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A city trip to Antwerp by train is an efficient and comfortable way to reach the city, right in the heart of the action. You step out at one of the most famous stations in the world and walk straight into the historic centre, without any hassle with parking or traffic congestion. Discover how to plan your journey smoothly and how to get the most out of your day or weekend.
The advantages of travelling by train
Travelling to Antwerp by train offers a combination of speed, convenience and experience. From Amsterdam Central, the Eurostar gets you to the platform of Antwerpen-Centraal in just 1 hour and 15 minutes. From other major Dutch cities there are also fast connections that significantly shorten your journey compared with travelling by car. The journey itself is comfortable: you have space to work, read a book or enjoy the passing landscape.
A major advantage starts on arrival. Antwerpen-Centraal, also known as the ‘railway cathedral’, is a sight in itself. With its imposing dome and architecture, it is an impressive starting point for your visit. From the station you can walk to the Grote Markt in twenty minutes. This way you avoid the stress of navigating through the city, looking for an expensive parking space and dealing with the restrictions of the low-emission zone that applies to many cars.
‘ Especially for the Eurostar, the rule is: the earlier you book, the lower the price. ’
How do you book train tickets to Antwerp at a good price?
The price of your train ticket to Antwerp depends on the train you choose and how far in advance you book. There are two options for the journey from the Netherlands: the fast Eurostar and the regular Intercity Brussels. Each has its own pros and cons that you can weigh up to make the right choice.
The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) is the fast option. Ticket prices are dynamic, which means they increase as the departure date approaches. For low fares, sometimes starting from 29 euros for a trip, it is advisable to book your tickets two months in advance. Also be flexible with your travel days; travelling on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper than at the weekend.
The Intercity Brussels is a good alternative. This train takes a bit longer because it stops more often. However, the train offers more flexibility. Tickets often have a fixed price, so booking early does not always give you a price advantage. This train is ideal if you decide to travel at short notice or if you want more freedom in your departure time. You can book your tickets via the websites of NS International or NMBS (the Belgian railways).
Tips for booking your ticket
- Book early: especially for the Eurostar, the earlier you book, the lower the price.
- Travel outside peak hours: tickets for trains that depart early in the morning or later in the evening are often cheaper.
- Compare providers: check prices with NS International and Eurostar to find the lowest fare.
- Consider the Intercity: if flexibility is more important to you than speed, Intercity Brussels is often an excellent and sometimes cheaper option.
Sights within walking distance of the station
One of the great advantages of arriving at Antwerpen-Centraal is that many sights are within walking distance. You can start exploring the city straight away. The station itself is your first stop; take a moment to admire the architecture before you head into the city.
The Meir: start shopping as soon as you step out
As soon as you leave the station, you are almost immediately on the Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. Here you will find a wide range of major international chains housed in beautiful historic buildings. Whether you want to shop extensively or simply soak up the atmosphere, the Meir is a lively starting point for your city break.
The Rubens House and the historic old town
From the Meir you can easily continue on foot to the historic heart of the city. Visit the Rubens House, the former home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. Then walk on to the Grote Markt, where you can admire the impressive guild houses and the town hall. Nearby you will find the Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city’s skyline.
The Plantin-Moretus Museum
For those interested in history and culture, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is highly recommended. This museum, a printing house and publishing house from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, has been preserved and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It offers a unique insight into the history of the book and the influence of Antwerp as a centre of knowledge in the 16th and 17th centuries. This museum is also within easy walking distance of the station.
Planning a city trip raises many questions, from routes to ways of getting around locally. On the Traveler Tips website you will find many more articles about travelling by train, in-depth city guides and practical tips for preparing your perfect holiday. Discover more on our website and plan your next trip down to the last detail.
Frequently asked questions
For journeys from the Netherlands, Eurostar tickets offer the best value for money, with prices from €29 to €35 for a one-way trip and the option to change your ticket up to 1 hour before departure. From September 2026, the new ICE connection from Germany (Cologne) will be a good option, with direct services and a journey time of around 2.5 hours. Booking early via official channels is recommended for the best fares. For connections within Belgium, Antwerpen-Centraal is easily reached, including by the IC-08 train from Brussels Airport.
For a comfortable and efficient train journey to Antwerp, the Eurostar from the Netherlands is direct and takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes. From 7 September 2026, a new ICE from Cologne will run directly to Antwerp in around 2.5 hours, making transfers from Germany unnecessary. Until then, a change in Brussels is required when travelling from Germany. From Brussels Airport-Zaventem there is a direct IC-08 service that runs once an hour to Antwerpen-Centraal.
From Antwerpen-Centraal you can walk to the city centre in just 20 minutes, where many accommodation options and sights are located. For longer distances or faster transport you can use the extensive bus and tram network that departs directly from the station. Consider a public transport day ticket if you plan to use public transport a lot.
Antwerpen-Centraal station is only a 20-minute walk from the city centre, which makes many sights easy to reach. The station is also well connected to bus and tram lines for further exploration. From the Netherlands, Antwerp is very easy to reach by Eurostar, which makes it ideal for a day trip. From September 2026, a new ICE connection will offer direct access from Cologne, further improving accessibility.
To travel to Antwerp by train in a carefree and memorable way, it is essential to book your tickets in good time via official channels such as Eurostar or NMBS-International, especially for the best prices. Make sure you are at the station at least 20 minutes before departure and consider flexible tickets. Antwerp Central Station is within walking distance of the city centre and has good public transport connections. From September 2026, there will also be direct ICE connections from Cologne, making a change in Brussels unnecessary.
