A city trip to the Netherlands? 
 With Eurocity Direct, of course. 

 A city trip to the Netherlands? 
 With Eurocity Direct, of course. 
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Eurocity Direct: fast train between Brussels, Schiphol and Amsterdam

The new Eurocity Direct trains ensure a daily and swift connection between Belgium and the Netherlands. They take you at high speed from Brussels to Amsterdam. You will reach the Dutch capital in about 2 hours, with stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport along the way. After Amsterdam, the Eurocity Direct continues to Almere and Lelystad.

Whether you are planning a (day) trip to Rotterdam or Amsterdam, need to catch a flight at Schiphol or cross the border for business purposes regularly, these trains will get you to your destination with ease.

Attention: Eurocity Direct doesn't serve Amsterdam Central but Amsterdam Zuid station, located in the Zuidas (Amsterdam's main business area). From this station, you can easily reach the city centre by metro or bus. More about Amsterdam Zuid >

Eurocity Direct: the most practical option to travel to AmsterdamAdvantages Eurocity Direct

  • High frequency: 16 Eurocity Direct trains connect Brussels with Rotterdam, Schiphol and Amsterdam daily.
  • Fast connection thanks to limited number of stops.
  • Interesting fare range whether you value flexibility or a competitive price.
  • Free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult (max. 4 children per traveller).

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10-11 January 2026: restricted itinerary in Belgium for EuroCity and Eurocity Direct.

Due to engineering works between Brussels and Antwerp, the itinerary of the EuroCity (Brussels-Rotterdam) and Eurocity Direct (Brussels-Amsterdam) will be restricted as follows on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026:

  • EuroCity trains will be diverted via Aarschot between Brussels and Antwerp, resulting in longer journey times. Consequently, they will only operate between Rotterdam and Bruxelles-Nord/Brussel-Noord (instead of Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid). Between Bruxelles-Nord/Brussel-Noord and other Brussels stations, passengers can make use of other SNCB trains.
  • Eurocity Direct will operate between Amsterdam and Antwerp-Central (instead of Brussels). Between Antwerp and Brussels, passengers can make use of SNCB, which will follow an adapted schedule and/or itinerary.

Our journey planner already takes these changes into account.

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17-18 January 2026: restricted itinerary for EuroCity and Eurocity Direct

Due to simultaneous engineering works on the Belgian and Dutch rail networks, the EuroCity (Brussels-Rotterdam) and Eurocity Direct (Brussels-Amsterdam) will be subject to the following route restrictions on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026:

EuroCity (Brussels-Rotterdam)

  • will be diverted via Aarschot and Lier and will not serve Mechelen.
  • most trains will operate from and to Bruxelles-Nord/Brussel-Noord instead of Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid.

Eurocity Direct (Brussels-Amsterdam)

  • will operate to/from Antwerpen-Centraal instead of Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid (only trains 9523 and 9572 will depart from or continue to Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid).
  • will only operate between Antwerp and Rotterdam Centraal (instead of Amsterdam Zuid) on Saturday 17 January. On Sunday 18 January, it will operate between Antwerp and Amsterdam-Zuid.

Please check the adapted schedules a few days before you depart.

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Eurocity Direct leading direct routesDirect routes

Brussels - Amsterdam Direct train 1:59
from € 25 *
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Brussels - Rotterdam Direct train 1:22
from € 20 *
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Brussels - Schiphol Direct train 1:51
from € 25 *
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Antwerp - Amsterdam Direct train 1:20
from € 21 *
Book now

Eurocity Direct line map

 
 

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More about Amsterdam Zuid stationAmsterdam Zuid station

Eurocity Direct's arrival station is Amsterdam Zuid, on the city's south outskirts.

Travel on from Amsterdam Zuid

Possible connections at Amsterdam Zuid:

 Metro 52 to the city centre

 NS trains to other dutch rail stations

Show on map

      

Amsterdam public transports

Nearby

Attending an event at the RAI Amsterdam conference center? Go there by Eurocity Direct, as Amsterdam Zuid station is only a few steps away.

Some must do's near Amsterdam Zuid: 

  • stroll in the Vondelpark
  • dinner in the De Pijp district
  • vintage shopping at the Albert Cuypmarkt
  • concert at the Koninklijk Concertgebouw

The differences between EuroCity Direct and EuroCity trainsEurocity Direct or EuroCity?

We have briefly reviewed the EuroCity offerings between Belgium and the Netherlands for you. How does EuroCity Direct differs from EuroCity (Rotterdam)? Which one should you choose for your next journey? Find out below.

 

Eurocity Direct
The fast and flexible way to get to the Rotterdam, Schiphol and Amsterdam.
From Brussels-Midi to Amsterdam Zuid.
Stopovers in Antwerpen-Centraal, Schiphol and Rotterdam Centraal.
16 trains a day in each direction.
Via high-speed lines on the entire route.
Brussels-Midi - Rotterdam Centraal in 1h30.
Brussels - Rotterdam from € 20*.
Prices vary according to ticket flexibility and occupancy.
EuroCity
The most affordable way to get to Breda and Rotterdam
From Brussels-Midi to Rotterdam Centraal.
Stopovers in Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, Brussels-Airport Zaventem, Mechelen, Antwerpen-Berchem, Antwerpen-Centraal, Noorderkempen and Breda.
16 trains a day in each direction.
Via conventional railway line between Brussels and Antwerp; via high-speed line between Antwerp and Rotterdam.
Brussels-Midi - Rotterdam Centraal in 2h07.
Brussels - Rotterdam from € 13,10*.
Prices vary according to the flexibility of the ticket and the occupancy rate. The Flex fare can be combined with Belgian dscounts (Train+ and preferential reimbursement) for the Belgian part of the journey.

Frequent questions about the Eurocity DirectQuestions about Eurocity Direct

How fast is the Eurocity Direct?
Do I have to reserve my seat on the EuroCity and on the Eurocity Direct?Do I have to reserve my seat?
Is my ticket for the EuroCity or Eurocity Direct valid at any time of day?Is my ticket valid at any time of day?
I have a ticket for the Eurocity Direct. Is it also valid on a EuroCity train?Is my ticket for the Eurocity Direct also valid on the EuroCity?
From what age do children have to pay?
Can I take my bike on the Eurocity Direct and on the EuroCity train?Can I take my bike on the train?
Other frequent questions

Inspiration for your trip to the Netherlands

Canal belt
Free activities in Amsterdam
Rotterdam
City break to Rotterdam
The other side of Amsterdam
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* Unless expressly stated otherwise, all fares quoted are per person/per leg (VAT included) based on an online reservation for a 2nd class return from Brussels. Please note, terms and conditions apply. Tip: As the number of seats at the lowest fares on Eurostar, TGV INOUI and ICE trains is limited, we recommend that you book your trip as early as possible. Most international trains allow reservations to be made from 4 months before the date of departure. On ICE trains, booking is possible as early as 180 days before departure, and on Eurostar, booking is possible from min. 157 and max. 277 days before departure, depending on the time of the year.).

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