There are four ways to get from Amsterdam to Brussels. The quickest and most popular is by train, the cheapest is by bus, and the most convenient is by Daytrip. Flying ends up being the slowest option.
What is the fastest way to get from Amsterdam to Brussels?
The train can get you from Amsterdam to Brussels in under 2 hours. Don't be fooled by the 45-minute flight time; it doesn't take into account the 2 hours needed for check-in, security, and boarding at the airport!
What language is spoken in Brussels?
French, German, and Dutch are the official languages in Belgium. English is also widely spoken, with 1/3 of the population being fluent.
Is Brussels safe?
Brussels is considered a secure city for tourists. The city scored 60 on the safety index, as pickpocketing can occur in busy areas. Like every big city, you should use common sense and remain vigilant.
Is Brussels expensive?
Brussels is not a budget destination. However, it's much more affordable when compared to other Western European capital cities, such as London, Paris, or Rome.
Where can I buy tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels?
You can book a private door-to-door service from Amsterdam to Brussels on our website. Alternatively, you can book your train or bus tickets directly with Eurostar or FlixBus. Book your tickets online at least 30 days in advance for the lowest price.
How many days do I need to visit Brussels?
Due to its size and countless attractions, three days is the minimum amount of time to stay in Brussels. If you're planning a day trip to nearby cities, you should consider adding an extra day.
Do I need a passport to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels?
The Netherlands and Belgium are both part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, you generally don't need to show your passport. However, you should bring some ID, as random checks can occur.
What is the distance from Amsterdam to Brussels?
The distance from Amsterdam to Brussels is 108 miles. Yet the driving distance is 130 miles. This should take 2тАУ2.5 hours at a safe speed.
Although the car trip from Amsterdam to Brussels might seem small on a map, it's hiding big potential along its hidden trails. Only 108 miles separate the two bustling European capital cities. Yet the breathtaking countryside manages to fit in several sights that are sure to whet the appetite of every nature lover and travel enthusiast.
The adventure begins as Amsterdam's distinctive red brick buildings and unique architecture make way for the flatlands in the Dutch countryside. Tulips as vibrant as a painter's palette light up fields as far as the eye can see, and wooden windmills, the Netherlands' iconic symbol, scatter the landscape.
As you say goodbye to the Netherlands' warm hospitality, a new chapter of your northern European trip unfolds before you. The Kingdom of the Low Countries is a memory in your rearview mirror as hilly terrain rolls across Belgium. And you'll know you're at your final destination when mouthwatering Belgian chocolate stores begin to appear on every street corner.
Daytrip knows that planning, navigating, and embarking on this voyage can be challenging. We also believe everyone deserves a carefree journey to truly appreciate this remarkable piece of the world. So, we put together this ultimate guide for getting from Amsterdam to Brussels so you can have the perfect vacation!
About Brussels
The Comic City sits in the heart of Belgium along the river Senne. Its central location makes it a popular spot for people to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels. It's one of the smaller capital cities in Europe, spanning almost 63 square miles and home to 1.2 million of the nation's 11.7 million residents.
Today, it's one of the most valuable cities on the continent, as the region is the headquarters of the European Union. However, Brussels's significance dates back hundreds of years, when it began to flourish in the Middle Ages. It became a vital trading stop for travelers crossing to other European powerhouses at the time. Many would take a break here and trade goods at the main square.
Brussels' landlocked location played arguably the most influential role in shaping the area's culture. Belgium shares its border with four countries. The Netherlands in the north, Germany in the east, France in the west, and Luxemburg in the south all sandwich Europe's 15th smallest state. And each one's traditions have rubbed off on Brussels.
French, Dutch, and German are all official languages in the city. And even one in every three residents here fluently speaks English. The city's art and architecture are the most notable features of Brussels's melting pot of cultures. It's renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, which is characterized by intricate designs, flowing lines, and organic motifs. Most of the world-renowned landmarks you see today are still in their original state, including the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in town.
From Amsterdam to Brussels: travel tips
Traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels is not your ordinary drive from one city to another. Along the way, you'll be spoiled with plenty of scenic views and places to explore.
To get the most out of this route, follow our insider travel tips from experienced divers and travel experts.
Do your homework
The journey from Amsterdam to Brussels will take between 1.5 and 3 hours. You can use this time to learn more about the city and enhance your overall experience.
If you book a door-to-door ride with Daytrip, your local driver will be more than happy to recommend bars, cafes, and attractions to visit or avoid. Or, you can relax in your private car with your favorite guidebook.
### Consider an alternative route
The main route from Amsterdam to Brussels is along the A27 and E19 motorways. These roads are the most time-efficient. However, you will miss the panoramic backroads and stunning attractions on the way.
If you're not in a rush, venture off the beaten path and explore ancient castles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with keeping your eyes happy, you'll keep your thrill-seekers in high spirits, too.
### Book tickets in advance
Amsterdam and Brussels are both bucket-list destinations near each other. They're also eco-conscious cities where locals prefer public transport to cars.
As a result, the train and bus can sell out in advance. To ensure your mode of transportation is available at your desired time and to save money, book your ticket at least 30 days in advance.
How to get from Amsterdam to Brussels
Choosing how to get from Amsterdam to Brussels is the key to an enjoyable journey. There are four options to choose from, each with its own benefits. We've outlined all the ways to get from Amsterdam to Brussels below so you can decide which is right for you.
Trains from Amsterdam to Brussels
Commuters, locals, and foreign visitors all take the train from Amsterdam to Brussels. The reliability, modern carriages, and fact that it's part of the Eurostar, which sees 15 million passengers, make it the most popular choice when traveling between the regions.
