The Eurostar high-speed train (1h 55m, from €35) is your fastest, most direct, and most comfortable option when you’re traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels.
EuroCity trains (2h25m, from €25) give you more schedule flexibility at a better price point—the trade-off is a longer journey with one transfer at Amsterdam Airport and busier trains.
I recommend the train (Eurostar or Eurocity) over flying—you’ll spend less time traveling door-to-door and arrive right in the heart of both cities.
If you prefer door-to-door service you can also pre-book a taxi, more expensive, but no hassle with luggage, getting to the station, having strangers around you. If you value comfort and privacy this is a good option also.
Table of Contents
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Why Visit Brussels?
Brussels won’t wow you like Paris, but it has something those bigger cities lack—authenticity without overwhelming crowds. The Grand Place really is as beautiful as people say, the kind of square where you’ll want to grab a beer and watch the world go by.
You’ll probably see Manneken Pis (for most people smaller than expected, but still, I love seeing him), but the real surprise is how much quality comic book art you’ll find throughout the old town. Belgium created Tintin and the Smurfs, and the city takes its cartoon heritage seriously with excellent murals and museums.
The beer culture isn’t tourist nonsense—Belgians genuinely take brewing seriously, and you’ll taste the difference. Brussels works well as a two-day stop: compact enough that you won’t waste time getting around, but substantial enough to feel worthwhile.
Find Places to Stay in Brussels
Have you already booked your Brussels accommodation?
My 3 Favorite Brussels Hotels
- My top pick: Hotel le Dixseptième – luxury, that feels like home, right near Grance Place
- Boutique Comfort: Hotel des Galeries – modern comfort with historic location
- Modern option: Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place – reliable comfort with excellent location
Option 1: Eurostar High-Speed Train (My Top Recommendation for Comfort)
The Eurostar service takes 1 hour and 55 minutes and tickets start from €35. But prices go up fast once tickets are released (about 6 months in advance!
When I travel this route, I appreciate several things on Eurostar:
- You just arrive 20 minutes before departure (much easier than airport procedures).
- Luggage allowance which includes two items plus hand luggage with no weight restrictions.
- 1st class (Plus/Premier) seats are comfortable with at-seat food and wine included.
- All seats 1st class seats include individual power outlets.
- And 1st class ticket holders can access the lounges in both Brussels and Amsterdam.
- It’s very much like flying, but then faster.
- First train from Amsterdam: 6:10 AM getting you to Brussels at 8:05 AM (then hourly)
- The last train departs Brussels: 8:59 PM → Back in Amsterdam: 10:50 PM
Booking tips: Eurostar tickets go on sale up to 6 months in advance with specific seat reservations. Standard fares range €35-€100, Plus and Premier fares €50-€150. I recommend booking as early as possible for the best prices.
When booking make sure enter “Amsterdam Centraal” as your station, or Amsterdam Airport if you prefer to start/end your journey there. Also check if your departure shows the Eurostar logo, and the service says “Direct”. This is the high-speed train option.
⤷ Book Your Eurostar High-Speed Train Tickets Now
Option 2: EuroCity Direct – The Flexible Choice
EuroCity Direct trains offers middle ground. They are a bit slower (30 minutes), and require a transfer at Amsterdam Airport. But they offer more flexibility if you miss your departure, free seating, and lower prices.
The one thing I dislike most about the EuroCity Direct is that they are busy! I mean really busy. And you have to watch your luggage very carefully.
⤷ Get your regular train tickets here.
Option 3: Private Transfer – Door-to-Door
For my clients who prioritize comfort and convenience, I recommend a private transfer (taxi). This takes 2.5-3 hours, so about an hour longer than Eurostar, but you get door-to-door service and you don’t have to deal with other people, platforms, stairs, or escalators.
A one-way journey with a normal metered taxi costs between €375 and €450. But if you pre-book your taxi in advance you can safe a lot of money with prices between €290 and €330. The €330 is the luxury option, with a nicer car. Which I recommend on this longer distance.
When it makes sense: when you need flexible pickup times with a drop-off at any Brussels address, if you travel with luggage, when you feel uncomfortable about train travel, or just want private door-to-door service. It’s also cost effective for groups of 4.
Save Up To 50%
When you book a taxi in advance you can save up to 50% off the metered priced and enjoy a fixed price. With coverage around the country.
Reserve Your Taxi Now
Option 4: Flying between Amsterdam and Brussels
Flights are more hassle than it’s worth. Once you factor in travel to/from airports, security and waiting times, you’re much faster off taking the train. And if you travel with Eurostar you get a flight like experience.
