For those who want to travel around Europe by train, starting a trip in Amsterdam will make things as easy as can be. The rail network in this corner of the world is fast, reliable, and can get you just about anywhere you want. You feel like traveling from Amsterdam to London in less than four hours? There’s the Eurostar for that. You want to go to France to eat all the baguettes? There’s a Amsterdam to Paris high-speed train waiting for you. You’re dying to see Germany? Hop on the direct and cheap train between Amsterdam and Berlin. And if it’s Belgium and its famously delicious waffles you want to pay a little visit to, there are several trains for that, too.
High-speed Thalys train. Photo: username/Shutterstock
This High-Speed Train Will Take You From Amsterdam to Brussels in Less Than Two Hours
- How to get from Amsterdam to Brussels easily?
- How much does it cost to take the train from Amsterdam to Brussels?
- How long is the high-speed train from Amsterdam to Brussels?
- How many days do I need in Brussels?
- Is Brussels a day trip from Amsterdam?
- Where to stay in Brussels to be near Bruxelles Midi/Zuid Train Station
How to get from Amsterdam to Brussels easily?
High-speed Thalys train. Photo: username/Shutterstock
There are two very easy options to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels by train. You can take the direct, high-speed Thalys train, or you can hop on the NS International InterCity direct train (NS stands for Nederlandse Spoorwegen, i.e. the Dutch national railway company).
The high-speed Thalys train is a direct train that links the two cities in less than two hours. There are multiple high-speed Thalys trains traveling between Amsterdam and Brussels throughout the day.
The NS International InterCity direct train is not a high-speed train and therefore runs between Amsterdam and Brussels much more slowly than the Thalys train. The NS International InterCity also runs several times per day, throughout the day, and is just as frequent as the Thalys train.
To view the timetables, prices, and to book your train ticket, visit Thalys’ booking system and/or NS International.
How much does it cost to take the train from Amsterdam to Brussels?
The high-speed Thalys train between Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal) and Brussels (Bruxelles Midi/Zuid) starts at $31.10 (29 €) in Standard class and goes all the way up to $138.35 (129 €) in Premium class. It is easy to get a cheap ticket, but it is recommended to book as early as you can if you want to get the lowest price for the departure that suits you best.
Here is a break-down of the three different classes of service on the Thalys train:
- Standard class includes WiFi, one power outlet, two pieces of luggage, access to the on-board café.
- Comfort class includes WiFi, one power outlet, two pieces of luggage, a more comfortable seat in a quieter section of the train, and access to the on-board café.
- Premium class includes WiFi, one power outlet, two pieces of luggage, a more comfortable seats in a quieter section of the train, one gourmet meal (as well as access to the on-board café), one taxi reservation, as well as access to lounges in certain train stations.
The NS International InterCity train. Photo: VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock
The NS International InterCity train between Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal) and Brussels (Bruxelles Midi/Zuid) starts at $26.80 (25 €) in Second class and goes all the way to $90.55 (84.40 €) in First class. There is no WiFi or café-restaurant cars on this train. First class on the NS International InterCity train includes: larger seats, more leg room, one power outlet, access to the International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal.
How long is the high-speed train from Amsterdam to Brussels?
The high-speed Thalys train between Amsterdam and Brussels takes one hour and 53 minutes.
The NS International InterCity direct train between Amsterdam and Brussels takes two hours and 45 minutes.
How many days do I need in Brussels?
To see Brussels’ highlights, plan to spend three days in the city. That way, you’ll have enough time to go up inside the Atomium, take in some of the city’s most famous comic strip museums and street art, eat your weight in waffles and chocolates, drink too much beer, and take a picture of the Manneken Pis statue.
Is Brussels a day trip from Amsterdam?
Because the trains between Amsterdam and Brussels are so frequent, quick, and cheap, you can easily make Brussels a day trip from Amsterdam. However, take one of the first trains of the day to get there and book one of the latest ones to get back, that way you’ll have a full day in the Belgian capital to see some of the highlights. Note that spending just one day in Brussels will not do this great city justice, but if you’re pressed for time, a day trip is feasible.
Where to stay in Brussels to be near Bruxelles Midi/Zuid Train Station
For places to stay in Amsterdam, check out Matador‘s selection of the best Airbnbs in the city’s coolest neighborhoods. If you want to stay near Amsterdam Centraal, the city’s main train station, take a look at the hotels we previously selected.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Hôtel Concorde
Hôtel Concorde is a four-star property in Brussels located only three minutes on foot from the train station and 15 minutes from the famous Manneken Pis. It is a non-smoking property offering spacious and modern rooms and suites fitted with air conditioning, free WiFi, private bathrooms, and balconies in certain rooms. A buffet breakfast is offered daily and staff at the reception are available around the clock to provide information in multiple languages.
Urban yard Hotel
The Urban Yard Hotel is a boutique property located a seven-minute walk from the Bruxelles Midi/Zuid Train Station. The hotel, a former Art Nouveau private home, is very stylist yet comfortable, with 77 professionally decorated rooms, a breakfast area, and a beautiful lobby. Amenities include free WiFi and a spacious terrace with views of the Japanese garden. A continental breakfast buffet is served daily.
MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi
MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi is a non-smoking property located six minutes away from Bruxelles Midi/Zuid Train Station on foot. The property has a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and bar, as well as free WiFi. The rooms come with air conditioning, a seating area, and include a private bathroom with shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy a buffet or continental breakfast each morning. 