From Amsterdam to Brussels: train, bus, car or plane

Amsterdam and Brussels are separated by roughly 210 km. Dozens of trains and buses run between the two capitals every day. Here are four ways to make the trip, along with how much time and money each one will cost you.

The train here is faster than flying. The journey goes from city center to city center and takes under two hours, so you don't need to waste time getting to the airport. The bus is cheaper, the car is more flexible, but each option has its own price and its own catch.

The short answer: take the Eurostar train for speed, the FlixBus for savings, and a rental car for route flexibility. Below you'll find schedules, prices, and tips on how to avoid overpaying on this short route.

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Comparing the options

💡 In short:

• The Eurostar train connects Amsterdam Centraal and Brussels-Midi in 1 hour 52 minutes.
• The FlixBus takes longer, but tickets start at around 10 € (as of 09/2026, FlixBus route).
• A car gives you flexibility: 2.5-3 hours on the highway (according to the map).
• Prices and schedule: 09/2026, checked on the official Eurostar website, one-way tickets from 29 €.

All four options work, and the choice depends on your budget and how much time you have. The table below summarizes the essentials: how long the trip takes and how much it costs.

By train

The train is the main competitor to all other options here. The high-speed Eurostar, which was called Thalys until 2023, runs nonstop in 1 hour 52 minutes and arrives right in the center of Brussels (as of 09/2026, official Eurostar website). Departure from Amsterdam Centraal, arrival at Brussels-Midi.

Arrive at the station early. The operator advises being on the platform 20 minutes before departure so you can calmly find the right track. One-way tickets start at 29 €, and exchange conditions depend on the fare you choose.

© Rob Dammers · CC BYPhoto: Rob Dammers, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Luggage won't hold you up. Baggage allowances depend on the fare, so check them when buying your ticket. Buy tickets in advance: a few weeks before your date, fares are lower than on the day of travel, and weekday seats are cheaper than Friday evening ones.

If budget matters more than speed, look at regular Intercity trains. They depart about once an hour and take around three hours, but cost noticeably less (Seat61, 09/2026). You buy this ticket for a specific day and don't overpay for flexibility.

Amsterdam - Brussels train tickets are easy to compare in one place, especially if you're continuing through Europe with a connection.

By bus

The bus remains the cheapest way to make the trip. FlixBus takes you from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Brussels-North in about three hours, and one-way tickets start at around 10 € and vary depending on the date (as of 09/2026, FlixBus route). Services run almost every hour, so you can easily find a convenient time.

The bus has Wi-Fi and power outlets on board, and the ticket arrives on your phone. One suitcase and carry-on luggage are already included in the price. This is convenient if you're traveling light and don't want to pay extra for baggage.

© Emile Donzel · CC BY-SAPhoto: Emile Donzel, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The catch with the bus is that it doesn't arrive in the very center. Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Brussels-North are away from the main squares, and you'll need to get to your hotel by metro or tram. At rush hour this adds another half hour to the trip.

The bus price depends heavily on the date. If you book a couple of weeks ahead, the ticket costs about ten euros, but at the last minute it gets noticeably more expensive. Watch for deals and you'll catch a trip cheaper than the train.

By plane

Direct flights between Brussels and Amsterdam exist, but there are few of them and they don't make sense time-wise. By the time you get to the airport, go through security, and get from the airport to the center, the train will already be there. On such a short route, the plane almost always loses.

© Felix Gottwald - www.felixgottwald.net (There are 21 Pictures in my Category ) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Felix Gottwald - www.felixgottwald.net (There are 21 Pictures in my Category ), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

If you're still considering flying, compare not only the ticket price but also the cost of the transfer to your hotel. You can compare plane tickets online, and you'll also see whether such a trip pays off.

After landing in Brussels, you'll need to get to your hotel. We covered that separately, along with prices for the bus, train, and taxi from the airport. Sometimes this transfer costs more than the flight itself.

By car

A car suits those who like to stop along the way. Amsterdam and Brussels are about 210 km apart, and via the A1 and E19 highways the drive takes 2.5-3 hours (according to the map). The route passes through Rotterdam and Antwerp, where you can stop for lunch or sightseeing.

Car rental starts in the low double digits per day, with fuel and parking fees added on top. Parking is expensive in the centers of Amsterdam and Brussels, so factor this cost in ahead of time. Car rental in Amsterdam lets you choose a car for your route.

If you don't want to drive yourself, try a rideshare service. BlaBlaCar finds drivers heading your way and splits the fuel costs. You pay less than for the train, but the schedule depends on someone else's trip.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How long does the trip from Amsterdam to Brussels take?

The fastest option is the Eurostar train: 1 hour 52 minutes from center to center. The FlixBus takes about three hours, and a car on the highway also takes about three hours. Factoring in the trip to the airport, the plane loses to the train on this route.

How much does the Amsterdam Brussels train cost?

One-way Eurostar tickets start at 29 €, and regular Intercity trains cost less. Buy tickets two to three weeks ahead to catch a low fare.

Which is cheaper: bus or train?

The FlixBus is cheaper than the train almost always: its ticket starts at around 10 €. The train wins on time and comfort, and sometimes the price of a regular Intercity is close to the bus. Compare both options for your date.

Can you get there by car?

Yes, the cities are about 210 km apart via the A1 and E19 highways. Without stops, you'll spend 2.5-3 hours on the road. Keep in mind parking fees in city centers, which can be higher than a bus ticket.

Is it worth flying from Brussels to Amsterdam?

Usually not. The distance is short, and the trip to the airport, security, and transfer make the flight longer than the train. Flying only makes sense if you're continuing onward with a connection in Amsterdam.

In short: what to book

If you're in a hurry and want a relaxed trip, book the Eurostar train in advance. If budget matters, take the FlixBus and watch for deals. If you're planning stops in Rotterdam or Antwerp, choose a rental car.

• If you're short on time: Eurostar train.
• If you're on a limited budget: FlixBus.
• If you want freedom on the road: rental car.

Whichever option you choose, buy tickets in advance. That way you'll get the best price and can calmly plan a short trip between two capitals. You can check prices for your date on Trip.com.