travel amsterdam to brussels

How To Travel Amsterdam to Brussels (2024)

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a principal European political centre – located around 200km from Amsterdam.

Travel between Amsterdam and Brussels is possible by high speed and standard rail, airline flights and coaches.

As Belgium and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement you do not normally need to go through a passport control check when travelling between Amsterdam and Brussels.

Amsterdam-Brussels by Train (recommended)

Travelling by train between Amsterdam and Brussels is certainly the best option in terms of time and convenience and gets you into the heart of both city centres. It can be easily booked using via the NS International site (euros) or the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) with prices starting at €25 one-way.

There are currently 3 choices of trains available:

• Eurostar (formerly Thalys), the high-speed train service between Amsterdam and Paris (from €29)
• Intercity Brussels , the Intercity service between Amsterdam and Brussels (from €25)

1. Amsterdam-Brussels by Eurostar (formerly Thalys)

The high speed Eurostar service runs from Amsterdam Central station to Paris Gare du Nord via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Central, Antwerp Central and Brussels Zuid/Midi .

Eurostar normally runs up to 15x daily and the Amsterdam-Brussels journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes .

There are 3 classes of travel on Eurostar: Standard, Comfort and Premium.

Standard has 2nd class seating (2-2 configuration) with free WiFi. Food/drink can be purchased at the bar carriage. Standard tickets are refundable and exchangeable up to 7 days before travel; thereafter there are no refunds, but changes are possible for a €15 fee plus the price difference.

Comfort has 1st class seating (2-1 configuration), free WiFi and food/drink can be purchased at the bar. Comfort tickets are also refundable and exchangeable up to 7 days before travel; thereafter there are no refunds, but changes are possible for a €15 fee plus the price difference.

Premium is a proper first class product with 1st class seating (2-1 configuration), free WiFi (with more data), complimentary food/drink served at your seat and and free access to an international press app. Premium tickets are fully refundable up to 1 hour before travel; changes are possible right up to departure time with any price difference applying.

Premium ticket holders can access the Eurostar lounges in Brussels as well as the NS International lounges at Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam..

All Eurostar seats have individual electric power outlets.

Eurostar permits 2 pieces of luggage (max 75 x 53 x 30cm, no weight limit) plus 1 item of hand luggage. There are overhead luggage racks and special racks at each end of the carriage for larger items.

Eurostar tickets are on sale up to 4 months out and are booked like an airline seat – with a specific seat reservation. Your ticket will have a carriage and seat number.

To secure the cheapest fares you should book as early as possible. Standard fares cost €29-€89, Comfort fares cost €52-€103 and Premium fares range from €106-€129.

TIP: The last Eurostar of the day out of Amsterdam (departing around 2015 or 2115) can often have cheaper availability even at the last minute. Conversely, the first Eurostar out of Brussels towards Amsterdam (departing around 0650 on weekdays) tends to still have the cheaper tariffs.

• Fastest journey time
• Includes seat reservation
• Lowest Standard fares are good value
• Catering available
• More expensive than Intercity
• Popular – so tickets can sell out

Book your Eurostar ticket with NS International here Book your Eurostar ticket with Trainline here

2. Amsterdam-Brussels by Intercity Brussels

The Intercity Brussels is an Intercity train service which normally runs up to 16x daily between Amsterdam and Brussels Zuid/Midi. It is jointly operated by NS Dutch Railways and Belgian Rail.

Although this train does run along the high speed track, it is not a high speed train service and makes more stops than the Eurostar.

The stops are at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Breda, Noorderkempen (Belgium), Antwerp Central, Antwerp Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport , Brussels North and Brussels Central .

Allow about 2 hour 50 minutes to make the Amsterdam-Brussels journey on the Intercity Brussels.

There are no seat reservations so passengers can simply board and sit in any free seat in their class. Seating is 2nd class (2-2 configuration) and 1st class (2-1 configuration). Some 1st class carriages can also have a couple of small 6 person (3-3) compartments.

Luggage racks can accommodate small and medium size bags. In 1st class there are larger luggage racks at the end of the carriage.

Standard distance-based prices are in effect for travel using intercity trains although cheaper online “early bird” fares are also available if booking at least 3 days in advance.

The standard full-flex (2024) fare for Amsterdam-Brussels one-way costs €56.50 (2nd class) or €91.50 (1st class). These are valid on any Intercity Brussels service on-the-day and are freely changeable up to the departure day.

Early bird one-way fares start at €25 (2nd class) and €41 (1st class) and are valid for a specific train only. Tickets can be changed for a €5 fee.

Holders of Dutch Railways NS discount cards and free NS travel cards receive a fare reduction off the full-flex fare for the Netherlands segment of travel.

Intercity Brussels tickets are on sale from 180 days out.

TIP: The Intercity Brussels is a popular service and gets very busy at peak times. Boarding and finding a seat can sometimes be a bit of a scrum. Consider buying a 1st class ticket for a smoother boarding experience; or take the train at an earlier or later time in the day.

