Capital cities of Brussels(capital of Belgium) and Amsterdam(capital of Netherlands) are close to each other and separated by 2 hours by train. Trains are an effective way, as you would have heard already, to travel between European cities.

• Depart : Amsterdam Central
• Arrive : Brussels Midi
• Distance: 107 miles
• Travel time: 1:50 hrs - 2:45 hrs

High speed trains

The quickest and most luxurious way to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels is by Thalys or Eurostar high speed trains. It will take you there in 1 hour 50 minutes, but the tickets can be expensive and advance purchase is mandatory.You will get good sale offers on advance purchases.

NS International had the best rates and we were lucky to get first class tickets on Eurostar on a sale and it was almost the same cost as regular tickets.

• Seat reservation: Mandatory
• Advance purchase: recommended
• Travel time : 1:50 hrs

Regional Trains

You can also travel on regional trains like Intercity Brussels, it will take more time compared to high speed trains. There are direct trains, as well as trains that connect via Antwerp, Rotterdam etc. Trains take between 2 hrs and 3 hours to arrive in Brussels, depending on the service chosen and if any transfers are required etc.

• Seat reservation: Not required
• Advance purchase: optional
• Travel time : 2:15 hrs - 2:45 hrs

You can always pick up regional train tickets directly from the Amsterdam central station. The maximum price is fixed and does not change even at the last moment, but if you book early, you will get some lower sale fares. You can travel unlimited between the ticketed stations or hop on and hop off, in case you want to explore another city enroute etc…

Purchasing tickets

Train tickets can be purchased either on:

• NS International
• Thalys
• Eurostar
• OR at the counters in railway station

If you have purchased a Eurail pass, there are trains in this sector already included, but seat reservation may be required. Our recommendation is to look around above websites, for prices and book directly from operators or via the NS International website.

You will see other railway aggregators sites as well, but take your time to research direct ticket prices before you use these aggregator sites:

• RailEurope
• Resellers of raileurope like ricksteves

Travel Tips

• Eurail pass has to be physically mailed to a location and is not delivered via email etc. Please plan accordingly, if you are considering this for your eurotrip and check the shipping dates and rates

• If you have a Eurail pass,you don’t need to buy a ticket but you need to pay reservation fee and secure a seat reservation for travel on high speed trains in this route(Thalys, Eurostar etc).

• If you have a Eurail pass,you don’t need to buy a ticket on regional trains. You can travel on this train for free and get on and off whenever you like.

• Eurail pass is a pass that lets you travel on nearly every train in Europe but do your research before buying the pass. For our trip, we actually paid less when we did individual train bookings for our 16 day trip across Europe.

• Consider Eurail Benelux Pass, if you’re only looking to travel in The Netherlands and Belgium area. This pass gives you access to the three Benelux countries: Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg.