In Benelux, luxury isn’t just a cliché word from travel brochures; it’s a way of life.
We’ll show you how to see diamond Antwerp, cutting-edge Amsterdam, and lavish Luxembourg in one trip (and even save on train tickets with the Eurail Benelux Pass).
What is Benelux?
Benelux isn’t the name of a trendy new brunch spot (although that would be a pretty cool name!). It’s a region in Europe made up of three close-knit neighbors: Belgium (BE), the Netherlands (NE), and Luxembourg (LUX).
Why should I explore the Benelux region?
Because it’s packed with everything from medieval towns to modern art, waffles to world-class museums, and everything in between. Plus, train travel here is as smooth as Belgian chocolate. You can have breakfast in Brussels, lunch in Luxembourg, and dine in Amsterdam. How cool is that?
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Eurail Benelux Pass
Eurail Benelux is your golden ticket to exploring Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg all in one handy pass. Think of it as your unlimited backstage pass to the best gigs in town—except the gigs are charming cities and scenic train rides. This means that you often don’t need to book each train journey in advance. For most trains, you can just hop on and show your pass. However, some high-speed trains and all-night trains do require a reservation and possibly a small additional fee.
Don’t skip this step: Make sure you jot down each trip in your Eurail’s Travel Diary. It keeps things smooth with the ticket checker, so you can travel without any hiccups.
How do I even begin planning my Benelux Eurail trip?
Start with a big map and a bigger cup of coffee. Then, pop over to Trainline’s Journey Planner. We’ve got all the schedules, tips, and routes you need.
Image Credit: Getty Images, tibu. Image Location: Grund district, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Why should I book my Benelux train adventure with Trainline?
You might prefer booking with Trainline because we make train travel easy, so you can focus on the fun parts. Think of Trainline as your travel buddy who handles all the nitty-gritty details, from finding the best routes to snagging you those sweet deals on tickets.
Traveling by train in Belgium: yay or nay?
Yay, all the way! Belgium’s train network is like a well-oiled waffle maker—efficient, reliable, and ready to serve up some delicious travel opportunities. You can go from beer in Brussels to admiring diamonds in Antwerp in no time.
Are Netherlands rail passes worth it?
Absolutely! If you want to explore beyond the tulip fields and canals, snagging a Eurail Global Pass is your ticket to train-hopping all over the country. Or if you know you want to visit just the Netherlands, grab a Eurail Benelux Pass, which lets you hit up Belgium and Luxembourg too.
Are there any railways in Luxembourg?
Oh, absolutely! Luxembourg might be small, but it has a well-developed railway system that packs a punch. Run by the CFL (that’s Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois for those who fancy a bit of French), this network zips you around Luxembourg faster than you can say “Let’s grab a coffee in Ettelbruck.” And it doesn’t stop at the border—nope, it stretches its tracks into France, Belgium, and Germany, making it a breeze to pop over to Paris for lunch or Brussels for a beer city break.
Can I travel by train from the Netherlands to Belgium?
Absolutely, you can train-hop from the Netherlands to Belgium as smoothly as slicing through a Dutch apple pie. The train services between these two countries offer plenty of options throughout the day. Whether you’re planning to explore the medieval streets of Bruges or dive into the bustling vibe of Brussels, there’s a train with your name on it. And here’s a pro tip: check out the high-speed options like Eurostar or the Intercity trains for a quicker journey.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Shaun Egan. Image Location: Brabo Fountain and City Hall, Brote Markt, Antwerp, Belgium
Eurail Benelux Pass travel ideas
One-day Benelux itinerary
- Start your day with a bike ride to the train station in Amsterdam.
- Have lunch and a diamond gawk in Antwerp.
- Enjoy an afternoon coffee in a cozy café in Ghent.
- End your day marveling at Luxembourg’s fairytale castles at night.
