Two practical options connect Amsterdam to Antwerp: the train takes from 1 hour 20 minutes from €20, while a private driver costs €230-260 for up to 4 people and takes 2 hours door-to-door with normal traffic.
The train works well for most travelers; a private transfer makes sense for groups, when you have luggage, or just prefer more private comfort.
I’ve made this journey many times, and both options have clear advantages depending on your situation and priorities. I help you choose in this article.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Antwerp
The Cathedral of Our Lady is home to four Rubens masterpieces in a Gothic structure and the tallest church tower in the Benelux, while the beautiful Grote Markt square features 16th-century guild houses around the Renaissance City Hall with restaurants serving traditional Flemish dishes.
The Rubens House museum occupies the artist’s former home. And Antwerp Zoo is one of the world’s oldest zoos founded in 1843, houses over 5,000 animals.
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Find Places to Stay in Antwerp
Have you already booked your accommodation in Antwerp?
My 3 Favorite Antwerp Hotels
- My top pick: Sapphire House Antwerp – beautifully designed, spacious room
- Special experience: De Gulde Schoen – historic apartments, generous spaces
- Modern chain pick: Hilton Antwerp Old Town – Very nice and good Breakfast
(High-Speed) Train Between Amsterdam and Antwerp
I put high-speed in parentheses, because you have two options.
- The Eurostar connects Amsterdam Centraal to Antwerp Central in 1 hour 20 minutes. This is faster, and trains more comfortable, but more expensive. Tickets are from 49 euro. 79, for 1st class, which I recommend for extra comfort!
- The Eurocity trains, these are regular trains and take 1 hour and 40 minutes. About 20 minutes longer. They are cheaper, and go more often. Trains are still comfortable, but more busy. You need to transfer at the airport. Definitely book 1st class for these, and watch your luggage!
Key Details:
- Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Cost: €20-€79 for standard class, depending on booking time, surcharge for 1st class which I recommend!
- Frequency: About hourly
- Departure: Amsterdam Centraal (Eurocity departs from Amsterdam Airport, so it requires a transfer from central station
- Arrival: Antwerp Central
The train stations are well-located. Amsterdam Centraal connects to the city center and other transport. Antwerp Central sits walking distance from the Diamond District and Cathedral. You can book through the official Dutch Railways NS International website.
I recommend to book as early as possible, tickets become available 6 months in advance, when the lowest fares are available. Day-of tickets cost more and trains can sell out.
⤷ Book your Train Ticket from Amsterdam to Antwerp here >
My Favorite Belgium Guidebook
- Steves, Rick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages - 02/18/2025 (Publication Date) - Rick Steves (Publisher)
Private Driver Transfer to Antwerp
Private transfers cost €230-260 for up to 4 people and take about 2 hours door-to-door. This breaks down to €65 per person for a group of four for a luxurious car – similar to premium train tickets. And not worry about dragging suitcases, keeping an eye on them, and getting around the stations.
Key Details:
- Travel Time: 2 hours door-to-door without traffic. Often 30 minutes more.
- Cost: €230-260 for up to 4 passengers
- Benefits: Hotel pickup and dropoff, luggage handling
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Budget Option: Bus from Amsterdam to Antwerp
FlixBus and BlaBlaCar run up to 34 buses daily from Amsterdam to Antwerp, starting from €6. Journey time runs 2-3 hours depending on the route and stops.
The bus takes longer than the train but costs significantly less. Consider this if budget is the primary concern.
Driving Yourself to Antwerp
The drive covers 180 kilometers (110mi) and takes just over two hours in normal traffic, but it’s often longer. Traffic around both cities is quite heavy, the Antwerp ring is notorious for delays.
- Fuel costs approximately €20-30
- Parking in Antwerp’s center is limited and expensive
- Belgian highway signage can be confusing, make sure to use navigation
Driving makes sense if you’re planning a longer Belgium trip or need a car in Antwerp. I recommend comparing rental car prices here. When you book get the full insurance option, European car rental outlets are difficult with (small) damages. Another benefit of this company is a great cancellation policy.
Compare Car Rental Companies
Find the lowest price for Car rental in the Netherlands
A Rental Car is perfect for exploring the Dutch countryside and attractions, harder to reach at your own pace.
