Content
EC (Belgium <> Netherlands)
How to travel on the conventional (non high speed) express trains when travelling between Belgium and The Netherlands.
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At a Glance
Travel Pass Supplement
Rail Pass Reservation Fees
Reservations
Not Available
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Accessing the train
Wheelchair Spaces
Bikes Allowed
Train Specification
Attributes of the train
Has a Conductor
Country
Which country these trains operate in.
Belgium
Netherlands
Travel Passes
Eurail
InterRail
On Board
First Class
Perks
Power Socket
The power sockets on this train are compatible with standard E.U. two point plugs.
Trolley Service:
A catering trolley with hot and cold drinks and snacks should be taken through the train at some point during its journey.
Second Class
Perks
Power Socket
The power sockets on this train are compatible with standard E.U. two point plugs.
Trolley Service:
A catering trolley with hot and cold drinks and snacks should be taken through the train at some point during its journey.
Travel summary:
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 when taking journeys solely within The Netherlands.
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.
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In 2013 brand new ‘Fyra’ trains were supposed to take over this service, but they had to be withdrawn due to technical problems - so these older, more conventional trains returned.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 1st and 2nd class.
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.
Routes:
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.
Note that unlike the Thalys trains these IC trains call at Bruxelles Centraal and Bruxelles Nord stations.
If your journey will be commencing in locations convenient to those stations, when comparing journey times factor in the 10 - 15 mins required to travel back down the line to Bruxelles-Midi and the 15 min suggested check-in time for the Thalys trains at that station.
Bicycles:
These trains have designated storage areas for non-folding bicycles, but bike tickets must be purchased at the station prior to boarding. It's also a good idea to check at the station what the procedure is for stowing the bikes on to the trains.
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