Here’s our review of Amsterdam to Lille travel by train or bus. We’ve made the journey to Lille multiple times by all mentioned options.
Amsterdam to Lille travel overview |
[1] Amsterdam-Lille by Train
There are currently no direct train services between Amsterdam and Lille.
Although Amsterdam-London Eurostar trains sometimes stop in Lille, tickets for Amsterdam-Lille cannot be purchased from Eurostar – this is because London-bound passengers already go through EU and UK border controls at Amsterdam.
For Amsterdam-Lille by train you will need to make a change in Belgium – at either Brussels or Antwerp. On this route there is the choice of using high-speed trains or taking the slightly slower Intercity services – in multiple combinations.
It can be booked using the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) or via the NS International site (euros) with prices starting at €43 one-way.
Travel for Amsterdam-Brussels or Amsterdam-Antwerp is possible by using either the Eurostar (formerly Thalys) or the hourly Eurocity Direct train.
In terms of travel time, the Amsterdam-Brussels trip takes around 2 hours whilst Amsterdam-Antwerp takes 1 hour 20 mins.
- Eurostar runs Amsterdam Centraal to Antwerp Centraal and Brussels Zuid/Midi (and then onwards to Paris Gare du Nord)
- Eurostar has 3 classes of travel – Standard, Plus and Premier
- Eurostar has specific seat reservations with tickets like airfares – last minute tickets will be expensive and can sell out
- The cheaper Eurocity Direct runs from Amsterdam Zuid (not Amsterdam Centraal)
- Eurocity Direct has distance-based fares in 1st and 2nd class – always available
- Eurocity Direct has free seating – sit where you like
From Belgium you have 2 options for travel to Lille:
TGV InOui trains operate a few times daily between Brussels Zuid/Midi and Lille Europe station, a journey of around 35 minutes.
Belgian Intercity trains run directly between Antwerp Centraal and Lille Flandres – via Gent and Kortrijk. The journey takes 2 hours 15 mins.
TIP: If you admire train stations then try to change at Antwerp’s magnificent Central station, one of Europe’s finest.
The total Amsterdam-Lille rail journey time takes 3 hours 20 mins to 3 hours 50 mins depending on trains taken and connection times.
Fares (2026) can vary considerably and its best to book in advance, especially if using the high speed trains.
- It’s generally easy to find cheaper Amsterdam-Lille fares using the Eurocity Direct + Belgian Intercity combo.
- Prices start from €43 (2nd class) and €76 (1st class) one-way for a specific Eurocity Direct service. The full-flex fare is €76.70 (2nd class) and €115.60 (1st class) – valid for any Eurocity Direct train on-the-day.
- Fares with Eurocity Direct + TGV can start as low as €42 (2nd class) and €70 (1st class).
- Fares using Eurostar trains tend to be higher than with Eurocity Direct, often over €100.
The 2 stations in Lille are located about 400m apart.
Gare de Lille Europe handles mainly high speed rail services whilst Gare de Lille Flandres has a mix of TGV, Intercity and provincial lines.
It is easy to walk between the 2 stations – past the large Westfield Euralille shopping centre which lies between them.
How to book train tickets online: Amsterdam-Lille rail tickets can be booked at the Trainline site or at the NS International site
[2] Amsterdam-Lille by Coach
Direct coach services run between Amsterdam and Lille. The coach is the cheapest travel option with a journey time between 4 and 6 hrs.
- BlaBlaCar Bus and Flixbus operate multiple Amsterdam-Lille coach services daily
- The main coach stop in Amsterdam is at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station
- The Lille coach stop is at Boulevard de Turin, directly outside of Lille Europe train station
- Fares start at €10 one-way
- Both companies allow 1 checked bag which is stowed in the luggage compartment
- Flixbus allows 1 item of small hand baggage (BlaBlaCar 2 items)
On our last coach trip from Amsterdam to Lille the bus made a half-hour stop at a service station in Belgium.
If you are on a tight budget then the coach is probably the best way to travel Amsterdam-Lille!
[3] Amsterdam-Lille by Car
The road trip between Amsterdam and Lille is around 300km and takes just under 4 hours. The quickest route generally takes you via Antwerp and Gent.
There are toll costs for motorways in France (just under €7 for the trip).
You can book a rental car with Discover Cars here which checks all the main rental firms.
Amsterdam Resources
Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? There is the well-rated Kimpton-De Witt or the Park Plaza Victoria both of which are a short walk from the station. Or consider the stylish Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments with water views next to the station.
Accommodation around Amsterdam Sloterdijk includes the popular Citadines Apart Hotel and the quirky Train Lodge Amsterdam which is a hostel inside an old sleeper train.
The Iamsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your Iamsterdam City Card online here
Lille Resources
In Lille you can book your hotel with Booking.com here.
The Lille City Pass (1-3 days) allows free entry into 30 Lille attractions and includes public transport.
As Belgium, France and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement you do not need to go through a passport control check when travelling between Amsterdam and Lille.
However we have experienced French border agents coming on to the Belgian Intercity train before arrival in Lille Flandres.
In summary for Amsterdam-Lille travel:
- For relative comfort and speed consider the train options via Antwerp or Brussels
- For budget travellers or those who want a direct connection (no changes) then take the bus
- For a small group with luggage consider renting a car and driving
This article was originally published on 1 June 2026. It replaced the original Amsterdam-Lille article which was present 2019-2026.
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