• Cheaper than Eurostar
• ‘Walk-up’ full-flex fare always available
• No guaranteed seat reservation – can get busy
• No catering on board

Book Intercity Brussels tickets with NS International here Book Intercity Brussels tickets with Trainline here

Amsterdam-Brussels Flights

It is possible to fly between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Brussels Zaventem (BRU) airport. The scheduled flight time is around 45 minutes – although by the time you take into account travel to/from the airport and waiting for your flight – you are much better off taking the train.

Dutch airline KLM (Skyteam) currently has up to 4x daily flights from Schiphol to Brussels – using either Boeing 737s or “Cityhopper” branded Embraer 175/190 jets. Return airfares start at around €200 – note KLM charges for checked luggage but you do get a complimentary drink and snack onboard.

The reality is this flight route is mainly aimed at transfer passengers on longer-haul routes.

There are train stations at Schiphol and Brussels airports which can get you to the centre of town in 15-20 minutes. The Brussels airport train to central Brussels runs up to 4x hourly. Buy Brussels airport train return tickets in advance here

Amsterdam-Brussels by Coach

The coach is the cheapest travel option between Amsterdam and Brussels with a journey time of around 3 hours

Flixbus is a German coach company that offers services between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Brussels Noord. It currently operates a multiple daily service with fares starting at around €9 one-way. Book your Flixbus ticket here

BlaBlaCar bus normally operates a 3-8x daily Amsterdam-Brussels coach service. Fares start at €9 one-way. Coach stops are at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and Brussels Zuid/Midi station. Book your BlaBlaCar bus tickets via Omio here

For more on travel to Belgium see Amsterdam-Antwerp travel options and Amsterdam to Bruges or Ghent

Amsterdam Resources

Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.

The I Amsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your I Amsterdam City Card online here

Brussels Resources

Are you looking for a hotel in Brussels? Book here with Booking.com

The Brussels Pass includes access to the Atomium, the hop-on/off Tootbus Brussels and a city guide app.

This article was originally published in 2010 and has continuously been updated. Last update 30 January 2024 .

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

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The best way from Amsterdam to Brussels (or Brussels to Amsterdam) is by train.  You've a choice of two different train services, the all-reserved Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed trains or the slower but cheaper more flexible Intercity trains.  I explain the pros & cons of each train below.

Option 1, Amsterdam to Brussels by Eurostar

The fastest & most comfortable way.

Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line.  They're all-reserved with dynamic airline-style pricing, so book ahead.

They're carpeted & air-conditioned, with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

They have 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class) & Premium (1st class with at-seat food & wine included in the fare).  More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains .

Luggage is not an issue, you take it with you and put it on the various racks above or between the seats.  Nobody weighs it or measures it.

You can use the NS Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal with a Comfort or Premium class ticket, although personally I'd still head for a beer, coffee or meal at the excellent Kafe 1e Klas . 

You can access the Thalys lounge in Brussels with a Premium class ticket, though the bar at the Pullman hotel is a much better waiting lounge whatever class you book.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets.

Option 1, buy tickets at www.eurostar.com , the operator's own website, easy to use with no booking fee.

Option 2, buy tickets from Dutch Railways at www.nsinternational.nl .

This offers 2 advantages, (a) it can book to or from any Dutch station, not just Amsterdam & Rotterdam, (b) it sells high-speed Eurostar trains and the cheaper Intercity trains so you can compare prices.

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket (A4 paper, U.S. Letter size is fine) or show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Option 3, you can also buy Amsterdam-Brussels tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  They sell tickets for multiple European operators so you can keep all (or most) of your bookings together in one place.  About Raileurope .  About Thetrainline .

Option 2, Amsterdam to Brussels by InterCity train

You don't need a reservation, these trains have turn-up-and-go ticketing, tickets are good for any train that day.  You sit where you like, there are usually plenty of free seats if you board in Amsterdam or Brussels where the train starts its journey.

Luggage is not an issue, you can take whatever you like with you and put it on the racks above your seat, between the seat backs, or at the car ends, as on any other train.

Tip:   With a 1st class ticket you can use the NS Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal , although personally I'd go to the excellent Kafe 1e Klas instead.

In April 2018 the IC trains were re-routed over the high-speed line cutting journey time from 3h22 to 2h53.  However, they only run at up to 160 km/h (100 mph) not 300 km/h on the high-speed line so they're still slower than Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .  They also make more stops and have to change direction at Breda and Brussels Airport stations as well as calling at Schiphol, Rotterdam, Antwerp & Brussels Nord.

