Brussels to Antwerp train

Trains from Brussels to Antwerp

There are 50 to 60 direct Brussels to Antwerp trains every day of the week. Trains run multiple times an hour from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., across weekdays and weekends. The train from Brussels to Antwerp has a duration between 33 minutes and one hour and 16 minutes depending on the type of train used. 

Brussels to Antwerp Train Time: Daily Departures

Passengers have their pick from 50 to 60 daily departures along this route. Trains depart multiple times hourly from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and there is also a midnight train available. The departure schedule does not vary greatly across weekdays and weekends, and trains are clustered around the mornings and evenings.

How long is the journey by train from Brussels to Antwerp?

The train from Brussels to Antwerp takes 33 minutes to one hour and 16 minutes to cover the 28 miles (45 km) between these Belgian cities. Trains are direct, and the travel duration depends on the train type used. SNCB Intercity and Thalys trains are fastest, while SNCB Regional trains have longer durations. 

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Brussels to Antwerp?

Departure train station: Trains depart from Brussels Midi Station, also known as Brussels South Station or Bruxelles Midi. Brussels Midi is a large station with 22 platforms and a range of amenities including cafes, shops, and ATMs. The station is just over one mile (two km) southwest of the city center and travelers can reach the station via a 25 minute walk or three minute train ride. Brussels Nord Station is just under one mile (one and a half km) north of the city center, which can be covered with a 20 minute walk or four minute train ride. The station has restaurants, bars, and luggage lockers. 

Arrival train station: Trains arrive at Antwerp Centraale, known locally as Antwerpen Centraale. Centraale is located one mile (one and a half km) east of Antwerp city center. This is either a 20 minute walk, or there is an excellent local tram and bus network to get travelers into Antwerp in five to ten minutes. The station has restrooms, baggage storage, shops and bars, among other amenities. 

Which train companies travel from Brussles to Antwerp?

Railway companies SNCB and Thalys operate trains from Brussels to Antwerp. SNCB is a major Belgian railway company and Thalys is a Belgian-French railway company. SNCB trains are either high-speed Intercity trains, or slower Regional trains, while Thalys trains are all high-speed. 

SNCB Brussels to Antwerp

SNCB offers direct trains from Brussels to Antwerp with their Intercity or Regional trains. Intercity trains take 33 minutes to one hour while Regional trains take one hour and 16 minutes. Regional trains typically stop at every station on the way to their destination, so they tend to have the longest overall duration. There are over 40 daily SNCB trains.

Thalys Brussels to Antwerp

Thalys has direct trains along this route that take 35 minutes to make the journey. The Thalys train from Brussels to Antwerp is a high-speed train that doesn't make stops. There are six to ten Thalys trains along this route every day of the week.

Brussels to Antwerp Trains: Services on Board 

SNCB and Thalys trains offer first and second class cabins. Hold luggage is allowed and can be stored in provided racks, but must not be bulky as to obstruct passenger movement. Thalys trains have Wi-Fi and power outlets, and allow two pieces of hold luggage within the dimensions of 75 x 53 x 30 cm/ 29 x 20 x 11 in. Bikes are permitted on SNCB and Thalys trains, but on SNCB a reservation space must be purchased, and on Thalys, bikes count as one piece of hold luggage. Small pets are permitted free of charge but larger pets incur a fee. SNCB and Thalys offer excellent free in-station assistance for people with limited mobility. Passengers who require assistance moving around the station, or boarding and alighting trains should contact SNCB or Thalys at least 48 hours in advance of train departure to ensure they are adequately prepared.

How to find cheap train tickets from Brussels to Antwerp?

Early birds score great deals on trains all over Europe. Book in advance to find the best cheap train ticket. If a trip to Antwerp is already on the horizon, try to be flexible with travel dates. Sometimes changing the departure and return dates by three or so days can yield great results. Another great way to get cheap Brussels to Antwerp tickets is by opting for slower trains or journeys with more changes. These may take longer but are a great place to look for cheaper alternatives.