The first travellers to Brussels boarded the new, faster train connection this month, an important milestone for the Dutch Railways (NS) and the Belgian NMBS.
This connection is a precursor to the official start on 15 December 2024, when the number of trains between the Netherlands and Belgium will double. From that moment on, 32 trains will run daily between the two countries, a significant improvement on the current timetable.
For the time being, test runs are being carried out with the ICNG trains, which are specially designed to travel to Brussels at high speed. Passengers who have already booked a ticket to Brussels will have the opportunity to travel on these test runs, giving them the unique opportunity to be the first to experience the new connection. These test runs will continue until December, in preparation for the official launch of the new timetable.
From 15 December, the new timetable will offer two different connections between the Netherlands and Belgium, including the Eurocity Direct. This new route, which runs 16 times a day between Amsterdam-Zuid and Brussels Zuid-Midi, offers a fast connection between the two capitals with stops at Schiphol, Rotterdam and Antwerp. For travellers from cities such as Utrecht and The Hague, it will be easy to transfer to this train in Rotterdam or Schiphol, increasing the accessibility of the route. The first Eurocity Direct of the day will depart from Amsterdam-Zuid at around 06.00:XNUMX, after which a train will depart for Brussels every hour.
price
Prices for a single journey on the Eurocity Direct start at 25 euros, depending on the time of booking and the desired flexibility. For second class, the price ranges from 25 to 64,10 euros. This price range gives travellers the choice of travelling cheaply if they book in advance or getting more flexibility at a higher price.
A second important addition to the timetable is the EuroCity connection between Rotterdam and Brussels. This connection will also be offered 15 times a day from 16 December, with NMBS trains running via Breda. Along the way, the EuroCity stops at important stations such as Noorderkempen, Antwerp Central, Brussels North and Brussels Central. This route offers travellers from The Hague, Utrecht and Amsterdam the opportunity to quickly reach Brussels via Rotterdam. The travel time remains comparable to the current connections, but offers more flexibility and frequency.
The first EuroCity train of the day departs from Rotterdam at around 07.00:13,10 and single tickets can be booked from 13,10 euros. As with the Eurocity Direct, prices vary depending on when you book and the level of flexibility you want. The price range for a single ticket in second class is between 32,70 and XNUMX euros, making the connection an affordable option for travellers between these two major cities.
ICNG
Looking ahead to December, the Eurocity Direct connection will be operated with the new ICNG train type, while the EuroCity trains between Rotterdam and Brussels will be operated with NMBS intercity rolling stock. Although these new trains will be deployed from 15 December, the rolling stock will initially be supplemented with the current trains. For example, on the Amsterdam-Brussels route, older TRAXX trains with ICR carriages will temporarily be operating alongside the ICNG trains. This means that passengers will initially be faced with a mix of old and new rolling stock.
The launch of these new train connections is a major step forward in improving international train connections between the Netherlands and Belgium. With higher frequencies and more modern trains, the train will become a more attractive alternative for both business travellers and tourists. In addition, young people up to 25 years of age and groups can count on special discounts, which makes the train journey even more affordable for these target groups.
For travellers who like to plan ahead, train tickets for both the Eurocity Direct and the EuroCity can already be booked via NS International. This offers the opportunity to benefit from the lowest prices in good time and to guarantee a comfortable and fast journey to the Belgian capital. The increased frequency and the introduction of the new equipment mark a major improvement in travelling between the Netherlands and Belgium, making the train an attractive option compared to flying or driving.