Slower, but more flexible

The main advantage over Eurostar (formerly Thalys) is flexibility, as IC trains don't have seat reservations, tickets cannot sell out, you can buy a ticket on the day at an affordable price and use any IC train you like (although the cheaper advance-purchase fares now commit you to a specific departure).  Your plans don't need to be nailed to the floor months in advance as with Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

Another advantage over Eurostar (formerly Thalys) is that these IC trains call at Brussels Central , 5 minutes walk from the Grand Place in the heart of Brussels city centre.  So if you're going to be visiting the old city and/or your hotel is in that area, taking an IC train direct to Brussels Central can be more convenient (and only a little longer) taking a Eurostar to Brussels Midi then a local train or taxi.

Early Bird fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €41 in 1st class.

Buy tickets direct from Dutch Railways at www.nsinternational.nl .

Look for journeys with 0 transfers marked IC Brussel . 

Sales open a few months ahead, but no need to commit way in advance, the full-flex fare can be bought on the day of travel.  Early Bird fares have limited availability, but can usually be found even 3 days in advance, there's no need to book months ahead.

You can also buy Amsterdam-Brussels tickets at www.thetrainline.com , in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, and as it sells tickets for multiple operators you can keep all (or most) of your European train bookings together in one place.  About Thetrainline .

Tip:   I'll say it again:  Although it looks like you're booking a specific departure, full-flex tickets for the Brussels-Amsterdam IC trains are good for any IC train that day, not just the one you book.  So you can take whichever one you like on that day.

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Capital cities Amsterdam and Brussels are surprisingly close to each other, the trip taking as little as two hours by train. We will explain to you the best ways to travel from Amsterdam's charming canals to Brussels, the exciting political heart of Europe.

Video train route Amsterdam - Brussels

Train options for Amsterdam to Brussels

Traveling by high-speed train

The quickest and most luxurious way to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels is by Eurostar high-speed train . It will take you there in 1 hour and 50 minutes, but be advised that this train is quite expensive. For actual travel times, check out our timetable . If you're traveling with a Eurail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket and only pay a reservation fee. We recommend you book your seats as far in advance as possible.

Traveling by regional train

You can take a regional train from Amsterdam to Brussels, with a single stopover in Rotterdam. This is a slightly longer trip than by high-speed train, but it'll cost you less and you can stop anywhere along the way. We recommend a visit to beautiful Antwerp in Belgium. If you have a Eurail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket. You can travel on this train for free and get on and off whenever you like.

Eurail Passes

The Eurail Pass is a pass that lets you travel on nearly every train in Europe. It comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one that best fits your holiday plans.  Check out our Eurail Passes . If you're only looking to travel in The Netherlands and Belgium, the Eurail Benelux Pass  might be just the thing for you. This pass gives you access to the three Benelux countries: Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

Find train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels

Good to know, top tips for finding amsterdam to brussels train tickets.

• 25% of our users found round-trip train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels for $108 or less.
• You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel at noon.

FAQs when traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels by train

How long is a train journey to brussels from amsterdam.

The train journey from Amsterdam to Brussels takes 1h 57m on average and covers a distance of 107 miles.

What train companies travel from Amsterdam to Brussels?

There are different train companies operating between Amsterdam and Brussels. Eurostar and AccesRail are the most booked train companies.

How much does a train ticket from Amsterdam to Brussels cost?

The average price of a round-trip train ticket from Amsterdam to Brussels is $103. In the last 3 days, the lowest price found by KAYAK users was $159.

Book train tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels (round-trip)

Search by stops, search by train company, book train tickets from amsterdam to brussels (one-way), popular train routes from amsterdam.

• Trains from Amsterdam to Paris from $136
• Trains from Amsterdam to London from $68

Matador Original Series

This high-speed train will take you from amsterdam to brussels in less than two hours.

F or those who want to travel around Europe by train, starting a trip in Amsterdam will make things as easy as can be. The rail network in this corner of the world is fast, reliable, and can get you just about anywhere you want. You feel like traveling from Amsterdam to London in less than four hours? There’s the Eurostar for that. You want to go to France to eat all the baguettes? There’s a Amsterdam to Paris high-speed train waiting for you. You’re dying to see Germany? Hop on the direct and cheap train between Amsterdam and Berlin . And if it’s Belgium and its famously delicious waffles you want to pay a little visit to, there are several trains for that, too.

How to get from Amsterdam to Brussels easily?

How much does it cost to take the train from amsterdam to brussels, how long is the high-speed train from amsterdam to brussels, how many days do i need in brussels, is brussels a day trip from amsterdam, where to stay in brussels to be near bruxelles midi/zuid train station.

High-speed Thalys train. Photo: username /Shutterstock

There are two very easy options to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels by train. You can take the direct, high-speed Thalys train, or you can hop on the NS International InterCity direct train (NS stands for Nederlandse Spoorwegen, i.e. the Dutch national railway company).

The high-speed Thalys train is a direct train that links the two cities in less than two hours. There are multiple high-speed Thalys trains traveling between Amsterdam and Brussels throughout the day.

The NS International InterCity direct train is not a high-speed train and therefore runs between Amsterdam and Brussels much more slowly than the Thalys train. The NS International InterCity also runs several times per day, throughout the day, and is just as frequent as the Thalys train.