Flight costs range from €200-500+ depending on booking timing, making trains more economical and faster for most travelers.
My Favorite Belgium Guidebook
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Bus Travel Amsterdam to Brussels: The Budget Option
FlixBus operates multiple daily services with journey times around 3 hours and fares starting at €9 one-way. Coaches run between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Brussels Noord, with BlaBlaCar bus offering 3-8 daily services.
While economical, the longer travel time and station locations make this less convenient for people. Both Sloterdijk in Amsterdam, as Noord in Brussels are not central locations.
Driving Yourself to Brussels – Rent a Car ?
Renting a car gives you complete freedom – but Brussels is not car friendly. Only consider this as an option if you need a car.
- Drive time: 3 hours in normal traffic
- Challenges: Heavy traffic in Amsterdam, a busy Antwerp and Brussels ring road, and parking
The route: Take A2, and A27 south in the Netherlands, then the E19 via Antwerp to Brussels.
Best for: Travelers who want complete flexibility and don’t mind a few driving challenges.
⤷ Compare Rental Car Prices Now (prices only go up)
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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.
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Brussels Train Stations
Eurostar departs from Amsterdam Centraal (which is in the heart of the city, well-connected by metro and tram), they also leave from the Airport. Eurostar arrives at Brussels-Midi/Zuid (right in the city center with easy access to Brussels Metro and tram lines).
EuroCity Direct trains also serve this same route, with some services making useful more stops in Brussels: Brussels Nord, and Brussels Central. The Central stop is right near Grand Place, the famous square.
TIP: You’ll need internet access for your train tickets and navigating Brussels with an app like Google Maps. Skip the expensive international roaming charges, or plans—an eSIM for all of Europe costs a fraction of your provider’s rates and gives you more data. Plus, it’s simple to install before you travel.
What to Do in Brussels
The Grand Place is your starting point—this UNESCO World Heritage Site really is as magnificent as people claim, I love standing here, and taking it all in. Many consider this Europe’s most beautiful square.
From there, you’re walking distance from Manneken Pis and the best of the old town’s comic strip murals.
For art lovers: The Magritte Museum houses an impressive collection of the famous Belgian surrealist’s work, while Bozar cultural center showcases contemporary art in a stunning Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta.
Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the local brewing culture. Brussels beer tours take you to traditional beer bars and breweries, where you’ll learn about brewing techniques that have been perfected over centuries.
Book Brussels City Activities:
The Atomium, built for the 1958 World Fair, provides panoramic city views and represents Brussels’ forward-thinking side. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other, making Brussels perfect for a relaxed two-day exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions How to Get from Amsterdam to
Do I need a Passport when I travel between Amsterdam and Brussels?
Europeans need a passport or national identity card, if you’re not European you need a passport to cross the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. Customs and Police officers occasionally conduct random spot checks. Both countries are in the Schengen Area, making border crossing easier, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to cary official identification when crossing the border.
How reliable are the train services between Amsterdam and Brussels?
Very reliable. Thalys trains maintain punctuality in about 98% of cases, and EuroCity Direct services run consistently throughout the day. I’ve taken this route many times and can count on one hand the significant delays I’ve experienced.
What’s the best option for first-time visitors traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels?
I recommend the Eurostar, 1st class tickets, for first-timers. The premium experience sets the right tone for your Brussels visit, and arriving at Brussels-Midi puts you right in the heart of the city with easy connections to all major attractions. The time saved versus flying gives you more time to actually enjoy Brussels.
Can I book same-day train tickets, or do I need advance reservations?
Even for EuroCity Direct prices go up the longer you wait. For Eurostar, advance booking is required with specific seat assignments. Prices go up quickly, so the earlier you can book, the better it is.
How does luggage work on the train journey between Amsterdam and Brussels?
Eurostar allows two pieces of luggage (max 75 x 53 x 30cm) plus hand luggage with no weight restrictions, EuroCity has no restrictions. Eurostar is more secure since attendants patrol each door during stops, but EuroCity trains are more open and theft is more common—on EuroCity services, I recommend no more than one suitcase per person, stay close to your luggage, and never let yourself be distracted. Either way, it’s much easier than airline restrictions since you keep your bags with you throughout the journey. Or consider booking a private transfer to avoid managing luggage on stations and platforms entirely.
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My Bottom-Line Recommendation
After helping many travelers make this journey, here’s my advice: Choose Eurostar if comfort and speed matter most, or select EuroCity Direct for the best balance of price and convenience (ideal for leisure travelers who want flexibility).
Skip flying unless you’re connecting to another international destination.
Private transfers work great for groups or travelers who value door-to-door service.
