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How to travel by train from Brussels to Rotterdam where connections are available to Delft, Gouda and Utrecht
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Bruxelles / Brussels to Rotterdam by train
There is a choice between three services when taking a train from Bruxelles/Brussels to Rotterdam:
1: The new Eurocity Direct (ECD) services can be the logical choice - they're only 20 mins slower than the Eurostar trains, depart every hour, can be more than 50% cheaper - And are less than €8 more expensive than the regular Eurocity trains (option 3).
2: The Eurostar trains take the same route as the EuroCity Direct (ECD) trains but the journey time is around 20 mins faster, because these Eurostar trains have a higher top speed.
Though when comparing the journey times factor in the need to pass through the security checks at Bruxelles-Midi which can be required when accessing the trains.
They are also typically the most expensive option when taking a train from Bruxelles to Rotterdam.
3: The Eurocity (EC) trains are slower because they divert off the direct route, call at more stations - and also can't match the speed of the Eurostar trains on the high-speed lines.
However, they're usually the cheaper option and if you will be buying tickets last minute at the station, they're money savers.
They also depart from Bruxelles-Central and Bruxelles-Nord stations in addition to Bruxelles-Midi.
If you'll be heading to Rotterdam from Bruxelles-Nord, and take the ECD or Eurostar trains, you will need need factor in a minimum of an additional 20 mins from boarding a train at Nord to departing from Midi station.
Routes you can take to go from Bruxelles / Brussels to Rotterdam
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.
Choose one of the following options:
Looking for connections?
Route Information
Option 1: taking the Eurocity Direct (ECD) trains
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
1hr 30min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
1 x train per hour
Is the journey from Bruxelles to Rotterdam direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this option
Is this journey scenic?
It very much isn't.
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
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Rotterdam - Centraal from Bruxelles-Midi on this journey option?
- Before 08:20 on Monday to Saturday
- Before 10:20 on Sunday
Source = Deutsche Bahn
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Rotterdam?
The Central station is on the north-west corner of the heart of Rotterdam, but Rotterdam-Blaak station is located on the opposite side of the city centre - and there are typically 10 x trains per hour which travel between the two stations.
Rotterdam Centraal is also served by two 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 Rotterdam Centraal on this journey option
- After 21:45 on Monday to Friday
- After 21:55 on Saturday and Sunday
Source = Deutsche Bahn
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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam trains?
Children aged 11 and under travel free of charge, those aged 12 to 25 travel at a 20% discount
Does the ticket for these Bruxelles to Rotterdam train include assigned seats?
No - seat reservations are not available on these trains
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Bruxelles to Rotterdam trains?
No
Is catering available on the Bruxelles to Rotterdam trains on this journey option?
No
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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