Heerlen to Rotterdam train with NS International | IC Brussel

NS International, a subsidiary of the Dutch state-owned railway Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), operates international intercity and high-speed connections to various European cities, including Brussels. The "IC Brussel" refers to their Intercity service connecting the Netherlands and Belgium. These trains offer a direct and comfortable way to travel between major cities like Amsterdam and Brussels. As of late 2024, NS International, in collaboration with the Belgian railway company SNCB, is introducing new Intercity New Generation (ICNG) trains on the Brussels-Amsterdam route. These new trains are faster, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, and offer amenities like onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets. They aim to significantly reduce travel times and increase the frequency of services between the two countries.

Intercity is a widely recognized brand for express train services that connect cities over longer distances, often with limited stops and comfortable carriages for long-distance travel. The term "Intercity" originated in the United Kingdom in 1966 with British Rail's electrification of the West Coast Main Line, becoming a brand for their main-line passenger routes. Today, Intercity services vary across Europe, with some countries like Switzerland offering modern, high-standard trains, while in others, they may be older compared to newer high-speed options. Many European countries use "InterCity" as an official brand name for regular, long-distance train services meeting specific speed and comfort criteria. For example, PKP Intercity is a major Polish rail operator connecting cities and tourist resorts within Poland and across Europe. Trenitalia's Intercity trains in Italy offer an affordable and widespread means of rail transport, connecting various cities and towns. These trains typically offer Standard and First Class services, with amenities like power sockets and sometimes catering.

SNCB (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges) is Belgium's national railway company, established in 1926. It is the primary provider of passenger rail services within Belgium and also offers international connections through SNCB International, a member of the Railteam alliance. SNCB operates various train types, including InterCity (IC) trains connecting major Belgian cities and sometimes crossing international borders, Local (L) trains serving smaller towns and all stations along their routes, and S-trains for suburban connections. Additionally, P-trains provide extra services during peak hours. SNCB offers a range of tickets, including Standard Tickets for occasional travel, and various discounts for young people, children, and those with specific reduction cards.