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.

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

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In 2013 brand new ‘Fyra’ trains were supposed to take over this service, but they had to be withdrawn due to technical problems - so these older, more conventional trains returned.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