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Travel from Amsterdam to Brussels by train in under 2 hours
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:
- Today's train times
- Information about Eurostar and NS
- Eurostar and NS classes
- Onboard services on Eurostar and NS
- Finding cheap train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels
- Traveling 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
- Traveling from central Brussels to the airport
- Explore Europe with a Eurail pass
Amsterdam to Brussels by train
It takes an average of 3h 3m to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels by train, over a distance of around 108 miles (175 km). There are normally 24 trains per day traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels and tickets for this journey start from $32.59 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:08 | |
| Departure station | Amsterdam | |
| Arrival station | Brussels | |
| Journey time | From 1h 53m | |
| Distance | 108 miles (175 km) | |
| Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $32.59 | |
| Train and bus operators |
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 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).
Eurostar and NS classes from Amsterdam to Brussels
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar and NS when traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels.
Eurostar
NS
Standard
In Standard class, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard bar car.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
Standard Premier
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Standard Class, in Eurostar Standard Premier you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Instead of Standard Premier, Red trains traveling around Europe have Comfort Class. 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
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal (1)
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains traveling to or from the United Kingdom.
Business Premier
For trains to and from London, Business Premier gives you the freedom to travel on your own timetable, with speedy boarding and Eurostar's exclusive Business Premier lounges where you can relax before your trip. In Premium Class, exclusively on trains in Europe, you'll benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access (2)
- In-seat meal service
- (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.
- (2) Access to the Business Premier lounge is only available for passengers traveling between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and a generous baggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- Power outlets
- 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
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- Power outlets
- 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 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 Class, 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 Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat. Travel in Business 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 Premium class, 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.
- Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
- Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
- If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
- Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
- 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
- You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
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:
- 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 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), 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 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:
- 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 Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (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; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling 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 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches 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 3 inches 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 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.
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.
Traveling from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center
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.
Traveling 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.
Everything you need to know about Amsterdam Centraal station
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:
- Cafés
- Shops and supermarkets
- Cash machines
- The NS International ticket office, open daily from 5:45 am to 9:00 pm
- The NS International Lounge, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday
- Baggage storage
- Self-service ticket machines
- Toilets with baby-changing facilities
- Bike rental and storage
Which facilities are in the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station?
If you've opted for a Thalys Premium 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:
- Comfortable workplaces
- Access to WiFi
- Modern meeting rooms
- Reading table and media wall
- A free drink
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 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:
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 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:
- Tram: Head to Gare du Midi tram stop and jump on tram line 82. Get off at the Porte d'Anderlecht tram stop and walk to Grand Place.
- Metro: From Gare du Midi Metro station, take lines 3 or 4 to Bourse Metro station 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.
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.
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.
Things to do in Brussels and Belgium
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:
Popular train journeys from Brussels
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:
Traveling 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 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).
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
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.
FAQs for 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.
How long does the train from Amsterdam to Brussels take?
The average journey time by train between Amsterdam and Brussels is 3 hours and 3 minutes, with around 24 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Amsterdam and Brussels by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Amsterdam to Brussels is 1 hour and 53 minutes.
How much does the train from Amsterdam to Brussels cost?
Train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels can start from as little as $32.59 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels without having to change trains. There are 18 direct trains from Amsterdam to Brussels each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Amsterdam to Brussels leave?
The first train from Amsterdam to Brussels leaves at 06:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Amsterdam to Brussels leave?
The last train from Amsterdam to Brussels leaves at 22:08. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Amsterdam and Brussels by train?
Trains travelling from Amsterdam to Brussels cover a distance of around 108 miles (175 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Brussels to Amsterdam.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.