels
Want to know more about your journey from Amsterdam to Brussels? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the fastest journey time between Amsterdam and Brussels by train?
Can you take a train directly from Amsterdam to Brussels?
How close is Amsterdam to Brussels by train?
Which train companies operate from Amsterdam to Brussels?
Is it possible to get from Amsterdam to Brussels without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels?
What time does the first train from Amsterdam to Brussels leave?
What time does the last train from Amsterdam to Brussels leave?
How often are trains from Amsterdam to Brussels?
Do you need to book the train from Amsterdam to Brussels in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels?
NS and Eurostar trains from Amsterdam to Brussels
NS
Eurostar
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.
More information
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 luggage, and onboard food and beverage carriage. 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 1st October, 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 colour scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
Eurostar and NS classes from Amsterdam to Brussels
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar and NS when travelling from Amsterdam to Brussels.
Eurostar
NS
Eurostar Standard
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.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
Eurostar Plus
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.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat (1)
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premier
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.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Eurostar and NS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Amsterdam to Brussels.
Eurostar
NS
Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).
Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling 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 sweet and savoury 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 plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.
Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.
You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.
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 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.
The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
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 the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
There are no luggage 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 carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.
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 lead - 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.
Cheap train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels
Book in advance
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.§
Be flexible with your travel times
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.
Choose a slower or connecting train
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!
Look out for special deals
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.
SNCB classes and services on board
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium. When travelling from Amsterdam to Brussels, you may find yourself on an SNCB train. Find out more about these trains here.
Services on board SNCB trains
- Luggage: You can take 3 pieces of luggage (max. 30 kg in total) per passenger on board SNCB trains. There are luggage storage areas above and below your seat. You can take wheelchairs, folding bikes, pushchairs and sports equipment on board for free as part of your luggage allowance.
- Food and drink: Currently, SNCB does not offer catering on board, though you can take your own drinks and snacks for the journey.
- Entertainment: SNCB doesn’t offer onboard WiFi at the moment. However, there is free WiFi available in Belgium’s main stations, including Brussels-Midi.
- Travel with children: Up to 4 children under 12 can travel for free if they are travelling with a person aged 12 or over holding a valid ticket. For additional children, you’ll need to buy a half-price Kids Ticket.
- Bikes: To travel with a bicycle, you’ll need to buy a Bike Supplement on top of your ticket (€4). When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available. Folding bikes can be taken on board for free.
- Pets: Guide and assistance dogs may travel free of charge. Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement.
- Special assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
Classes on board SNCB trains
Second Class
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of luggage storage and plug sockets on board as standard. You can only reserve a seat if you have a group ticket.
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfier seats.
Travelling from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city centre
If you’re visiting Amsterdam from abroad, you might be flying into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Want to know how to get to the city centre from the airport? Keep reading for more details.
Trains from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The fastest and cheapest way to get to the city centre is the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal station.
Trains are operated by NS, the main rail operator in the Netherlands. Services generally run every 10 - 15 minutes from 06:00 am to 01:00 am (they depart every hour during other times). The journey can take around 15 minutes, leaving you in one of Amsterdam's most central and best-connected locations.
You can buy train tickets for your transfer from the airport to the city centre with Trainline – take a look at our Journey Planner for times and prices.
Buses from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
If you’d like to take the bus, the Amsterdam Airport Express, also known as Bus 397, departs from the airport several times an hour from 5:00 am to around midnight. You can take this big red bus right outside the main airport hall, and it takes about 30 minutes to arrive in central Amsterdam.
At night, you can take the Niteliner bus N97 from the airport to the city centre instead. These run once per hour between 1:15 am and 4:15 am.
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 January 2024, a one-way ticket costs €6.50 (around £5.64), while a return ticket costs €11.75 (around £10.19). 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.
Travelling to Amsterdam Centraal station from central Amsterdam
Handily located in the middle of the city, Amsterdam Centraal station is well-served by public transport, including:
- Metro: Metro lines M51, M52, M53 and M54 serve Amsterdam’s central station.
- Trams: Tram lines 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24 and 26 stop at Amsterdam Centraal.
- Buses: If you want to travel around by bus, buses 12, 21, 22, 43, 48, 305, 306, 314, 316, 391 and 394 stop at Amsterdam Centraal station.
- Ferries: There are several free passenger ferry services in Amsterdam as part of the public transport network – lines F2, F3 and F4 serve Amsterdam Centraal.
Psst: if you travelled from the UK to the Netherlands by train, you’ll already be in the right place! Eurostar trains from London to Amsterdam leave from London St Pancras station and arrive at Amsterdam-Centraal station.
Everything you need to know about Amsterdam Centraal station
Once you’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal station, you’ll need to get ready to catch your train.
When should I arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station?
What’s on offer at Amsterdam Centraal?
Which facilities are in the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station?
Train stations between Amsterdam and Brussels
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 can take just under 2 hours. Depending on which service you take, you can travel through some of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands and Belgium. The line from Amsterdam to Brussels serves:
Perhaps one of these cities will spark inspiration for your next trip? If you’re curious, don’t wait – check out our guide to seeing the Netherlands by train or our suggested itinerary for a 3 day trip to Belgium and get planning!
Arriving at Brussels Midi station from Amsterdam
You can begin to soak up the city’s atmosphere as soon as you’ve arrived in Brussels.
When travelling from Amsterdam to Brussels by train, you’ll arrive in the centre of the Belgian capital, at Brussels Midi station. You may also see this called Brussel-Zuid or Bruxelles-Midi – these are the Dutch and French names for the station.
Once you’ve stepped off the train, you can make your way out of the station. You won’t need to go through passport checks. 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 already be close to the city centre – that's the beauty of travelling by train!
From the station, you can reach Brussels’ central square, the Grand Place, by tram, metro, bus, taxi or on foot:
- Walk: Grand Place is around a 20-minute walk from Brussels Midi train station. Explore Brussels’ streets – you might even walk past the famous Tintin mural!
- Tram: Head to Gare du Midi tram stop. Take line 3 or 4 to Bourse tram stop and walk to Grand Place.
- Bus: Take the bus from the Gare du Midi bus stop and take the number 48 bus to the Grand Place bus stop.
- Taxi: Outside Brussels Midi station, you’ll find a queue of taxis waiting to take you anywhere in the city. It’s worth remembering that these are likely more expensive than public transport.
Using public transport in Brussels
Brussels can be explored on foot, but you can also take advantage of the city’s modern public transport network.
All public transport is managed by the Brussels Intermunicipal Transport Company (STIB).
You can pay for journeys on public transport using a contactless bank card or device. Tap the grey reader when entering the metro, tram or bus. A single journey costs €2.10 (around £1.82) as of January 2024, and your daily travel is capped at €7.50 (around £6.49). Once you hit this cap, you won’t pay any more for that day’s travel.
You can also buy daily passes, which will give you unlimited travel on all public transport for a day. You can find out more about these on the STIB website.
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 around the city from 5:30 am until around midnight, seven days a week. Usually, metro trains run every 5-10 minutes.
Taking the tram in Brussels
Boasting 18 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 centre, 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. The bus is also 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.
Things to do in Brussels and Belgium
Famous for its chocolate, its beer and its stunning Gothic architecture, Brussels is the perfect location if you want a city break. To help inspire your next trip, here are some ideas for things to do in Brussels and beyond:
Popular train journeys from Brussels
So you enjoyed Brussels, and now you want to see even more of Europe by train? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most popular train journeys from Brussels to whet your appetite.
Explore Europe by train with an Interrail Pass
After visiting Brussels, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail 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 an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country (this includes UK citizens). If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Travelling to the airport from central 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 centre.
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 centre 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 centre with minimum fuss, you could take a taxi. In Central Brussels, there are many taxi ranks and companies. Please note that travelling in a taxi can be expensive – the average fare from the city centre to the airport is around €50 (around £43.27).
Heading to London? Take the train instead
If you were planning on flying back to the UK from Brussels, why not think about taking the train instead? Eurostar services run direct from Brussels-Midi station to London St Pancras International station, with the fastest trains taking around 2 hours to make the cross-Channel trip.
What’s more, you won’t have to worry about liquid limits on the Eurostar – plus there’s a generous luggage allowance!
Find out more about Eurostar and the journey from Brussels to London by train.