To view the timetables, prices, and to book your train ticket, visit Thalys’ booking system and/or NS International .

The high-speed Thalys train between Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal) and Brussels (Bruxelles Midi/Zuid) starts at $31.10 (29 €) in Standard class and goes all the way up to $138.35 (129 €) in Premium class. It is easy to get a cheap ticket, but it is recommended to book as early as you can if you want to get the lowest price for the departure that suits you best.

Here is a break-down of the three different classes of service on the Thalys train:

• Standard class includes WiFi, one power outlet, two pieces of luggage, access to the on-board café.
• Comfort class includes WiFi, one power outlet, two pieces of luggage, a more comfortable seat in a quieter section of the train, and access to the on-board café.
• Premium class includes WiFi, one power outlet, two pieces of luggage, a more comfortable seats in a quieter section of the train, one gourmet meal (as well as access to the on-board café), one taxi reservation, as well as access to lounges in certain train stations.

The NS International InterCity train. Photo: VanderWolf Images /Shutterstock

The NS International InterCity train between Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal) and Brussels (Bruxelles Midi/Zuid) starts at $26.80 (25 €) in Second class and goes all the way to $90.55 (84.40 €) in First class. There is no WiFi or café-restaurant cars on this train. First class on the NS International InterCity train includes: larger seats, more leg room, one power outlet, access to the International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal.

The high-speed Thalys train between Amsterdam and Brussels takes one hour and 53 minutes.

The NS International InterCity direct train between Amsterdam and Brussels takes two hours and 45 minutes.

To see Brussels’ highlights, plan to spend three days in the city. That way, you’ll have enough time to go up inside the Atomium, take in some of the city’s most famous comic strip museums and street art , eat your weight in waffles and chocolates, drink too much beer, and take a picture of the Manneken Pis statue.

Because the trains between Amsterdam and Brussels are so frequent, quick, and cheap, you can easily make Brussels a day trip from Amsterdam. However, take one of the first trains of the day to get there and book one of the latest ones to get back, that way you’ll have a full day in the Belgian capital to see some of the highlights. Note that spending just one day in Brussels will not do this great city justice, but if you’re pressed for time, a day trip is feasible.

For places to stay in Amsterdam, check out Matador ‘s selection of the best Airbnbs in the city’s coolest neighborhoods . If you want to stay near Amsterdam Centraal, the city’s main train station, take a look at the hotels we previously selected .

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Hôtel Concorde

Hôtel Concorde is a four-star property in Brussels located only three minutes on foot from the train station and 15 minutes from the famous Manneken Pis. It is a non-smoking property offering spacious and modern rooms and suites fitted with air conditioning, free WiFi, private bathrooms, and balconies in certain rooms. A buffet breakfast is offered daily and staff at the reception are available around the clock to provide information in multiple languages.

Urban yard Hotel

The Urban Yard Hotel is a boutique property located a seven-minute walk from the Bruxelles Midi/Zuid Train Station. The hotel, a former Art Nouveau private home, is very stylist yet comfortable, with 77 professionally decorated rooms, a breakfast area, and a beautiful lobby. Amenities include free WiFi and a spacious terrace with views of the Japanese garden. A continental breakfast buffet is served daily.

MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi

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Cheap bus tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels

Health and safety, comfort on board, largest bus network in europe, travel environmentally-friendly, on this page, bus stations and stops in amsterdam, amsterdam sloterdijk.

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Amsterdam central station (de ruijterkade), amsterdam amstel, amsterdam central station (train), bus stations and stops in brussels, brussels-north train station, brussels gare du midi, brussels heysel (baudouin metro station), brussels south (avenue fonsny/eurolines), discover all destinations, frequently asked questions.

You can get from Amsterdam to Brussels for as little as 7,49 €. Take advantage of our best deals on FlixBus tickets by traveling off-peak and during the week. You can buy your ticket from Amsterdam to Brussels most easily on this website or in the app .

Yes, all FlixBus buses from Amsterdam to Brussels are equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. We strive to make our buses as comfortable and accessible as possible for people with disabilities and limited mobility. Service animals are allowed on board all FlixBus buses traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels. The transportation of wheelchairs, foldable wheelchairs, walking aid and other assistive mobility devices is free of charge.

The price of a children's bus ticket from Amsterdam to Brussels depends on the age of the child and the time of booking. Children under the age of 15 receive a discount on the regular adult fare. At the time of booking, we calculate the cheapest price for you from all available rates and discounts. If the discounted price is lower than the child fare, the selected passengers pay the same price. Please, make sure you check our child travel and seat policy . Strollers and foldable pushchairs (width + length + height = max 240 cm) can be transported in the luggage compartment of the bus free of charge.

Passengers traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels can bring one checked luggage and one piece of hand luggage for free. If you want to carry additional or special luggage, you can check all the options available on this page .

