Taking the train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal
Dust off your clogs, because when you travel by train from Brussels to Amsterdam-Centraal, you'll be sipping coffee by the canals of the Dutch capital in less than two hours. City centres are notoriously difficult to drive, and with so many Dutch beers to try, you can save anyone in your party being the designated driver.
With 27 high-speed direct services running between Brussels and Amsterdam every day, you'll be travelling in ultimate comfort flying through the European countryside at speeds of up to 300km/h without any traffic jam in sight. All Eurostar, Nederlandse Spoorwegen and Thalys trains are fitted with free onboard WiFi, a food and beverage car and plenty of room for luggage too, so there's no need to worry about packing the car. You'll hop off the train right in the centre of Amsterdam, and can hop onto a bicycle in no time to explore the city's waterways like a true Dutch local.
Ready to go? Start planning your trip now using our journey planner above to find the best deal. Still not convinced? Keep reading for more information on the journey, including times, ticket prices and FAQs.
Brussels to Amsterdam-Centraal by train
| Journey time | From 1h 52m |
|---|---|
| Price | €22 - €630 |
| Distance | 109 miles (175 km) |
| Frequency | 29 trains per day |
| Departure station | Brussels |
| Arrival station | Amsterdam-Centraal |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | NS, |
Eurostar, NS and Thalys trains from Brussels to Amsterdam-Centraal
Eurostar
NS
Thalys
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).
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
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
Cheap train tickets from Brussels to Amsterdam-Centraal
- lowest price found‡
- from€22
- 4 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€42.77
- 2 weeksin advance‡
- avg. single price€48.31
- on the day‡
- avg. single price€63.58
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-Centraal 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 guide to check when European train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap 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-Centraal take?
The average journey time by train between Brussels and Amsterdam-Centraal is 2 hours and 23 minutes, with around 29 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.
How fast does the train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal travel?
Thalys high-speed trains from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal can travel at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The fastest journey time from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal by train is 1 hour and 52 minutes.
How much does the train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal cost?
The average train ticket price from Brussels to Amsterdam-Centraal usually costs around €48.31 two weeks before travel, but can start from as little as €22 when you book in advance. Prices also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal?
Yes. There are 15 direct NS or Thalys trains that travel from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal each day with an average journey time of 2 hours and 23 minutes.
What time does the first train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal leave?
The first train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal leaves at 06:11 from Brussels-Midi. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal leave?
The last train from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal leaves at 21:11 from Brussels-Midi. 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 Centraal by train?
Trains travelling from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal cover a distance of around 109 miles (175 km) during the journey.
Which train companies operate between Brussels and Amsterdam Centraal?
Trains travelling from Brussels to Amsterdam Centraal are operated by Eurostar – through the Channel Tunnel, Nederlanse Spoorwegen (NS) – the national railway company in the Netherlands or Thalys – a high-speed train company connecting the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany.
