Antwerp (Antwerpen/Anvers) is the second largest city in Belgium and a major European port. It is located around 130km from Amsterdam.
Travel between Amsterdam and Antwerp is possible by high speed or standard rail plus various coach (bus) services.
1. Amsterdam-Antwerp by Train (recommended)
The best way to travel between Amsterdam and Antwerp is to take the train which will get you into the centre of either city. It can be easily booked using the NS International site with prices starting at €20 one-way.
There are currently a few choices available:
(1) The high speed Thalys service running from Amsterdam Central station to Paris Gare du Nord via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Central, Antwerp Central and Brussels Zuid/Midi
Thalys normally runs up to 11x daily and the Amsterdam-Antwerp journey takes just 1 hour 13 minutes
(2) The Intercity Brussels which normally runs up to 16x daily between Amsterdam and Brussels Zuid/Midi with a stops at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Breda, Noorderkempen (Belgium), Antwerp Central, Antwerp Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport, Brussels North and Brussels Central. Allow about 1 hour 53 minutes to make the Amsterdam-Antwerp journey.
(3) There is also an hourly Belgian stopping train between the Dutch border town of Roosendaal and Antwerp (train direction: Puurs) which takes just over 45 minutes. The train stops at the following Antwerp stations: Antwerpen-Noorderdokken, Antwerpen-Luchtbal, Antwerpen Centraal, Antwerpen-Berchem and Antwerpen-Zuid.
Thalys: Classes of travel on Thalys are Standard, Comfort and Premium with all seats having individual electric power outlets.
Standard has 2nd class seating, free WiFi and food/drink can be purchased at the bar. Standard tickets can be changed for a €15 fee (plus price difference) and are 50% refundable. There are cheaper Standard Mini fares which are not changeable or refundable.
Comfort has 1st class seating, free WiFi and food/drink can be purchased at the bar. Comfort tickets are either cheaper non-flexible fares or changeable ones – which can be changed for a €15 fee (plus price difference) and are 50% refundable. Access is granted to the NS International lounges at Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam.
Premium is a proper 1st class ticket with 1st class seating, free WiFi (with more data), food/drink served at your seat and and free access to an international press app. Premium ticket holders can access the Thalys lounges in Brussels as well as the NS International lounges. Tickets are freely changeable and 100% refundable.
Thalys tickets are bookable up to 4 months out. The cheapest Standard Mini fares for Amsterdam-Antwerp will cost €29, though you should book as early as possible. Standard fares cost €39-€73, Comfort fares cost €45-€80 and Premium fares range cost €81-€98.
Intercity Brussels: Standard prices (2023) are in effect for travel using intercity trains although cheaper “early bird” fares (book online in advance) are also available. Amsterdam-Antwerp one-way costs €41.40 (2nd class) or €65.40 (1st class).
Early bird one-way fares start at €20.50 (2nd class) and €28.50 (1st class) Mon-Thu and €30 (2nd class) and €40 (1st class) each way Fri-Sun. Early bird fares are valid on any service on the ticket day.
Holders of Dutch Railways NS discount cards receive a slight fare reduction off the standard fare for the Netherlands segment of travel.
As Belgium 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 Antwerp.
How to book train tickets online: Amsterdam-Antwerp rail tickets can be easily booked at the NS International site (Thalys and Intercity).
For more info see our International trains to/from Amsterdam page.
2. Flights Amsterdam-Antwerp
There are currently no flights between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Antwerp airport (ANR). KLM fares originating from Antwerp via Amsterdam include a ticket for travel on the Thalys train to/from Schiphol.
3. Amsterdam-Antwerp by Coach
The coach is the cheapest travel option between Amsterdam and Antwerp with a journey time that varies between 2 and 3 1/2 hours, depending on the service and stops.
Flixbus is a German coach company that operates services between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Antwerp. The bus stop is at Rooseveltplats (B5) not far from Antwerp Central. It currently operates a multiple daily service with fares starting at around €6 one-way. Book your Flixbus ticket here
BlaBlaCar bus (formerly Ouibus) normally has up to 3x daily Amsterdam-Antwerp coach service. Fares start at €6 one-way. Coach stops are also at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and Rooseveltplats in Antwerp.
For more on travel to Belgium see Amsterdam-Brussels travel options and Amsterdam-Bruges and Ghent
Amsterdam Resources
Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.
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
Antwerp Resources
Need a hotel near Antwerp Central station? The following are all well-rated: Hotel Indigo, NH Collection and Hampton By Hilton
For a selection of tours and attractions in Antwerp see here
This article was originally published in 2015 and has continuously been updated. Last update 15 February 2023.
