Private car transfer from Amsterdam to Antwerp

However, your journey could be longer since one of the best things about traveling with Daytrip is the possibility of exploring more of the Netherlands on the way to Antwerp. Start by Clara Maria Cheese & Clog Farm for a real taste of the Dutch countryside and culture. Here at this old-fashioned farm, you’ll witness the traditional way of making clogs and the famous Gouda cheese.

Then, continue to De Haar Castle, a magical piece of architecture straight out of fairytales. You can enjoy this display of wealth and learn about the castle’s history dating back to the Prince-bishop of Utrecht.

You might have heard Antwerp is known as the “Diamond Capital of the World”, which is a deserving title considering that over 80% of the world's rough diamonds and 50% of the polished diamonds have passed through the city's Diamond District since the 15th century.

Diamonds are not the only side of Antwerp that’s famous. The city was the hometown of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. His house, the Rubenshuis, is now a museum where you can visit to admire his works as well as the art of his contemporaries, but at the moment, it’s temporarily closed, so check their website before visiting. The best thing is that his art is not cornered only in this museum but lives throughout the city; many of his masterpieces decorate local churches and other museums.

Apart from the striking beauties of Antwerp, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Antwerp Central Station, the city is full of hidden surprises that will enrich your exploration. For example, Antwerp has an extensive network of underground tunnels known as the "Ruien." These tunnels were originally used as sewers and canals and have recently been opened for guided tours, so stop by for a unique perspective on the city’s history.

And then there are hidden beguinages, which are small communities that housed religious women (Beguines) who lived in a close-knit, semi-monastic community without taking formal religious vows. These peaceful oases take travelers back to medieval times for a quick visit.

Check for international data plans or local SIM cards

If you rely on your smartphone for navigation, communication, or entertainment during your trip, you should make sure you have adequate mobile data coverage. Check with your mobile provider about international data plans that include Belgium. Or consider purchasing a local SIM card to travel within Belgium comfortably.

Pack to be prepared

The weather in the Netherlands and Belgium can be quite unpredictable, even in the summer. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and an umbrella to stay comfortable regardless of the weather. Bring a small travel pillow and a reusable water bottle. It’s also useful to carry some snacks to keep yourself energized in between the stops.

Amsterdam to Antwerp by bus

Direct buses operate between Amsterdam and Antwerp, departing from various locations in Amsterdam, such as Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Duivendrecht. The bus trip takes longer than the train and driving, up to three hours. Flixbus’s schedule is the busiest one on this route, with buses running every two hours.

Buy your tickets beforehand since this trip is quite popular. The buses can get quite crowded because the bus option is cost-effective. Tickets average around $7 to $13.

Amsterdam to Antwerp by train

Taking a train is a popular way to travel Belgium, and it works well when you’re getting from Amsterdam to Antwerp, too. Belgian Railways has hourly trains operating on this route, each trip taking around one hour and 50 minutes. The Thalys trains leave Amsterdam to Antwerp every two hours, but the duration of the travel is much less, which is around one hour. The trains can be packed at times, so secure your tickets in advance. Expect tickets to cost approximately €21 ($17).

Amsterdam to Antwerp by plane

Although both Amsterdam and Antwerp have airports, there are currently no direct flights between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Antwerp International Airport (ANR). Most flights include one or more transfers, which makes it way less convenient than ground transport options such as traveling with a private car service or taking a bus.

Amsterdam to Antwerp by private car service

Having a car ride with Daytrip from Amsterdam to Antwerp provides something that public transportation cannot, and that is the freedom of exploration. This possibility comes with driving, too, but not quite as comfortable as Daytrip. Enjoy the stress-free journey without navigating and finding parking spots at each stop. If traveling in ultimate comfort and while having tons of fun sounds like you—book your seat with Daytrip! Secure your ride for around $290 (267 euros) for a private sedan.

Amsterdam to Antwerp by rental car

Driving from Amsterdam to Antwerp is one of the more flexible options since you can stop whenever and wherever you’d like to. You’d take the A2 highway from Amsterdam, continue onto the A27, and then the A16, which becomes the E19 in Belgium, leading to Antwerp. The duration of the trip would be around two hours, but it can change depending on the traffic conditions.

Pass through the Vlaeykensgang Alley

Hidden in plain sight at the center of Antwerp is the Vlaeykensgang, a historic 16th-century alleyway connecting several streets between the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Hoogstraat.

If you wonder what it’d be like to travel back in time to glimpse the old Antwerp, entering Vlaeykensgang will feel the same. The quaint houses lined up the cobblestone streets, and silent courtyards are now galleries and restaurants, but it used to house shoemakers and later became a refuge for the city’s poor.

Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

There will be a building that immediately catches your eye in the trendy Eilandje district. You’ll recognize it from its stacked red sandstone blocks interspersed with glass panels. This architectural wonder is the Museum aan de Stroom, known as MAS. Inside, you’ll find numerous exhibits on multiple floors, each touching the theme of Antwerp’s connection to the world through migration and cultural exchange. Wrap your visit up by resting on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Scheldt River and the port.

See a Baroque gem: Carolus Borromeus Church

The impact of Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp is quite immense, and it doesn’t end with a museum dedicated to his work. He designed the Carolus Borromeus Church, a masterpiece of Baroque artistry. It used to house 39 ceiling paintings by Ruben, which were unfortunately destroyed in a fire, but the church still preserves a collection of artwork. Visiting the church during one of the organ concerts held here is an amazing way to experience its atmosphere.

If you are looking to soak up some sun, arrange a cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp or a river cruise from Antwerp—choose July since it has the longest daylight hours. And if you don’t want to get caught up in the “wet” side of Belgium, avoid the rainy season altogether, which peaks in December. You’ll want to arrange your visit around the typically dry month of April.