Trains from Brussels to Amsterdam
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High-Speed trains from Brussels to Amsterdam
The average train time from Brussels to Amsterdam is 2h 6m, although it takes just 1h 45m on the fastest Thalys services. There are around 59 trains per day running from Brussels – it’s one of the most popular routes from Belgium to Amsterdam – the first train leaves Brussels Midi at 06:11 and the last train leaves at 21:11.
- All trains depart from Brussels Midi station.
- All trains arrive into Amsterdam Centraal station.
Jump on a train from Brussels to Amsterdam and arrive in the Dutch capital in under two hours on the fastest Thalys and Eurostar services. It’s possible to fly, but taking the train is by far the most efficient way to travel from city centre to city centre. You’ll be sipping coffee in one of Amsterdam’s canal-side cafés before you know it!
The train arrives into Amsterdam Centraal station – from here, you’re well connected to the rest of the city. Dam Square, the city’s historic centre, is just 10 minutes away on foot. Be sure to visit the famous wax museum Madame Tussauds and the stunning 15th-century church, the Nieuwe Kerk. For those interested in European history, head to Anne Frank House for a very moving experience of life under occupation during WW2. If you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, why not enjoy a nice picnic at Vondelpark?
Ready to book? Start a search for tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or keep reading for train times, FAQs and tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Brussels to Amsterdam by train
It takes an average of 2h 31m to travel from Brussels to Amsterdam by train, over a distance of around 108 miles (175 km). There are normally 23 trains per day travelling from Brussels to Amsterdam and tickets for this journey start from €26 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:55 | |
| Departure station | Brussels | |
| Arrival station | Amsterdam | |
| Journey time | From 1h 52m | |
| Distance | 108 miles (175 km) | |
| Frequency | 23 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From €26 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Eurostar, Thalys, NS and SNCB trains from Brussels to Amsterdam
Eurostar
Thalys
NS
SNCB
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 luggage, 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).
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.
More information
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
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
More information
Eurostar, Thalys, SNCB and NS classes from Brussels to Amsterdam
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, Thalys, SNCB and NS when travelling from Brussels to Amsterdam.
Eurostar
Thalys
SNCB
NS
Standard
Eurostar Standard Class offers you great value tickets with no hidden extra costs. From free WiFi and comfy seats to a wide range of snacks and drinks available on board, there are lots of reasons to travel in Standard Class.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- Fast track
Standard Premier
In addition to all the amenities you’ll find in Standard Class, Eurostar Standard Premier also offers a complimentary meal, which is served right at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- Fast track
Business Premier
Fancy travelling in style? Business Premier is the travel class for you – it gives you the freedom to travel according to your schedule, to speed through Fast Track ticket gates and to relax in Eurostar’s exclusive Business Premier Lounges.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- Fast track
Standard
Standard is the perfect class for you if you’re after great value with no hidden extra costs. On board, you’ll find free WiFi, power sockets, a generous luggage allowance and snacks and drinks available from the Thalys Welcome Bar.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Welcome service
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
Comfort
If you’d like to enjoy all of the amenities of Standard Class, as well as wider, more comfortable seating and a welcome from Thalys staff on the platform, then upgrade to Comfort!
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Welcome service
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
Premium
Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to Premium and you’ll enjoy complimentary food and drink, as well as access to the NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal station.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Welcome service
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
Second Class
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of luggage storage and power sockets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- More legroom
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfier seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- More legroom
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- 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
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Eurostar, Thalys, SNCB and NS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Brussels to Amsterdam.
Eurostar
Thalys
SNCB
NS
Although there’s no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you should be able to carry and lift your bags safely. Each bag can be up to 85cm long and should be clearly labelled.
There's no restriction on liquids either. However, there are some restrictions on alcohol: 4 bottles/cans of beer are allowed per person; no large bottles of spirits are allowed. If you’re travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you’ll need to contact a courier service.
- In Standard Class, you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks from the onboard bar buffet Café Métropole – it’s located near the middle of your train and they accept both cash and cards
- Travelling in Standard Premier? A light meal and drink will be served to your seat
- Upgrade to Business Premier and you'll get to enjoy a gourmet meal crafted for the time of day, as well as a continuous supply of drinks throughout your journey, ranging from tea, coffee and soft drinks to Champagne.
Eurostar do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, they do have free WiFi - simply go to your WiFi settings and choose EurostarTrainsWiFi. A form will pop up - just fill it in and click 'Connect' to get online.
- Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar
- Kids under 4 can travel for free if they sit on an adult's lap, or they can get 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 an adult, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form
- 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
Unfortunately, at the moment Eurostar is not able to transport your fully assembled bike. You can still bring a folding bike on board provided it's no longer than 85cm and is carried in a protective bag which covers the whole bike. This is to protect your bike, other people, and their baggage both at the station, on board and when going through security.
