New Eurocity Direct train connects Brussels to Amsterdam in two hours

A new international high-speed train service Eurocity Direct has been launched between Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam-Zuid, announced SNCB.

The service enables passengers to travel between the Belgian and Dutch capitals in around two hours with stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam and Schipol. It offers 16 return trips a day with tickets priced between €25 and €64.

Eurocity Direct replaces the old Brussels to Amsterdam service operated by SNCB and Dutch rail operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS).

"This new connection is in addition to the already existing IC train service (formerly called ‘InterCity’, which has been running under the name EuroCity Brussels-Rotterdam since Sunday), thus doubling the number of trains to the Netherlands,” pointed out SNCB.

The new service reduces the travelling time between Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam-Zuid by 45 minutes. On weekdays, the journey time is 2.07, while at weekends it is 2.00.

Offering more than 400 seats, the trains can also accommodate 12 bicycles.

Photo: ©SNCB-NMBS