Essential factors to note about trains from Amsterdam to Brussels are:
Average route time: 02h 19m
Shortest route time: 01h 47m
The first hour of departure: 06:11 AM
Last hour of departure: 9:28 PM
Average ticket cost: тВм27
### Bus from Amsterdam to Brussels
The average journey time from Amsterdam to Brussels is 2 hours, 45 minutes. Flixbus and BlaBlaBus run daily and offer single tickets starting at only тВм9.99. Therefore, it's no surprise that the bus is quickly becoming one of the most popular options.
When traveling by bus, double-check your departure and arrival stations. Budget companies often stop at alternative stations further from the city center to keep fees down. Brussels North Station is a 10-minute taxi ride to downtown, while Heysel Station is 4.5 miles northwest of the city.
### Flight from Amsterdam to Brussels
Flights from Amsterdam to Brussels are the least common mode of transport. KLM is the only carrier. And with no competition, tickets often cost over тВм200 each way.
Although the flight can take as little as 45 minutes, you must factor in the 1.5-hour airport wait time. Then, it will take another 20тАУ30 minutes to reach downtown Brussels. Overall, this is the slowest way to get from Amsterdam to Brussels.
### Daytrip private car service from Amsterdam to Brussels
Amsterdam to Brussels is one of Daytrip's most popular routes. You'll ride door-to-door, so you don't have to worry about getting to or from bus or train stations with your luggage. Our private ride service allows you to stop at cities, towns, and attractions you can't see with public transport.
Some of the most popular stops are:
Clara Maria Cheese & Clog Farm
De HaarтАЩs Castle
Kinderdijk
Antwerp
* Leuven
In addition to sightseeing opportunities, all Daytrip drivers speak English, so you can get local insights during your ride.
Things to do when you get to Brussels
After your trip from Amsterdam, you may be tempted to dive head-first into Belgian waffles, beers, and frites the second you get to Brussels. But before you get lost in a world sampling these mouthwatering treats, check out the best things to see and do in one of Europe's most underrated cities!
### Admire the Grand PlaceThe Grand Place is worthy of its name. Gothic architecture, stunning private buildings, and an upbeat atmosphere surround arguably the most beautiful square in the world. Its beauty and historical significance, dating back to the 17th century, earned it a spot on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1998.
No trip to Brussels is complete without wandering the cobblestones here. The best part is the price. You don't have to spend a penny to admire this wonder!
### Get lost at AtomiumAtomium isn't your typical tourist attraction. Look at any photo, and you'll see why. A glimmering iron crystal magnified 165 billion times will draw you in from afar. Its fascinating attractions will keep you here for hours.
Inside, you'll find endless exhibitions, from the history of air travel to the art of Ren├й Magritte. If you're brave enough, you can climb 335 feet into the sky and look over Brussels from its viewpoints.
### Travel all of Europe in an afternoon
Have you ever dreamed about planning an extensive European road trip?Believe it or not, in Brussels, you can see all of Europe in just one afternoon on foot!
Mini-Europe is a theme park that shows off the best that the continent has to offer. You can snap a photo at the Eiffel Tower and take a break at Buckingham Palace before finally ending at the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
### Relax in Cinquantenaire Park
Cinquantenaire Park is the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing in Brussels. This vast urban green space is over 74 acres and is not far from the European Quarter. To enter, you must pass under the majestic Triumphal Arch.
During the summer, you can get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals. Many come on their breaks or free time to lay on the fresh green grass under the beating sun's rays. In the winter, the setting turns into a winter wonderland concealed under a blanket of thick white snow!
In Belgium, spring lasts from the beginning of April to the end of June. The temperatures are pleasant but not overwhelming, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Also, there are fewer crowds, so you can enjoy the narrow lanes without getting stuck in tourist bottlenecks.
September and October are also shoulder months. Temperatures start to fall, but you can still spend time outside and take advantage of the best deals on flights and accommodation.
Step into Dutch culture at this historic farmhouse, where things are still done the old-fashioned way.┬аDutch Delights┬а
De Haar Castle
Get a glimpse into the extravagant lives of the Rothschilds in the largest castle in the Netherlands.┬аThe Golden Age┬а
Kinderdijk
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to human ingenuity and a distinctive part of Dutch culture.┬аMonumental Machinations┬а
Den Bosch
This well preserved medieval town was home to the influential proto-surrealist painter Hieronymus Bosch.┬аMedieval Madness┬а
Antwerp
BelgiumтАЩs second largest city, and the worldтАЩs second most diverse, has been a cultural capital since Rubens moved here in the 16th century.┬аThe Capital of Cool┬а
Leuven
This provincial capital is home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the oldest still-operating Catholic university, and the Stella Artois Brewery.┬аBeauty, Brains, and Beer┬а
тАЬWe arranged private transportation from Amsterdam to Brussels through Daytrip, with designated stops along the way. Our driver, Ming, was excellent. He was a cautious and courteous driver. The vehicle was clean and comfortable. We were totally pleased with the experience. We will certainly consider Daytrip if a future opportunity presents itself.тАЭ
тАЬReasonable prices. Good drivers. Third time IтАЩve used daytrip. Madelon was a great and friendly driver with lots of helpful information. Better than a limo service. And less expensive.тАЭ
тАЬWe used DayTrip to take us from Amsterdam to Brussels with a side trip to Antwerp. Juan was a great driver and was such a good host on our journey. I would not hesitate to use this company again.тАЭ
