Antwerp is Belgium's second largest city located on the banks of the River Scheldt. The city has long been an influential part of the Low Countries and today retains much of its Flemish culture which is unique, in language, customs and traditions, to northern Belgium and The Netherlands. Passengers can travel on trains to Antwerp from London by making just one connection in Brussels. Explore the medieval houses, historic squares and the Cathedral of Our Lady when you travel on trains to Antwerp with Trainline.
Trains to Antwerp
Antwerp Central station is considered one of the grandest in Europe. With its stunning architecture, it has taken pride of place in the city since its construction in 1905. Antwerp is well connected not only to the capital Brussels and other Belgian cities and also, largely thanks to high-speed rail, numerous European destinations. The canals of Amsterdam and the boulevards of Paris can be reached in just a few short hours from Antwerp's historic city centre. Highlights of a visit to Antwerp include releasing your inner fashion critic at the fashion museum MoMu and catching an art-house classic at Cartoon's – the city's smallest cinema. Don't forget to visit Het Eilandje. Once an economic backwater, the neighbourhood is now flourishing. It's considered the coolest district in town and is a magnet for artists and craft beer lovers. Passengers on trains from London to Antwerp will arrive via the capital Brussels. Journey time from Brussels to Antwerp is 48 minutes (on average), with the fastest service taking a mere 35 minutes between the two cities.
The best of Antwerp
Rubenshuis: This small museum is located in the former home of possibly the most famous Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens was famed for his multi-disciplinary baroque masterpieces, and a visit to his home gives rich insight into his life and much-admired works.
Fashion Museum MoMu: Antwerp has long been known as a place where young fashionistas perfect their craft. This, in addition to the permanent exhibition at MoMu, makes the city an ideal place for visitors to explore the history of fashion.
Cathedral of Our Lady: One of the largest of its kind in Europe, this gargantuan Gothic cathedral is over 120m tall. Some of Ruben's paintings are also housed within the cathedral, which is another excellent reason to visit.
Old Market Square: Antwerp's sweeping square is packed with cafes and surrounded by the famous stately guild houses which define the image of the city – the perfect spot for a morning coffee or an afternoon Belgian beer or three.
Diamond District: Antwerp lies at the centre of the world's jewellery trade and scattered around the district are endless boutiques, as well as the coveted Diamond Exchange. The area is also a cultural melting pot with a large influx of Jewish and Indian merchants.
Trains to Antwerp from London
All trains to Antwerp from London depart from the capital's London St Pancras International station. St Pancras is ideally located within walking distance to both King's Cross and Euston for those who require outbound connections. Eurostar services connect London to mainland Europe with a journey time between the UK and Brussels of just over 2 hours. Upon arrival at Brussels Midi station, passengers can connect with local IC trains which take just over half an hour to reach Antwerp. IC or InterCity services are provided by the national Belgian rail network and connect Brussels with Antwerp as well as with Rotterdam and the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. It's also possible to reach Antwerp from London via Paris for those who would like to catch a glimpse or spend some time in the picturesque French capital. Eurostar provides the service between St Pancras and the continent with a journey time between London and Paris of around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Once in Paris, the high-speed operator Eurostar also services the route to Antwerp with a travel time of approximately 2 hours.
Train Stations in Antwerp
Antwerp Central railway station: Antwerp's main railway station is more than just a point of transit; it's a tourist attraction in its own right. Many consider it the most exquisite example of train architecture in the country and it has featured on several lists of the world's most beautiful stations. Antwerp Central is a major international station with regular services connecting it to both Brussels and Amsterdam as well as a number of other Belgian cities.
Antwerp Zuid railway station: Originally built in 1878, this is the city's second main station. A few intercity services call at Antwerp Zuid (or Antwerp South), including those arriving from Bruges and Ghent.
For more information about travelling around in Belgium, please visit our trains in Belgium page and stay one step ahead in your travel plans.