Intercity Brussels (Belgium <> Netherlands)

Dutch national rail operator NS uses the ‘Intercity Brussels’ branding for these trains online - but in Belgium they are simply known as IC trains.
They can also be branded as 'Intercity Direct' trains in The Netherlands.

Reservations are NOT available on these trains, but you shouldn't have any problems finding seats.

A range of hot and cold drinks as well as snacks will usually be available from a trolley that will be pushed through the train.

This is the non-high speed* alternative service to the Thalys trains for journeys between Belgium and The Netherlands.
*Although these trains use the Dutch high speed line either side of Rotterdam, they don't travel at high speed.

These trains now take one of two routes:

(1) Bruxelles - Midi/Zuid - Bruxelles Centraal - Bruxelles Nord - Bruxelles Aeroport - Mechelen - Antwerpen - Breda - Rotterdam - Schiphol Airport - Amsterdam

(2) Bruxelles - Midi/Zuid - Bruxelles Centraal - Bruxelles Nord - Bruxelles Aeroport - Mechelen - Antwerpen - Breda - Rotterdam - Den Haag HS.

Belgian and Dutch railways share the provision of the trains, though most of the services now seem to be Dutch (NS) trains – the images are of these trains.

In 2013 brand new ‘Fyra’ trains were supposed to take over this service, but they had to be withdrawn due to technical problems - so these older, more conventional trains returned.

The coaches used on these trains have been smartened up, but these are no frills trains – though the seating is comparatively spacious and comfortable in both 1^st and 2^nd class.

International train routes to/from Belgium

International train routes to/from The Netherlands

An overview of train travel in Belgium

An overview of train travel in The Netherlands

Travelling on European daytime trains

Travelling on European overnight trains