We offer several payment methods for purchasing your ticket from Amsterdam to Brussels securely. You can choose among card payment, PayPal, Google Pay and many more. Once in the payment section, you will be able to see all the available options and pick your preferred one. If you are having difficulties with payment, check out our help page about payments . If you buy your bus ticket onboard or at a sales point you are also given the option to pay cash.

No, you don't need to print your ticket if you purchased it online or via the app. Simply show the driver the QR code that you received via email or that is stored in the app and you're ready to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels. It's that easy!

You can bring your bike on FlixBus from Amsterdam to Brussels subject to availability. You can find the prices for bikes here .

When traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels, you can track your bus location on our Real-Time Bus Tracker . Just select the relevant bus stop and check the time of arrival. Find out where your bus is and check if there are delays on the route.

With FlixBus, you can conveniently reach 194 destinations from Brussels, including Paris, Amsterdam, Lille.

The bus route from Amsterdam to Brussels covers 198 km. FlixBus can bring you from Amsterdam to Brussels in 2 hours 45 minutes. The fastest bus on this connection has 1 stop(s).

Traveling by bus from Amsterdam to Brussels is one of the most environmentally-friendly options available as it reduces traffic associated emissions, and passengers can offset their carbon emissions when they travel with FlixBus by clicking the CO₂ compensation box when booking their ticket.

There are 6 bus stations in Amsterdam; Amsterdam, Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena, Amsterdam Central Station (De Ruijterkade), Amsterdam Central Station (train), Amsterdam Sloterdijk. You can find the location of the stations on the map on this page.

The latest FlixBus ride from Amsterdam to Brussels departs at 22:35.

There are 4 bus stations in Brussels; Brussels Gare du Midi, Brussels Heysel (Baudouin Metro Station), Brussels South (Avenue Fonsny/Eurolines), Brussels-North train station. You can find the location of the stations on the map on this page.

FlixBus buses traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels offer extra legroom, private outlets, and restrooms. Most buses also provide free Wi-Fi.

The earliest FlixBus ride from Amsterdam to Brussels departs at 03:15.

Yes, night trip options are available from Amsterdam to Brussels. Check out the route's schedule and choose the best option to suit your plans!

Looking for bus tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels?

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When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Feb 28, 2024 • 4 min read

There's no bad time of the year to visit Amsterdam but the festive season has a wonderful atmosphere © Lorado / Getty Images

With cobblestone lanes wrapped around arched bridges and canals,  Amsterdam makes for a charming vacation at any time of year.

All the romantic scenery, coupled with mild weather, makes it hard to decide when you should go. Every travel season in Amsterdam has pros and cons, whether it's sniffing fields of fresh tulips or waiting in a queue to catch a glimpse of a Rembrandt. Here’s all the insider info you need to help you decide the best time to visit Amsterdam.

March to May is the best time to see the tulips

Tulips bloom in March and bring ecstatic vibes. Despite this, the weather can be unreliable – waterproof clothes are a must. The three-day techno and house festival DGTL takes place over Easter, christening the season for open-air dancing.

Longer days, higher temperatures, fewer crowds, and full blooms – April is an Amsterdammer’s favorite month for good reason. King’s Day , the biggest street party of the year, is an extravaganza of orange outfits, flea market shopping and beer. This is also prime time for visiting flower markets like the famous Bloemenmarkt , which explodes with fresh-cut stems and kaleidoscopic petals.

Terraces and cobblestone streets get busier in May. This month, you can enjoy mild weather and observe the last tulips bloom.

During National Mill Day in the second week of May, you can peek clamber around inside windmills and watermills (look for the ones with a blue pennant). Accommodation and flight prices start to creep up during April and May but still aren't at the peak summer level yet.

June to September is best for great weather and festivals

With warm weather, lots of daylight and amazing outdoor events, summer is one of the best times to visit Amsterdam. Open-air events are in full swing come June, such as the performing arts extravaganza at the Holland Festival and the calmer but no less beautiful  Open Garden Days . 

Take advantage of the longest days of the year in July and swap packed museums for bike rides and sunset drinks on tiny canal-side terraces.

Open-air electronic music festivals are popular with the locals and draw international crowds, most notably the techno-heavy Awakenings Festival (in July) and the progressive- and percussive-minded Dekmantel (in early August in 2024).

This is the peak season for Amsterdam, so queues for attractions and prices for accommodation are at their highest.

Book seats at your must-eat restaurants at least two weeks before travel, and time slots at popular sights like the Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh Museum at least six weeks prior. 

Amsterdam’s temperatures are a bit milder than other European capitals in August, and the city experiences few summer closures in comparison. Pride Festival  also comes to the city in August, bringing a party atmosphere to the streets.

September is one of the best months to visit Amsterdam. Summer is essentially over, but the good weather tends to linger for a few weeks yet. There are many good festivals on the go, such as  Amsterdam International Fashion Week  and  Jordaan Festival , with the bonus of fewer crowds.

