Are you heading on a Eurotrip soon and planning on ditching the plane either to reduce your carbon footprint or simply because you find railway travel nostalgic?
You’re in luck, as two of the most fascinating cities in Europe will now be connected by a direct, high-speed train: from December 15, you can travel between Brussels, the stately capital of Belgium, to Amsterdam, the culture-charged capital of the Netherlands, in just 2 hours!
From grand plazas to picturesque canals, here’s everything you need to know about the new launch and how much tickets will cost:
New Direct Train From Belgium To The Netherlands!
Belgium and the Netherlands are neighboring countries, so they’ve always benefit from good connectivity and pretty efficient transportation links, with multiple buses and trains linking both countries daily, including their respective capitals.
Interestingly, there has never been a high-speed service between Brussels and Amsterdam, with trains stopping at multiple cities and townships along the way, for a total travel time of about 3 hours––bad for tourists planning to commute fast, as well as for business travelers.
On December 15, the slower InterCity between Brussels and Amsterdam will cease to run, being swiftly replaced by the Eurocity Direct, which promises to cover the 127 miles separating the sisterly European capitals in 2 hours instead.
No more stopping at Brussels North, Brussels Airport, Mechelen, Antwerp-Berchem, Noorderkempem, or Breda:
The Eurocity Direct will whoosh past all these smaller stations and secondary airports, departing from Bruxelles Midi and calling only at Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Schiphol Airport, before reaching its terminus at Amsterdam Zuid.
That’s not Amsterdam Central Station, but once in Amsterdam Zuid, located in the south of the Dutch metropolis, travelers can conveniently reach the canal-traversed city center by metro or bus, only 21 minutes away.
Second-class tickets cost only €25, or roughly $26.45 at the current exchange rate, while first-class seats including perks like comfier seats and quieter carriages start at $50.76––on all classes, you are allowed to bring as luggage items without extra change, within reasonable limit.
In other words, a handbag, a carry-on bag and a sturdier 50-pound hold luggage are accepted, as are bikes when reserved in advance, and other large belongings, such as musical instruments and folding buggies, provided they do not block any doors or aisles.
Grand Public Squares, Art Nouveau & Chocolate: Welcome To Brussels!
Brussels is the capital of many monumental architectural feats, including the Grand Place, the prettiest public square in the continent, famous for its ornate facades dating back to the 17th century and opulent Baroque guildhalls.
From the Grand Place, there are cobblestone alleys leading to cozy cafes, art galleries, chocolate shops selling the world-famous Belgian chocolate, and street food spots, where you can get Liège waffles and crispy chips with mayo (double-fried in animal fat).
If you’re here primarily for the chocolate, don’t miss Choco-Story, a chocolate museum only a few steps from the main square, and if you’re looking for more architectural wonders, head over to the Squares District (Maison Saint Cyr is said to be the prettiest Art Nouveau house in town).
Brussels is the capital of Europe, so no visit is complete without a stroll around the EU Quarter, and for the lovers of science, the landmark Atomium, a molecule-shaped science center houses temporary exhibits and ‘crazy’ light displays.
Scenic Canals, Gothic Gems & Crazy Nightlife: Amsterdam In A Nutshell
At the other end of the line, Amsterdam is dubbed Venice of the North thanks to its unique system of navigable canals, lined with Gothic churches and somber Mannerist facades, an ensemble considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s museum capitals, laying claim to the highly sought-after Rijksmuseum, where over 8,000 objects of art and history are on display, the Van Gogh Museum, and of course, Anne Frank House, where the infant diarist would have lived during the German occupation.
Come rain or come shine––and we suspect there’ll be a lot more of the former this season––the best way to experience Amsterdam and all it has to offer is taking a boat tour with cheese and wine sampling, from only $19, and if you’re not prudish, don’t forget to get lost in its Red Lights:
The Red Light District is Amsterdam’s haven for liberalism, where sex workers dance and beckon to passersby from windows, marijuana is legally sold in corner shops, and the smell of grilling kebab permeates the air.
Yep, you’re not in Kansas anymore, so try and keep an open mind.
Get your tickets from Brussels to Amsterdam, or vice-versa here.
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