Brussels is the closest major city to Amsterdam, so it is only natural that travelers visit them together when planning a tour of Europe. In addition to Brussels, you can go to Antwerp or Brugge, but if the goal is the capital of Belgium, in the article you will learn how to get to it from Amsterdam.
The distance between the cities of Amsterdam and Brussels is a little over 200 kilometers, so different modes of transport are available for the trip. Each tourist chooses what is convenient and convenient for him: train, plane, bus, car.
A train
Traveling by train from Amsterdam to Brussels is certainly the best option in terms of time, cost and convenience.
There are 2 options available for traveling by train:
- Thalys high-speed service from Amsterdam Central Station to the Paris Gare du Nord via the Zuid / Midi Brussels Station. The train leaves 14 times a day, and the trip takes only 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Long-distance rail service runs hourly (13 times a day) between Central Amsterdam and Brussels Zuid / Midi. The train makes stops at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Noorderkempen (Belgium), in the city center of Antwerp, Antwerp Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport, North Brussels and Brussels Central. The trip takes about 2 hours 50 minutes.
Where to buy train tickets
You can buy a ticket at any station, and thanks to a large number of options, tickets will certainly be. However, if you plan to travel during peak hours (early in the morning or late in the evening), purchase tickets in advance.
Between the stations you can easily transfer by metro to continue traveling along a given route. Thalys travel classes: standard, comfort, premium. They are distinguished by the convenience of seats and the included additional options (food, press, etc.) for more expensive categories.
Thalys tickets can be booked 4 months in advance. The cheapest standard mini-tariffs of Amsterdam-Brussels will cost 29–35 euros, although booking is as early as possible. Standard rates are 44-82 euros, the comfort rate is 45-95 euros, premium tickets are 97-117 euros.
For timetables and tickets, see Amsterdam-Brussels on the Belgian Railways website. Since Belgium and the Netherlands are parties to the Schengen agreement, there is no passport control at the border.
Bus
Traveling by bus from Amsterdam to Brussels takes longer than by train, but at times cheaper.
Eurolines advertising bus fares are € 14-20 one way (no extra discounts for students or seniors).
The bus ride takes about 3.5 hours. Eurolines shuttles are very comfortable, departing after two hours almost every day.
From Amsterdam, the bus leaves from Amstel station, which is about 2 km south of Centraal station; it is easy to get to it by tram or metro. You can buy tickets online or at the Eurolines office opposite Centraal Station.
Flixbus is a German bus company that offers 7-8 direct flights daily, services of the northern station of Brussels and Amsterdam (station Sloterdijk). The fare starts from 11 euros one way.
Ouidus is a branch of the French railway and provides 4 daily bus services in a given direction. Lowest mini-tariffs start from 11 euros one way. Bus stops are available at Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station and Brussels Zeid / Midi Station. The duration of the trip will also be 3 hours.
Buses make various stops in other Dutch and Belgian cities, and travel time varies greatly depending on the flight and can reach 5 hours. Try to choose a faster and more suitable service.
Airplane
Yes, both cities have airports, non-stop flights last 45 minutes. Ticket prices range from 200 to 300 euros. But given the trip to the airport, plus an early check-in time, the travel time will be about 4 hours. Therefore, air travel is not so fast and expensive.
The Dutch airline KLM (Skyteam) offers 5 daily flights from Schiphol to Brussels, mainly oriented to business travelers, and uses small Embraer 175 airplanes. Return prices start from 110 euros. KLM now charges a fee for checked baggage, but you get a free drink and snacks on board.
At the airports of Schiphol and Brussels, there are railway stations from where you can reach the city center in 15-20 minutes. A train from Brussels Airport to the center leaves every 15 minutes.
Car
How to get from Amsterdam to Brussels by car if you rent a car? When concluding the contract, specify the possibility of leaving the leased transport outside the country.
A trip by car, of course, allows you to experience the beauty of cities along the route, to appreciate the nature and attractions.
For the shortest route, lay your route through the cities: Mechelen, Antwerp, Breda, Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Amstelveen.
It takes approximately 2.5 hours by car. Beautiful roads await you, but expensive gasoline. The distance from Brussels to Amsterdam by car is 213 km via the E19 and A27 highways. The cost of gasoline will be 35-45 euros.
When traveling by car, you are free and not tied to a schedule, so you can visit several places. In the middle of the path is the wonderful city of Antwerp. If you are not in a hurry, be sure to stop there. This city is a port, the diamond capital of the world, the new Babylon. Antwerp is worth a look. And staying in Mechelen, you can see the Cathedral of St. Rombouts - the main Gothic attraction of Belgium.
Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris
Amsterdam is often the starting point for traveling around Europe. It is from here that the routes to Brussels, Cologne, Berlin, Bruges and Paris begin. If you decide to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels, extend your trip with a trip to Paris and visit the three capitals of three countries at once. The distance from Brussels to Paris is 300 km, and can be reached by any transport, as well as in the first case.
If you choose a car, be aware that highways in Belgium are free, but in France the cost is 13 euros. The price of gasoline is about 50 euros.
Sightseeing tour
For those who prefer an organized and informative vacation with a guide, a trip with an excursion group is suitable. Travel companies offer many programs from Amsterdam to Brussels and back. The duration of such excursions starts from 12 hours, the cost is from 79 euros. Buying a package, you acquire a range of services, including transportation, meals and guide assistance for the main attractions.
Traveling with him, you will get a lot of information about the history of the country and its capital, visit the main attractions, learn about traditions and culture, hear about national cuisine, the famous Belgian chocolate, Brussels sprouts, beer and cookies. You will be shown where you can try local delicacies and buy souvenirs.
What to choose
There are many travel options. Make your choice: where, when and how.
- Traveling by train is fast and inexpensive. If you buy a ticket in advance at a special fare, then the price for it will pleasantly please.
- Choosing a bus, you will spend even less money, but it will require a little more time to travel.
- You can go on a trip by plane, but to be honest, you need to be a little crazy to do this.
- It will be quite comfortable and quick to travel by car, informative and exciting - with an excursion group.
Travel with pleasure!