Packing tip: Pack layers of clothing – Dutch weather is notoriously fickle, and there can be chilly spells even in summer. A light jacket and small umbrella will mean you're prepared for the weather but won't stand out like a tourist.

October to February is best for budget travelers

Wallet-friendly accommodations make the low season a great time to travel. You won’t freeze thanks to mild temperatures – usually around 37°F (3°C) – although expect some gray and dreary conditions. 

October in Amsterdam is a whole cozy mood. Warm, autumn colors erupt across the city’s parks and gardens. Low-season prices start to kick in, and queues begin to dwindle.

Shorter waits for restaurant tables and emptier museums make up for the lack of events – and sunlight – in November. In November's second half, the festive season begins with St. Nicholas’s arrival by boat ( Sinterklaas Intocht ). 

December is a magical time in Amsterdam, even if snow is usually nonexistent or turns to slush shortly after arriving. Ice-skating rinks are popular hangouts, and the city goes a-twinkle with fairy lights in the run up to Christmas.

January might be cold and dark, but museum queues are sparse, and downtown areas actually have elbow room. On the third Saturday in January, the Dutch celebrate Tulpendag , a kickoff celebration preluding tulip season with thousands-strong tulip displays along the Dam.

Typically, February – right before tulip season – is the cheapest time of year to visit Amsterdam. With some luck, canals might freeze over and fill up with ice skaters – thinning out the already-low traffic in Amsterdam's incredible museums even more. After marveling at Dutch Golden Age paintings or bundling up for a canal cruise, bruin cafés (brown cafes) are the perfect way to warm up with hearty food and cozy candlelight. Amsterdam celebrates Chinese New Year (falling between January 21 and February 20) with a parade from the Kuan Yin Shrine Buddhist temple in Chinatown to Dam Square.

This article was first published Sep 17, 2021 and updated Feb 28, 2024.

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The 50 ages of travel: Our ultimate guide to the rules and restrictions

This is the definitive guide to the 50 ages (and six heights) of a traveller.

Minus 12 weeks: The Civil Aviation Authority says: “Most airlines require a certificate after 28 weeks, confirming that the pregnancy is progressing normally, that there are no complications and the expected date of delivery.”

Minus eight weeks: British Airways does not carry women who are pregnant with more than one baby after 32 weeks.

Minus four weeks: BA will not let women with single pregnancies fly after 36 weeks.

Nought: You can travel free on public transport across the UK.

Eight days: Ryanair will let you fly on domestic routes, but your fare may be higher than your mother: the flat infant fare is £25.

You will not be allowed to fly outside the UK with Ryanair because you will not have a passport. However, you can reach Ireland on British Airways, which also has a minimum age of eight days for passengers and does not require a passport for travel within the Common Travel Area – including Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Two weeks: EasyJet will let you fly.

Three weeks: Assuming your parents applied for a passport on the day you were born, you can expect it to be delivered by now. Eurostar will take you through the Channel Tunnel from London St Pancras to Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris at any age.

Four months: Neilson will welcome you into its Starfish Creche, with a promise: “We have one nanny for every two babies. Experts in their field, they can recite any Disney song in a flash.” The weekly cost, on top of the price of the holiday, is £390.

The activity operator has eight separate age bands for children’s activities.

Six months: Crystal Ski’s Pepi Penguin Nursery is all yours, until you are four; prices start from £475 for six days.

Many cruise lines will allow you aboard, though for some longer voyages (typically those with three or more consecutive days at sea) the minimum age is one year.

Six months and one day : P&O Cruises will allow you on board most voyages.

Two years: On many scheduled flights you must pay the full fare (less Air Passenger Duty).

And it’s time to start paying the child fare on some trains. The railways of the Canada, Colombia and Namibia will charge you half the adult fare. On “weekday Acela trains” run by Amtrak in the US, it’s the full fare for you.

Three: Time to pay half fare on Taiwanese trains, and on Inca Rail links to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Full fare in Indonesia, but your parents are unlikely to be bankrupted as a result: the 100-mile trip from Jakarta to Bandung clocks in at a reasonable 63,000 Indonesian rupiah (£3), through the handy English-language website en.tiket.com .

What you pay on some other railways depends on how fast you grow.

90cm: You now need to pay half fare on trains in the Philippines. But you can ride on the Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop ride in CBeebies Land at Alton Towers, in the company of an adult.

100cm: Half-fare on Thai and Chinese railways.

110cm: Ditto, in Chile. Back in Alton Towers, you can go on that Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop ride alone.

3ft 8in (112cm): Until this height, you travel free on New York’s subway and buses.

Four: You start paying child fares on Eurostar and on many trains in Australia and New Zealand.

120cm: Time, or rather height, to pay full whack on trains in the Philippines.

Five: Most British and European rail and bus operators charge you half fare – though Transport for London allows anyone aged under 10 to travel free when accompanied by an adult.

Six: Time to pay half fare on Japan’s Bullet Trains. G Adventures’ family trips are now open to you.

