Key information
- Eurocity Direct reduces travel time between Brussels and Amsterdam by 45 minutes, reaching Amsterdam-Midi from Brussels-Midi in 2 hours and 7 minutes on weekdays.
- The service operates hourly from Brussels-Midi and uses NS’s new ICNG-B locomotives.
- Flexible travel options are available with the ‘flex’ fare, allowing passengers to board the train of their choice without pre-assigned seats.
Eurocity Direct, launched on December 15, 2024, offers a faster connection between Brussels and Amsterdam. This new line, operated in cooperation with Dutch Railways (NS), reduces travel time by 45 minutes compared to current Intercity trains. Thus, Amsterdam South is now accessible from Brussels South in 2 hours and 7 minutes on weekdays and in 2 hours on weekends.
This service will run every hour, departing from Brussels-Midi, and will use the new ICNG-B locomotives belonging to NS. The launch of this expanded offer confirms the long-standing cooperation between SNCB and NS, which has existed since 1957. The Eurocity Direct will operate 16 daily round trips with stops in Brussels-Midi, Antwerp-Central, Rotterdam-Central, Schiphol and Amsterdam-Midi. Each train has more than 400 seats and can accommodate 12 bicycles.
New trains on existing IC line
New trains on existing IC line
The existing IC line, renamed EuroCity, will continue to run to Rotterdam-Central and stop at already established stations, such as Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, Brussels-Airport-Zaventem, Mechelen, Antwerp-Berchem, Antwerp -Central, Noorderkempen and Breda. Passengers traveling between Belgium and the Netherlands will retain access to these existing stops. The EuroCity can accommodate more than 430 passengers and eight bicycles.
Both Eurocity Direct and EuroCity offer flexible travel options through the ‘flex’ fare, which allows passengers to board any train on any date, without pre-allocated seats. They are therefore suitable for both business and leisure travelers and allow for variety in journeys, whether exploring the canals, museums or nightlife of Amsterdam, or simply enjoying the atmosphere bustling city.
Sustainable Travel Options
Sustainable Travel Options
Sustainable travel is a key aspect of Eurocity Direct and EuroCity services. Trains are a sustainable alternative to planes or cars and emit much less CO2 thanks to their low environmental impact.
Ticket prices For Eurocity Direct, a flexible ticket between Brussels and Amsterdam starts at 64.10 euros (second class). The ‘flex’ fare offers more flexibility, while the ‘saver’ fares offer more economical options for specific trains and dates. These limited tickets can be purchased closer to departure time. The cheapest “saver” fare between Brussels and Amsterdam starts at 25 euros.
Additional information on prices
Additional pricing information
Passengers who choose the “saver” fare must book a specific train in advance, unlike the “flex” option. EuroCity fares between Antwerp and Rotterdam, with a “flex” ticket starting from 25.20 euros, offer flexibility similar to Eurocity Direct. The “saver” fare on this line starts at 10.10 euros. Travelers are reminded that the saver fare depends on specific train reservations.
Brussels-Midi as a hub The extension of IC services in the Netherlands strengthens the position of Brussels-Midi as a European rail hub. With daily high-speed trains and IC trains to destinations such as France, Germany, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, Brussels-Midi now has 60 high-speed trains and 60 IC trains. In addition, night trains connect Brussels with Vienna and Berlin three times a week.
SNCB offers tickets for more than 5,000 destinations, 1,000 of which can be reached in less than six hours from Brussels, including connections. By 2023, 18 million travelers in Belgium will use the train, both for domestic and cross-border connections, underscoring the growing popularity of train travel.
The expansion of services and the central location of Brussels should further encourage travelers to choose the train for their trips in Belgium and throughout Europe, thus contributing to a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport.
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