A Perfect Day Trip by Train to Antwerp, Belgium

Easy, elegant, and just across the border

One of the greatest gifts of traveling in Europe is how close everything is. From The Netherlands, you can be in another country in less time than a commute back home. Antwerp, Belgium, is a perfect example — stylish, historic, and wonderfully walkable.

🚆 Getting to Antwerp by Train

You can easily travel to Antwerp using the Intercity Brussels (Benelux train).

Departure stations:

• Amsterdam Centraal

• Schiphol Airport

• Rotterdam Centraal

  
  

Travel time (one way):

• Amsterdam Centraal → Antwerp Central: ~2 hours

• Schiphol → Antwerp Central: ~1 hour 50 minutes

• Rotterdam Centraal → Antwerp Central: ~1 hour

  
  

Trains run multiple times per day, and no seat reservations are required.

🎟️ When Should You Book?

Tickets for the Intercity Brussels usually become available up to 6 months in advance, but prices are often fixed and reasonable even closer to the travel date.

You can buy tickets:

• Online via NS International

• At ticket counters or machines at major stations

🗓️ Sample Day Trip Schedule (Antwerp)

08:30 – Depart Amsterdam Centraal (or 09:10 Rotterdam Centraal)

10:30 – Arrive at Antwerpen-Centraal (often called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world)

Morning

• Walk through the historic Central Station

• Stroll to the Meir shopping street

• Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady

  
  

Lunch

• Enjoy Belgian cuisine or a casual café near Grote Markt

  
  

Afternoon

• Explore the old town

• Have a Belgian waffle or chocolate break

• Optional visit to a museum or harbor area

  
  

18:30–19:30 – Return train to The Netherlands

20:30–21:30 – Arrival back in Amsterdam / Schiphol / Rotterdam

Perfectly doable — relaxed, scenic, and stress-free.

🌙 Want to Stay One Night?

Antwerp is also lovely after dark. If you’d like to slow things down:

• Stay one night near the historic center

• Enjoy a longer dinner and evening stroll

• Return to The Netherlands the next morning

  
  

A one-night stay turns a great day trip into a mini European getaway.

✨ Why Antwerp?

• Easy train connection

• Compact and walkable city

• Beautiful architecture

• Fantastic food and shopping

• Ideal first “outside the Netherlands” experience

Antwerp Day Trip (Train + City)

🚆 Train Fare (Round Trip)

Benelux / Intercity Brussels train

Prices depend on how far in advance you book:

Booking Time	Price Round-Trip (Approx.)
Early (3–6 mo before)	€40 – €70
Mid-range (1–3 mo before)	€60 – €90
Short notice	€80 – €120+

Tip: Buying early usually means the best price, and reservering tickets online is simple.

🍽️ Food & Drinks

• Coffee + pastry: €5 – €10

• Lunch at a café: €15 – €30

• Snack/beer/chocolate: €5 – €20

Estimated daily food budget: €30 – €60

🚶 Sightseeing & Extras

• Museums (optional): €10 – €18 each

• Antwerp Zoo (optional): €25

• Souvenirs: €10 – €50

Extra budget: €0 – €50+

💡 Total Estimated Antwerp Day Trip Cost

€70 – €230 per person (Affordably possible with advance train tickets + modest meals)