Seven: Many of the most generous train operators are in southern Africa: Zambia, South Africa and Botswana Railway; you only start paying half fares now.

Across in Madagascar, though, adult fares now apply.

Eight: Minimum age for the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb – but you must also be at least 120cm tall.

PGL Children’s Camps are now open to you.

140cm: Minimum height for the five most exciting rides at Alton Towers, including Nemesis and Oblivion.

Nine: You are now eligible for some of Exodus Travels’ family activity holidays.

10: Flixbus will carry you on UK journeys on your own with signed permission from a parent.

11: To qualify for free buses and trams in London, and child-rate fares on the Tube, you must pay £15 for an 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard.

12: The age when many aspects of travel get more expensive. Train operators in most European nations insist you should pay full fare. And boys are now banned from ladies’ carriages on trains in Pakistan.

Most of those airlines that offer child fares make you pay full fare from age 12. No 1 Lounges now categorises you as an adult.

But there is some good news: Eurostar will let you travel unaccompanied between London, Brussels and Paris on trains departing before 5pm local time; for Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the minimum age is 16.

14: British Airways will allow you to travel on your own, though your parents/guardians must fill in a form. National Express will allow you to travel unaccompanied.

You can stay in a German youth hostel on your own, with your parents’ consent. And you can start driving with a learner’s permit in the US states of Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas and North and South Dakota.

15: Intrepid will allow you on many of its trips, if accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.

15 years 9 months: you can apply for a provisional UK driving licence, but you can’t start driving a car until 17.

16: You are now expected to pay full fare on British trains, but you qualify for the 16-17 Saver which costs £30 per year and gets you half price on the railways.

Air Passenger Duty applies to all the flights you take from the UK, adding anything from £13 (short-haul economy) to £200 (ultra long haul in anything but economy).

On an easyJet or Ryanair flight, you can travel unaccompanied.

You can stay in a UK youth hostel without an adult.

Visiting London? You’ll now need the 16+ photocard to qualify for half-price travel, valid until age 18 (residents of the capital get extra benefits).

You qualify for Tui adults-only holidays.

And on a P&O cruise, you can be left unaccompanied on board at a port of call.

17: At last you’re an adult on Mozambique Railways.

18: British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic will accept your application to work as cabin crew.

In New York State and Michigan, Hertz will hire you a car ($84 a day surcharge). And you can rent a car in Saskatchewan without any under-age fee.

19: Hertz will rent you a vehicle in Alabama and Nebraska. And you can legally drink in most Canadian provinces (in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec the minimum drinking age is 18).

20: You can now legally order a drink in Paraguay.

21: Minimum age for renting a car with Hertz in the UK and many other locations, though a young driver surcharge is likely to apply.

23: Avis will rent you a car in the UK.

24: You are old enough to drive a bus in the UK.

25: Most of the car-rental surcharges vanish, and in the US Hertz will now rent you a Maserati or a Range Rover, but some rental car companies continue to impose restrictions on the kinds of car you can drive.

26: You no longer qualify for the 16-25 Railcard – though you can buy one on the eve of your 26th birthday, and it will be valid for a full year. The 26-30 Railcard takes effect, though its benefits are not as good.

Residents of the European Union must start paying to get into the Louvre (for non-EU residents, the age is 18).

27: You start paying a surcharge for youth hostels in Germany.

28: You are no longer a youth in the eyes of Interrail, which means you lose the discount of up to 25% on unlimited travel passes. Age benefits return when you are 60.

30: Hertz UK will now rent you a Ford Mustang, a Bentley GTC or a Lamborghini.

31: You no longer qualify for the Australia Working Holiday visa unless you are a British, Irish or Canadian citizen, in which case you can stretch it to 35.

36 : You are now too old to stay in a dorm at the Hans Brinker hostels in Lisbon and Amsterdam.

Contiki, the youth travel organiser, will no longer accept you on one of its trips.

40: You are no longer welcome on G Adventures’ 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

50: You qualify for Saga holidays (though travelling companions can be as young as 40).

ScotRail invites you to join Club 50 (£15 annually) which is a kind of trainee version of a Senior Railcard. Scotland only, 20 per cent off advance and off-peak tickets. It also features flash sales of £17 return flat fares for any length of journey in Scotland

59 years 50 weeks: you can apply for, and start using instantly, a real Senior Railcard (£30 for a year). This will put you back on a par with those under 30, saving you one-third off rail travel in the UK. If you are feeling in good shape, buy the three-year version, price £70.

60: The National Trust confers a 25 per cent discount on annual subscriptions for the people it describes as its “bedrock”.

The charity says: “With your support, we can keep looking after nature, beauty and history for ever. We want you to be able to stay with us, so that's why this concession is there for you if you need it.

“The most important thing for us is to make sure you can afford to continue your membership and that is why we are happy to offer this concession.”

To qualify, though, you must have been paying the full annual subscription for at least three consecutive years.

