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Are you going on a Eurotrip soon and planning to skip the plane, either to reduce your carbon footprint or simply because you find train travel nostalgic?
You’re in luck, because two of Europe’s most fascinating cities are now linked by a direct high-speed train: from December 15 you can travel between Brusselsthe stately capital of Belgium, to Amsterdamthe culturally rich capital of the Netherlands, in just 2 hours!
From grand squares to picturesque canals, here’s everything you need to know about the new launch and how much tickets will cost:
New direct train from Belgium to the Netherlands!
Belgium and the Netherlands are neighboring countries, so they have always benefited from good connectivity and quite efficient transport links, with multiple buses and trains connecting both countries daily, including their respective capitals.
Interestingly, there never is one high-speed service between Brussels and Amsterdamwith trains stopping at multiple cities and townships along the way, for a total journey time of around 3 hours – bad for tourists planning a quick commute, as well as business travelers.
On December 15, the slower InterCity between Brussels and Amsterdam will stop running and be quickly replaced by the Eurocity Direct, which promises to cover the 200 kilometers between the sister European capitals in 2 hours instead.
You no longer have to stop in Brussels North, Brussels Airport, Mechelen, Antwerp-Berchem, Noorderkempem or Breda:
The Eurocity Direct will do that whiz past all these smaller stations and secondary airports, departing from Brussels South and visiting only Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport, before reaching the terminus in Amsterdam South.
That’s not Amsterdam Central Station, but once in Amsterdam Zuid, located in the south of the Dutch metropolis, travelers can easily reach the canal-crossed city center by metro or bus. only 21 minutes away.
Second class tickets cost only €25 about $26.45 at the current exchange rate, while first class seats, including perks such as more comfortable seats and quieter carriages, start at $50.76 – all classes allow you to take items as luggage without extra change, within reason.
In other words, a handbag, a carry-on and a 50-pound sturdier checked bag will be accepted, as will pre-booked bicycles and other large belongings, such as musical instruments and foldable buggies, provided they don’t block any obstacles. doors or aisles.
Large public squares, art nouveau and chocolate: welcome to Brussels!
Brussels is the capital of many monumental architectural delights, including the Grand Place, the most beautiful public square on the continentfamous for its ornate 17th century facades and opulent Baroque guild houses.
From the Grote Markt there are cobbled alleys leading to cozy cafes, art galleries, chocolate shops selling the world famous Belgian chocolate, and street food stalls where you can enjoy Shutter waffles and crispy fries with mayonnaise (double fried in animal fat).
If you’re here mainly for the chocolate, don’t miss Choco-Story, one chocolate museum just a few steps away from the main square, and if you’re looking for more architectural wonders, head to the Squares District (House of Saint Cyr It is said to be the most beautiful Art Nouveau house in the city).
Brussels is the capital of Europe, so no visit is complete without a stroll through the EU Quarter, and for science lovers the monumental Atomium, a molecular-shaped science center hosts temporary exhibitions and ‘crazy’ light shows.
Picturesque canals, Gothic gems and an incredible nightlife: Amsterdam in a nutshell
On the other side of the line, Amsterdam is called the Venice of the North thanks to its unique system of navigable canals, lined with Gothic churches and somber Mannerist facades, an ensemble considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amsterdam does one of the museum capitals of Europewhich claims the highly sought-after Rijksmuseum, where more than 8,000 art and history objects are exhibited, the Van Gogh Museum and of course the Anne Frank House, where the young diarist is said to have lived during the German occupation.
Rain or shine – and we suspect there will be plenty more of the former this season – the best way to experience Amsterdam and all it has to offer is with a boat trip with cheese and wine tastings, from just $19, and if you’re not squeamish, don’t forget to get lost in the red lights:
The Red Light District belongs to Amsterdam refuge from liberalismwhere sex workers dance and beckon passersby from windows, marijuana is sold legally in convenience stores and the smell of grilled kebab permeates the air.
Yep, you’re not in Kansas anymore, so try to keep an open mind.
Buy your tickets from Brussels to Amsterdam, or vice versa here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