10-day Eurail Benelux Pass loop itinerary
Amsterdam → Rotterdam → Antwerp → Ghent → Bruges → Brussels → Luxembourg → Maastricht → Amsterdam
Day 1-2: Amsterdam kickoff 🌷
Start your journey in Amsterdam, the land of canals, bikes, and all things gezellig (cozy and inviting). Dive into the art scene with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, get a bit of history at the Anne Frank House, and if you’re feeling brave, explore the quirky side of the city in the Red Light District. Don’t forget to grab some stroopwafels for the road!
Day 3: Rotterdam, the future now 🏙️
Amsterdam-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal travel time: from 39m
Next stop, Rotterdam. Marvel at the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge. This city is a stark contrast to Amsterdam with its modern architecture and vibrant street art. For the best view, head up to the Euromast. Foodies, the Markthal is your haven for all things delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Day 4: Antwerp, a diamond in the rough 💎
Rotterdam Centraal to Antwerpen-Centraal travel time: from 32m
On to Antwerp, where fashion, art, and diamonds await. Stroll through the charming streets, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, and if you’ve got an eye for sparkles, the Diamond District calls. Belgian fries and a pint of local beer are non-negotiable here.
Day 5: Ghent, where history meets art and hip 🎨
Antwerpen-Centraal to Gent-Sint-Pieters travel time: from 57m
Ghent is your next gem, a perfect blend of medieval architecture and cool, contemporary vibes. Climb the Belfry for panoramic views, explore the art scene, and don’t miss the Gravensteen castle. Evening walks along the Graslei and Korenlei streets are magical, with the city lights reflecting off the canals.
Day 6: Bruges, straight out of a fairytale 🦢
Gent-Sint-Pieters to Bruges (Brugge) travel time: from 22m
As you wander through this enchanting city, don’t miss the graceful swans that adorn the waterways, adding to its magical atmosphere. Take a boat tour to see Bruges from a unique perspective, indulge in some Belgian chocolate for a sweet treat, and climb the Belfort to catch breathtaking storybook views. Bruges is small, but its charm is mighty.
Day 7: Brussels, the heart of Europe 🇪🇺
Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels Central travel time: from 1h 1m
Brace yourself for Brussels, a city of contrasts with the majestic Grand-Place, cheeky Manneken Pis, and the Atomium. Dive into the comic book scene, and yes, more chocolate, waffles, and beer here! The nightlife in Brussels is lively, offering the perfect mix of cultures.
Day 8: Luxembourg, a Grand Duchy adventure 🏰
Brussel-Midi to Luxembourg travel time: from 3h 8m
Luxembourg may be small, but it’s packed with stunning castles and landscapes. Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get lost in the Bock Casemates tunnels. The views from the Chemin de la Corniche are breathtaking.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Allard Schager. Image Location: Sint Servaas Bridge and Maas River, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Day 9: Maastricht, a hidden Dutch gem ✨
Luxembourg to Maastricht travel time: from 3h 25m
Circle back to the Netherlands with a stop in Maastricht, a city rich in history and culture. Wander through the old town, visit the Basilica of Saint Servatius, and if you’re up for it, explore the caves of Mount Saint Peter. Oh, and check out the bookstore in a church! Boekhandel Dominicanen housed in a beautifully converted 13th-century Dominican church is a must-see for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Day 10: Back to Amsterdam 🚂
Maastricht to Amsterdam-Centraal travel time: from 2h 29m
End your journey where it all began, in Amsterdam. If you missed anything at the start or just want to soak up more of the city’s vibe, now’s your chance. Maybe take a leisurely bike ride through Vondelpark, hunt for souvenirs at the Albert Cuyp Market, or explore the old windmills nearby.
Benelux train pass
There you have it—our handy dandy guide to hopping around Benelux by train, courtesy of Eurail and Trainline. Pack your bags, grab your pass, plan your trips with the Trainline app, and get ready for the rail adventure to remember! Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Jorg Greuel. Image Location: Grote Markt, Bruges, Belgium