Brussels to Amsterdam train with NS International | IC Brussel

Brussels to Amsterdam Onboard the Brand-New EuroCity Direct Train

Introduction

Introduced with the December 2024 timetable change, the new EuroCity Direct service between Brussels and Amsterdam offers a cheaper and more flexible way to travel between the two cities. While it’s slightly slower than the Eurostar high-speed train (formerly Thalys), this article shares my experience riding the new service, and why I’d recommend it over Eurostar for this route.

Route Overview

The Brussels to Amsterdam train route mostly uses high-speed lines via Antwerp and Rotterdam, covering around 200 kilometers in about two hours.

Transportation Experience

Booking the train on Omio was simple, and I received the ticket straight to my phone. The train from Brussels to Amsterdam departs from Brussels South Station (Midi/Zuid), which is well-connected to the rest of the city. No formal check-in is required—just show up, hop on, and ride straight to Amsterdam.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

All EuroCity Direct trains leave from Brussels South, the city's main station. While functional, the station is dark with limited seating, though there are convenience stores, food outlets, travel shops and supermarkets.

Most departures arrive at Amsterdam Zuid, not Centraal. But Zuid is on the new Blue Line 52 Metro, making it easy to reach Centraal and major attractions quickly. Eurostar trains go directly to Amsterdam-Centraal, which may be slightly more convenient depending on your destination.

Schedule & Frequency

There are two trains per hour between Brussels and Amsterdam, including:

• 1x per hour: Eurostar (faster, 300 km/h)
• 1x per hour: EuroCity Direct (slightly slower at 200 km/h)

Despite the 10-minute difference, EuroCity Direct is often significantly cheaper, making it a better option for many travelers. I took the EuroCity Direct.

Onboard Experience & Services

EuroCity Direct uses the brand new Dutch Intercity New Generation (ICNG) trains. These feature:

• Comfortable seats (mix of table, airline-style, and even a few couches)
• Low-floor design, ideal for luggage and bikes
• Free but very unreliable Wi-Fi, power outlets, and ample luggage space
• No onboard food, so bring snacks

Eurostar runs older TGV high-speed trains, some refurbished. They’re a bit more comfortable, with lots of power outlets and free Wi-Fi, but have narrow doors and high floors, making them harder to board with luggage. While Eurostar trains have luggage restrictions, the ICNG service, along with most other European trains, doesn't have any. You can bring as much as you can reasonably carry by yourself. However, larger bags may need to be stored in the luggage racks at the ends of the carriage if they don’t fit between or above the seats.

All EuroCity Direct trains are unreserved, so you can just grab any seat. Trains usually arrive 10 to 15 minutes before departure in Brussels, giving you time to board and settle in.

En route, the train stops at Antwerpen-Centraal, a stunning station known as one of Europe’s most architecturally impressive stations. Unfortunately, Eurocity Direct and Eurostar stop underground, so you won't see much. Consider stopping off here en route to Amsterdam to see the beautiful station and city.

Next, we’ll seamlessly cross into the Netherlands (no border checks). A scenic highlight is the bridge over Hollands Diep before arriving in Rotterdam, then Schiphol, and finally Amsterdam. The day I traveled, all EuroCity Direct trains terminated at Amsterdam Centraal, just like Eurostar.

If you want to experience the journey before taking it in more detail, why not check out this short video I made to summarize the trip?

EuroCity Direct or Eurostar

So, which should you choose?

EuroCity Direct

• Much cheaper fares, often up to 50% less or more compared to Eurostar.
• Flexible tickets are available, valid on any EuroCity Direct train that day for just €66.
• Trains don’t sell out (no reservations required).
• Brand-new trains with better luggage access.

Eurostar

• All trains go to Amsterdam Centraal.
• Slightly faster (10 minutes quicker).
• Includes a seat reservation.
• Onboard food & drink available.

Unless you're dead set on arriving at Centraal or want a slightly more premium experience, EuroCity Direct wins on value for money.

Budget Breakdown

I booked my ticket just four days in advance for only €25 in Second Class. This was a fraction of Eurostar's short-notice fares, which often exceed €80.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Bring snacks for EuroCity Direct (no onboard food service).
• Don't arrive too early at Brussels South (seating is limited).
• Search "Amsterdam" (not "Amsterdam Centraal") to also see EuroCity Direct options on booking platforms.
• Consider breaking your journey in Antwerp to explore the beautiful city and see one of Europe's most beautiful train stations.

Conclusion

The new EuroCity Direct train is a great budget-friendly option to get you from Brussels to Amsterdam. While some may still prefer the familiar Eurostar service, I recommend sticking with the cheaper and more flexible new alternative. Whichever you choose, platforms like Omio make it easy to compare prices and book in advance for the best deal.

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator

• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.