Eurocity Direct & EuroCity: fast connection between Belgium and the NetherlandsEurocity Direct

The train connection between Belgium and the Netherlands is now highly efficient thanks to two trains: Eurocity Direct and EuroCity. Together, they offer 32 trips daily between Brussels and the Netherlands.

• The Eurocity Direct trains will ensure a swift daily connection, taking you at high speed from Brussels to Amsterdam. With a maximum speed of 200 km/h, the Eurocity Direct features enhanced onboard comfort, including more luggage space, onboard Wi-Fi, and power sockets at each seat, accommodating up to 413 passengers.
• The Eurocity Direct will reach Amsterdam Zuid in about 2 hours, with stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schiphol. Even though the arrival station Amsterdam Zuid may not sound familiar, this station offers a seamless entry point into the heart of Amsterdam and beyond by metro or bus. 
  Amsterdam Zuid is also situated nearby the business hub, Zuidas, and RAI Amsterdam conference center, what makes it very interesting for business travellers to arrive at this station. See below more information about Amsterdam Zuid and public transport.
• The EuroCity follows a route between Brussels and Rotterdam with multiple stops, including Brussels National Airport, Mechelen, Antwerp, Noorderkempen, and Breda, facilitating easy connections to other destinations in the Netherlands.

Network map

The differences between EuroCity Direct and EuroCity trains

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-Midi - Amsterdam Zuid in 2h08.
	Brussels - Rotterdam from € 20*.
	Prices vary according to ticket flexibility and occupancy.

EuroCity
The flexible and 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. Can be combined with national discount (for ie. large families) for the Belgian part of the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

💺 Do I have to reserve my seat on the EuroCity and on the Eurocity Direct?

No, seat reservations are not offered on either the Eurocity Direct or the EuroCity train.

You can sit down on the seat of your choice, in the comfort class mentioned on your ticket.

🕒 Is my ticket for the EuroCity or Eurocity Direct valid at any time of day?

If you have opted for the Flex fare, your ticket is valid on the train of your choice, at the time of your choice, on the route, date and train type indicated (Eurocity Direct or EuroCity).

However, if you have opted for the Saver fare, which is cheaper, you will have to travel on the train selected at the time of purchase (as shown on your ticket), at the time specified at the time of purchase.

🎫 I have a ticket for the Eurocity Direct. Is it also valid on a EuroCity train?

No. Despite their similar names and the fact that they run partly on the same route, Eurocity Direct and EuroCity are two different trains, operated with different rolling stock and offering different services, journey times and prices.

A ticket for a Eurocity Direct train is therefore not valid on a EuroCity train and vice versa.

🧑‍🧒 From what age do children have to pay?

Children under 12 accompanied by an adult travel FREE (max. 4 free children per paying adult).

For children under 12 travelling alone (or if there are more than 4 accompanying children for one adult), you will need to buy a ticket at Flex Kids or Saver Kids fare, corresponding to 50% of the adult fare.

For journeys with EuroCity, young people aged 12 to 25 can enjoy a specific youth fare that offers up to 30% discount on the Standard fare.

🚲 Can I take my bike on EuroCity and the Eurocity Direct?

Yes! Eurocity Direct and EuroCity trains have a bike compartment, so you can take your bike with you without difficulty. You just need to buy a bike ticket, which can be purchased online, from our Contact Centre or at the ticket offices of our stations selling international tickets.

The price of the ticket depends on the distance. Some examples (price per single journey):

• Brussels-Breda: € 7,50
• Brussels-Rotterdam: € 10,30
• Brussels-Amsterdam: € 14,10

Folding bicycles can be taken along free of charge, provided they are stored in the baggage areas.

Amsterdam Zuid - proximity to the city and business center

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

Possible connections at Amsterdam Zuid:

 Metro 50, 51 and 52 to the city center

 NS trains to other Dutch rail stations