Interrail will give you a 10 per cent discount off adult fares. No strings attached.

62: Isola 2000, a French ski resort 90 minutes north of Nice, offers a 16 per cent discount off a lift pass. Give it another decade and things get even better at high altitude (see 72).

65: Start watching for those insurance policies that reject or surcharge older travellers.

Commercial airline pilots must retire in many nations.

All public transport in the city of Prague is free, except for commuter rail services. For trams, trolleybuses and the Metro, there is no need to do anything beyond carrying your passport to prove your age if challenged.

66: Congratulations, you qualify for a bus pass in England (sexagenarians in Wales, Scotland and Greater London gain free transport benefits from aged 60).

70: Private pilots in the UK must start self-declaring to the Civil Aviation Authority that they meet the same health requirements as an ordinary driving licence – which mainly involve visual acuity.

72: Isola 2000 offers free lift passes for everyone this age or more. The same applies for everyone aged 4 or less.

75: Zipcar, which rents cars by the hour, insists that customers aged 75 or more have held a licence for at least two years and have no more than three penalty points.

Europcar will not rent you a car in Argentina or Lebanon. And the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb demands a Certificate of Fitness signed by your GP.

But in the Trois Vallées of France, which claims to be “the world’s largest ski area,” 600km of runs are yours for free.

76: Europcar will no longer rent you a car from Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton or York.

80: Explore will “discuss the itinerary with you before booking you on the trip” and may ask “additional questions about your health and fitness”.

94: You currently qualify for a free UK passport if you were born before 3 September 1929. You can even use the Post Office check and send facility free of charge.

99: Many car rental firms will no longer hire you a vehicle (but Europcar will from most locations in the UK).

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Brussels to Cologne trains

Take a direct Eurostar train from Brussels to Cologne in just 1 hour 50 minutes.

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Located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, Brussels South Station is well-served by the city's buses, trams and metros. Inside, you'll find various food stands and restaurants, stores, newsagents, a ticket office, luggage storage and toilets. We recommend that you arrive at the station 15 minutes before your train departure time to avoid unnecessary stress.

On board a direct train from Brussels to Cologne

Travelling on our trains across Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany is seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable.

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Eurostar takes you to the very heart of the biggest city of North Rhine-Westphalia. Cologne's most important landmark, the impressive cathedral, is the first thing you'll see when exiting the station. The city's most important museums, breweries and main shopping street can be reached by foot in just a few minutes. And for those who want to discover Cologne off the beaten path, the vibrant Südstadt area and the trendy "Belgisches Viertel" neighbourhood are only a short tram ride away. Köln Hauptbahnhof is also an excellent travel hub which offers train connections to almost all major German cities. Inside the station you will find plenty of food stands and shops to stroll around while waiting for your connecting train.

Timetables for trains from Brussels to Cologne

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For stress-free boarding, we recommend that you arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your Brussels to Cologne train.

What is the travel time from Brussels to Cologne?

Travelling from Brussels to Cologne takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.

How much does a train ticket from Brussels to Cologne cost?

Ticket prices start from €16.

What are the luggage allowances for trains from Brussels to Cologne?

Your allowance includes two items of luggage (max. 75 x 53 x 30 cm) and one item of hand luggage. There’s no weight limit, but you should be able to carry all your bags and store them in our dedicated areas.

What onboard services are available on trains between Brussels and Cologne?

We have a range of onboard services that are sure to help make your journey even more enjoyable. You can connect to our wi-fi using our portal Eurostar Onboard and recharge your batteries with power sockets at each seat. Feeling peckish? Choose from a range of light bites and cold and hot drinks from Eurostar Café .

What travel classes are available on trains between Brussels and Cologne?

You can choose between Standard, Comfort and Premium travel classes on our trains between Brussels and Paris.

How frequently do trains run from Brussels to Cologne?

Check out our live timetable to see how often our trains travel from Brussels to Paris.

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Terms and conditions

*price for tickets in standard class for one way journey made on eurostar to/from brussels midi/zuid, antwerpen centraal, liège guillemins, aachen hbf, koeln hbf, düsseldorf hbf, düsseldorf airport, duisburg hbf, essen hbf, dortmund hbf. subject to availability., **tickets available for journeys in standard, comfort and premium made on eurostar to/from brussels midi/zuid, antwerpen centraal, liège guillemins, aachen hbf, koeln hbf, düsseldorf hbf, düsseldorf airport, duisburg hbf, essen hbf, dortmund hbf. subject to availability. standard and comfort fare tickets are:, exchangeable at no extra fee until up to 7 days before the departure time, after which they are exchangeable for a fee of €15 up until departure time. they are not exchangeable after the train has departed., 100% refundable at no extra fee until up to 7 days before the departure time, after which they are no longer refundable., premium fare tickets are:, exchangeable at no extra fee until up to 1 hour after the departure time, after which they are no longer exchangeable., 100% refundable until up to 1 hour after the departure time, after which they are no longer refundable..