Amsterdam to Brussels train with NS International | IC Brussel

From Amsterdam to Brussels by Express NS EuroCity Direct train

Introduction

Amsterdam and Brussels are two key cities in Western Europe, and with the cities being relatively close to each other, it’s very easy to travel between the two. When traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels, I’d highly recommend choosing the train, as it’s the best option in my experience.

In this article, I’ll show you why I recommend this route and explain how to make the most of your journey on the NS EuroCity Direct from Amsterdam to Brussels.

Route Overview

There are many direct trains from Amsterdam to Brussels each day. The two main operators are NS International (part of the Dutch national railway), which runs the EuroCity Direct, and Eurostar, a primarily French-owned high-speed service.

You can also take the bus from Amsterdam to Brussels, but this takes a lot longer than the train. While you can also take a flight, the airport hassle and added stress often aren't worth it.

Transportation Experience

I booked my journey through Omio, which made it simple to compare routes, prices, and travel times. Once you book your trip, your train ticket is instantly available by email or the app. That means no printing required: you just show it on your phone when boarding.

Taking the train was a great choice from Amsterdam-Zuid to Brussels-Midi/Zuid. These stations are conveniently located and well-connected to local public transport, making the journey a breeze.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

My journey began at Amsterdam Zuid (Amsterdam South), which isn’t particularly close to the main tourist areas but is easily accessible via a short metro or tram ride. The station does not feature much in the way of shops or restaurants, so come prepared.

The journey ended at Brussels Midi/Zuid (Brussels South), the city’s huge international rail hub, which connects you to the rest of Brussels via tram, metro, or commuter trains. When you arrive at the station, you'll find a large selection of cafés and shops, which is perfect if you are feeling hungry after the train ride.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains from Amsterdam to Brussels run at least hourly throughout the day, and there are usually multiple departures each hour. With services operating from early morning to late at night, the train is a very flexible option, no matter what time of day you need to travel.

Roughly half of the services are operated by NS EuroCity Direct trains, while the other half are operated by Eurostar. A typical weekday sees around 29 direct trains between Amsterdam and Brussels.

My recommendation is the NS EuroCity Direct. While Eurostar is slightly faster and departs from the more central and nicer Amsterdam Centraal, its fares can be more than four times higher for similar departure times. Personally, I don't think the extra cost is worth it.

I traveled on ECD 9548, departing at 15:03 with a journey time of 2 hours and 8 minutes. The services are generally pretty reliable, thanks to the modern high-speed infrastructure.

Onboard Experiences & Services

I traveled in First Class for my EuroCity Direct ride from Amsterdam to Brussels. First Class has super comfortable seats in a classy red color scheme. They might not look like anything special, but believe me: once you’ve sat down and re-clined your seat, you’re in for a relaxing trip.

Second Class is quite similar, with a pleasant blue color scheme. The seats are a bit narrower, and the carriages tend to be busier since this is the more affordable option.

The trains used are modern Alstom Coradia Stream units, known as the ICNG. These offer powerful acceleration and high capacity with an aesthetically pleasing interior design.

My favourite part of this journey is speeding over the Moerdijk Bridges, not long after Rotterdam Centraal. This is where the railway speeds over the Hollands Diep estuary, gaining some impressive height along the way to allow for ships to pass beneath. You’ll also want to look out for Antwerpen Centraal station along the way, or should I say look up, as the station features three levels of train tracks to better cope for busy rush hour demand.

Free WiFi is available and advertised, though unfortunately on this occasion I couldn’t get it working. There’s plenty of space for luggage too, with large overhead luggage racks, and sizable shelves for heavier items too. The official luggage policy is that you only bring luggage you can easily carry.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels on Omio vary based on demand. While Eurostar tickets can get very expensive, the EuroCity Direct offers much better value, especially at short notice.

Here’s what I paid when booking just one week ahead:

Prices on the EuroCity Direct start at just €19, so booking further ahead can offer an even bigger saving.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Choose the EuroCity Direct: Unless you can find a good deal on Eurostar, there isn’t much difference in comfort in my experience.
• Slowing down on the high-speed line: Don’t worry if this happens. This route is currently undergoing some maintenance, so there may be a few small hold-ups.
• Observe the mood lighting: On the EuroCity Direct, each color indicates a different ambiance. Orange means talking is allowed, purple means silence, and blue means workspace.

Conclusion

Traveling by NS EuroCity Direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels is always a great experience, and it’s my favorite way to get between the two cities. There are frequent departures across multiple operators, and the trains have very comfortable and spacious seats. Plus, with centrally located stations at both ends, this is a very easy, stress-free way to travel. Plan your journey with Omio and skip the airport hassle entirely.

About the Author: Albie Pearce

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator

• Bio: Albie Pearce is a passionate global rail traveler from the UK. Since a very young age, he’s traveled on thousands of trains in over 60 countries and creates engaging videos highlighting the best of his train travel experiences from around the world.