Finally, you won’t be able to travel on Eurostar with an e-scooter or hoverboard.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel on Eurostar only if they’re with their owners. You’ll need to book their ticket at least 48 hours in advance via Eurostar's contact form. When travelling with your guide dog, you’ll need to bring:
- Your passport and Eurostar ticket
- Their Eurostar ticket
- Valid rabies vaccination
- Animal health certificate
- A copy of your confirmation email or case reference number.
We recommend that you arrive at the station at least 75 minutes in advance.
- To receive special assistance on Eurostar, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so they are able to assist you
- Arrive at least 1 hour in advance, then head to the Eurostar Assist welcome point or speak to a member of staff
- If you have a wheelchair or mobility scooter, you’ll need to book a wheelchair space, which is in Standard Premier and Business Premier - you’ll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. You can also travel with a companion at a discounted rate.
Sports equipment
- You can travel with a golf bag of up to 120 x 35 x 35cm to and from any destination
- You can take tents and other shelters if packed in bags or cases under 85cm long
- You can’t take camping gas or butane cylinders and canisters on board
- Camping cutlery and tools like pocket or Swiss army knives are allowed if blades are less than 75mm long. Any folding knife with a blade that locks is prohibited.
- You can take bats, pool and snooker cues and darts if kept in a protective case.
On Thalys trains, there are luggage racks near the entrance doors, or in the spaces between the seat backs, or on the rack above your seat.
Although there’s no weight limit for your luggage, you should be able to carry and lift your bags safely.
Their baggage policy includes 2 items of luggage /suitcases with max size of 75 x 53 x 30cm and 1 carry-on item.
You may also bring special items of luggage on board (like musical instruments). However, they must be under 2 meters long.
Food in Standard and Comfort Class
You can visit the Thalys Welcome Bar – you’ll get to choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks.
You can also pre-order food and drinks on your smartphone, tablet or laptop and collect from the Welcome Bar.
Food in Premium Class
You’ll enjoy a complimentary meal, which will be served straight to your seat.
Thalys' menu is designed by Belgian chef, Frank Fol. Meals are served for any international journey over 50 minutes.
Once you’ve found your seat and made yourself comfortable, you can connect to the complimentary WiFi and chat to your friends, catch up on work or watch your favourite TV show. To make sure your devices don’t lose power, connect to the power sockets at your seat.
Thalys make it easy to take your little ones on a train journey. Kids under 4 can travel free of charge and without a ticket, provided they sit on your lap. Kids between 4 and 12 can get discounted ticket prices.
In cars 7, 17 and 27 on Thalys trains you’ll also find baby-changing facilities, a sink, and a bottle warmer.
Strollers are allowed on board free of charge, but should be folded before boarding and stored in the baggage racks in the carriage you’re sitting in.
Thalys accept a small number of non-folding bikes on board, however both wheels must be removed and the whole bike must be covered in a non-rigid container (max size 135 x 85 x 30cm). Folding bikes are treated as standard luggage (max size 75 x 53 x 30cm).
Travelling with your pet? Small dogs and other domestic animals that weigh less than 6kg can travel free of charge on Thalys trains. They must travel in a cage or container though, with max dimensions being 45 x 30 x 25cm.
If your dog is bigger than this, you’ll need to purchase a specific dog ticket (usually at a fixed price of €30) and the dog must travel on your lap, or on the floor, on a lead and muzzled.
Guide and assistance dogs of any size are also allowed free of charge.
If you need help with boarding or disembarking, you should contact Thalys directly before your trip. Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they do not exceed:
- 70 cm wide / 120 cm high
- Turning circle diameter: 150 cm
- Maximum weight: 300 kg with the passenger and luggage
When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:
- Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
- Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
- Pushchairs and prams
- Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
- Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
There are no luggage 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 carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.
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 lead - 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 Brussels to Amsterdam
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 Brussels to Amsterdam 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.
Journey details
How long does the train from Brussels to Amsterdam take?
The average journey time by train between Brussels and Amsterdam is 2 hours and 31 minutes, with around 23 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 Brussels and Amsterdam by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Brussels to Amsterdam is 1 hour and 52 minutes.
How much does the train from Brussels to Amsterdam cost?
Train ticket prices from Brussels to Amsterdam can start from as little as €26 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.
Is there a direct train from Brussels to Amsterdam?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Brussels to Amsterdam without having to change trains. There are 16 direct trains from Brussels to Amsterdam each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Brussels to Amsterdam leave?
The first train from Brussels to Amsterdam leaves at 05:45. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Brussels to Amsterdam leave?
The last train from Brussels to Amsterdam leaves at 20:55. 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 Brussels and Amsterdam by train?
Trains travelling from Brussels to Amsterdam cover a distance of around 108 miles (175 km) during the journey.