Belgium’s SNCB (National Railway Company of Belgium) has announced the launch of a new international train service, Eurocity Direct, connecting Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam-Zuid.
The service, set to start in December, will effectively double the number of daily train services between the two countries, offering a faster and more frequent connection.
The Eurocity Direct will significantly reduce travel time between Brussels and Amsterdam by 45 minutes, making the weekday journey just 2 hours and 7 minutes, while weekend travel will take an even shorter 2 hours.
Departures from Brussels-Midi will be scheduled hourly, with trains leaving at 49 minutes past the hour. The service will operate 16 round trips per day, offering travelers greater flexibility for their cross-border journeys.
In addition to Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam-Zuid, the Eurocity Direct will make stops at key stations along the route, including Antwerp Central, Rotterdam Central, and Schiphol Airport, catering to both domestic and international travelers.
The new high-speed service will not only cut down travel time but also improve access to important transport hubs, making it an attractive alternative to air travel.
The Eurocity Direct will complement the existing InterCity (IC) train service between Belgium and the Netherlands, which will be renamed “EuroCity” as part of a service upgrade.
From December, the existing EuroCity train will extend its route to Rotterdam, while the new Eurocity Direct will take over the primary Brussels-Amsterdam route.
The collaboration between the SNCB and the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) aims to streamline cross-border train travel and promote rail as a preferred mode of transportation in the region.
“The launch of Eurocity Direct marks a significant step forward in improving the rail connectivity between Belgium and the Netherlands. We are excited to offer faster travel times and more frequent services, providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly travel option,” said an SNCB spokesperson during the announcement on Wednesday.
The improved service is expected to appeal to business travelers, tourists, and daily commuters, who will benefit from shorter travel times and increased frequency.
The SNCB and NS are optimistic that the new Eurocity Direct will help alleviate road traffic congestion, as well as reduce carbon emissions by encouraging more people to choose rail over cars or flights.
Ticket sales for the new Eurocity Direct service began on Wednesday, October 16, giving travelers ample time to book their journeys ahead of the December launch.
The introduction of this service reflects a broader trend in European rail transport, where countries are increasingly investing in high-speed train connections to enhance cross-border mobility and sustainability.
The new connection is set to become a key part of the region’s transport network, fostering closer economic and cultural ties between Belgium and the Netherlands while providing a comfortable and convenient travel option.
With travel times as short as two hours, the Eurocity Direct is poised to become a popular choice for those seeking a fast and efficient way to travel between these neighboring countries.
