Rail and road will get you from Amsterdam to Antwerp. However, if you want to arrive quickly and calmly while reducing your carbon footprint, take the train.
Forget the busy roads, sitting in traffic and tiredness that comes with driving – hop on a direct high-speed Thalys train and travel from city centre to city centre without having to lift a finger. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the view from your wide comfortable seat, with free WiFi and food and snacks from the Thalys Welcome Bar along the way. There are tens of trains per day from Amsterdam and Antwerp to choose from. Close enough for a day trip, far away enough for an overnight stay, this bourgeois city beckons you in.
We’ve got all the FAQs covered for your trip from Amsterdam to Antwerp. Read on to find out more about the train timetables and how to find cheap tickets.
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.
Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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 Antwerp by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Amsterdam and Antwerp is 1 hour and 56 minutes, with around 18 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Amsterdam to Antwerp is 1 hour and 14 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Amsterdam to Antwerp can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Amsterdam to Antwerp without having to change trains. There are 14 direct trains from Amsterdam to Antwerp each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Amsterdam to Antwerp leaves at 11:44. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Amsterdam to Antwerp leaves at 10:44. 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.
Trains travelling from Amsterdam to Antwerp cover a distance of around 83 miles (133 km) during the journey.