Amsterdam to Brussels by train

Two direct trains run from Amsterdam to Brussels-Midi, and they leave from different Amsterdam stations. Eurostar leaves from Amsterdam Centraal in 1h52. Eurocity Direct leaves from Amsterdam Zuid and takes just over two hours.

Eurostar from Amsterdam Centraal

Eurostar is the quicker option, taking 1h52 from Amsterdam Centraal to Brussels-Midi/Zuid, with departures every hour or two. Standard fares start at €29 one way. Tickets are sold in Standard, Plus and Premier. Arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure to find your platform.

Luggage is two pieces plus one item of hand luggage in Standard and Plus, and three pieces plus hand luggage in Premier. There is no weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bags on and off the train yourself.

Eurocity Direct from Amsterdam Zuid

Eurocity Direct does not use Amsterdam Centraal. It leaves from Amsterdam Zuid, in the Zuidas business district, and reaches Brussels-Midi in just over two hours. Metro line 52 links Centraal to Zuid, so budget extra time if you are starting in the old centre. It runs up to 16 times a day and calls at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam and Antwerpen-Centraal on the way.

There are no seat reservations, so you take any free seat in the class you have paid for. Trains have Wi-Fi and a power socket at every seat.

Which train to choose

Take Eurostar from Centraal if you are staying in the centre or want the fastest ride. Take Eurocity Direct if you are near Zuid or Schiphol, or want more departures through the day.

Tickets and fares

Eurostar Standard starts at €29 one way, and Eurocity Direct starts at €25 (Saver). The Saver fare is the cheapest, has limited availability and is valid only on the train you choose. Full-Flex costs more, for example €66 from Amsterdam Zuid, and stays available until departure. Prices vary by date and class.