Book Your Rental Car
Booking Your Transportation from Amsterdam to Antwerp
Train Tickets
Book through the official NS International website:
⤷ Book your Train Ticket from Amsterdam to Antwerp here >
Money-saving tip: Tickets are available up to 6 months before your trip. Prices start low and go up as they sell. Book early for the lowest priced tickets.
You’ll need internet access for your train tickets and navigating Antwerp with an app like Google Maps. Skip the expensive international roaming charges, or plans—an eSIM costs a fraction of your provider’s rates and gives you more data. Plus, it’s simple to install before you travel.
Inexpensive and Flexible SIM
Stay connected in the Netherlands
Skip hunting for WiFi. Get on the go navigation, translations and mobile internet that works everywhere in Europe – skip expensive international charges from your phone company.
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Private Driver
Book your taxi in advance and you save significantly on the fare compared to metered journeys. When booking it’s worth it to select “Luxe” instead of “Standard” for a nicer driving experience. Standard is comparable with a regular ride-share experience. Luxe means a driver in suit, and a nicer vehicle.
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 70% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
What to Do in Antwerp
The Cathedral of Our Lady houses four Rubens masterpieces including “The Elevation of the Cross” and “The Descent from the Cross.” The Gothic structure from 1352-1521 has the tallest church tower in the Benelux at 123 meters. Admission costs €12.
Grote Markt (Main Square) features 16th-century guild houses around the Renaissance City Hall. Several restaurants serve traditional Flemish dishes and Belgian beers. The square works well for lunch between sightseeing.
The Rubens House museum occupies the artist’s former home and studio, displaying his works and personal artifacts. Antwerp Central Station itself merits a look – the 1905 architecture combines stone and steel with ornate decorations.
Also do not forget the Antwerp Zoo. It’s world famous and right next to Antwerp Central Station.
Book Antwerp City Activities:
Frequently Asked Questions How to Get from Amsterdam to Antwerp
Is a private driver worth the extra cost compared to the train?
For three or four people, the math for a pre-booked private taxi works out similarly per person to the train if you look at 1st class tickets. But it’s also great for couples who prefer more comfort. A private transfer eliminates station transfers and handles luggage, but the train is much faster, and comfortable too, international train tickets can be booked here.
How reliable are the trains between Amsterdam and Antwerp?
The Eurostar service runs on dedicated tracks a departure every other hour. Regular trains (Eurocity) run a bit more often. Both are reliable. Delays happen but are typically minor. The route has consistent on-time performance. It can happen, as it can with a flight, but I would not be concerned about it.
What’s the practical difference for first-time visitors?
The train drops you directly in both city centers, but you need to get to the stations on your own. Private transfers pick you up from your accommodation, and drop you at the next but take longer overall because of traffic. Both work fine for first visits.
Can I book same-day train tickets between Amsterdam and Antwerp?
Yes, you can book your tickets on the day of departure, or just shortly before. Though prices are higher than advance bookings. Prices start low 6 months before departure and increase from there. Trains can sell out. So you might also have less choice. Book in advance if you can. Otherwise just check! You always need to book online, also last minute.
How do these options handle luggage?
Trains have overhead and floor storage with no weight limits for personal luggage. But you need to get luggage on the train yourself. Also be really careful when the train makes stops. Thieves operate on this route. Tourists are not as vigilant as locals are, and those with ill intentions know this. The Eurostar is more safe, because each door is manned at stops. Private transfers include luggage assistance as part of the service and they pick you up at your accommodation.
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My Bottom-Line Recommendation
The Eurostar train works for most situations – it’s faster, frequent, more comfortable, and more safe then Eurocity trains. It’s a 1 hour 20 minute journey from €29. More realistic prices are 49 euro in standard, and 79 euro in first class. Eurocity is a more local experience and cheaper. But be more vigilant and watch your luggage carefully.
A private pre-booked taxi makes sense for groups, when dealing with luggage, or if you want private comfort. Expect a travel time of 2 and 1/2 hours for average traffic. That’s an hour longer than the train.
Both options get you to Antwerp efficiently. The city offers authentic Belgian culture with less crowding than other Belgian destinations, plus don’t forget the practical advantage of being close to Amsterdam.
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Last update on 2025-08-08 at 07:01 - Products, Prices, and Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
