There have been major changes on the Bruxelles to Amsterdam rail route, as taking a high-speed Eurostar service is now the only option for a journey between the main stations in each of the city centers.
The Eurostar services primarily comprise trains, which used to be branded as Thalys services (the red trains), most of which commence their journeys in Paris.
Though there are also Eurostar services which take a London to Amsterdam route (the blue trains) and these trains can also be taken for a Bruxelles to Amsterdam journey.
These Eurostar services are now the only trains which are direct from Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid station to Amsterdam Centraal station.
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
2hrs (approx)
Daily
Monday - Thursday = 14 x trains per day
Friday = 16 x trains
Saturday = 10 x trains
Sunday = 15 x trains
Is the journey from Bruxelles to central Amsterdam direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this option
Is this journey scenic?
It very much isn't - the wow factor comes from the speed, north of Antwerpen the train will travel at more than 250 km/h.
Though one highlight occurs around 10 mins south of Rotterdam when the train crosses the Moerdijkbrug, the longest water-spanning railway bridge in The Netherlands
What other locations are along this route from Bruxelles to Amsterdam?
These trains also call in Rotterdam and in the station at Schiphol Airport.
The trains which commence their journeys in Paris also call at Antwerpen-Central, but tickets are not available for travel from Bruxelles to Antwerpen by these trains.
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Amsterdam Centraal from Bruxelles-Midi on this journey option?
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Centraal is served by three metro lines and multiple tram routes / lines which head into the city centre - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Amsterdam Centraal.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Bruxelles-Midi to Amsterdam Centraal on this journey option
How easy is it to get to the station in Bruxelles?
Bruxelles-Midi is served by multiple metro and tram lines/routes and there are frequent trains from Bruxelles-Central - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighborhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Bruxelles to Amsterdam trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access guides to how rail tickets are managed on this route, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Bruxelles to Amsterdam trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Bruxelles to Amsterdam trains?
Children under the age of 12 travel at a flat rate price of €15 in Standard, €20 in Comfort and €30 in Premium Class.
Source = Eurostar
Does the ticket for these Bruxelles to Amsterdam train include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Bruxelles to Amsterdam trains?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.
Though theses rail pass reservation fees can be avoided by taking the other journey options.
Is catering available on the Bruxelles to Amsterdam trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a vending machine
A complimentary at-seat meal service is available in Premier Class
Source = Eurostar
What else is good to know about Belgian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Belgium
What else is good to know about Dutch rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in The Netherlands.
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