More about: Day Trips to Amsterdam from Brussels
There are organised day trips from Brussels to Amsterdam that allow you to see the best of the Dutch capital in a single day, without any logistical hassles or the need to plan anything yourself. These experiences combine return transport with guided tours of the main attractions, as well as free time to explore on your own.
Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels
Explore Amsterdam in one day from Brussels
Travel from Brussels by bus and discover the Dutch capital with a guided tour of its most iconic sights and free time to enjoy it at your own pace.
This day trip to Amsterdam from Brussels is perfect if you are in Belgium and want to see the best of the Dutch capital without worrying about logistics. Throughout the day, a professional guide will accompany you to the most iconic places: Dam Square, the Flower Market, the Singel Canal, the New Church and much more.
In addition to exploring the streets, canals and historical monuments, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace, discover charming corners, sample the local cuisine or visit a museum.
Recommended if... you fancy a day trip from Brussels and want a guided, comfortable experience with free time to enjoy Amsterdam as you wish.
Why take an organised trip to Amsterdam?
One of the best ways to get to Amsterdam from Brussels is by booking an organised tour. You won't have to worry about timetables, variable prices and other details, and you'll be able to enjoy all the original things to do in Amsterdam with greater peace of mind.
Travelling with a professional guide allows you to discover the history and highlights of the city without wasting time on travel or logistical decisions. What's more, you'll be guaranteed a well-planned itinerary that includes must-see sights such as the Anne Frank House, Dam Square and the Flower Market. And after the guided tour, you'll have free time to discover Amsterdam at your own pace.
What's included in the day trips to Amsterdam from Brussels
Excursions to Amsterdam from Brussels are designed to help you make the most of your day without worrying about logistics. That's why most options include return transport by air-conditioned coach, guaranteeing your comfort throughout the journey.
You'll also have an expert guide to accompany you on your tour of the Dutch capital. With them, you'll discover the city's most iconic sights, such as Dam Square, the New Church, the Flower Market and the Nine Streets district, and learn about the history behind every corner.
Another great advantage is that after the guided tour, you'll have free time to explore Amsterdam on your own: stroll along the canals, visit the Anne Frank House or enjoy lunch in one of its charming cafés.
Useful information about the excursions
- Duration:12 hours
- Meeting point: Brussels city centre
- End of the tour: Amsterdam Central Station
- Price: from £59
- Recommended if... You want to discover and explore the highlights of Amsterdam, you don't have much time and you want to end the day in Brussels.
What will I see in Amsterdam during the excursion?
During an organised excursion from Brussels, you will have the opportunity to discover the most emblematic places in the Dutch capital. These guided tours offer a complete tour of the history, culture and urban essence of Amsterdam:
- Dam Square: the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and always bustling with life.
- Royal Palace: an architectural gem that was once the town hall and is now one of the country's royal palaces.
- Nieuwe Kerk: the 'New Church', home to exhibitions and the setting for royal coronations.
- Red Light District: one of Amsterdam's most iconic and controversial neighbourhoods, known for its liberal history and vibrant atmosphere.
- The Anne Frank House Museum, where you can learn about the story of the young writer and her life during the Second World War.
- The old Jewish quarter, a key area for understanding the history of the city and its Jewish community.
- An outdoor tour of some of the city's best museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, which are part of the famous Museumplein.
These points of interest will give you a clear idea of the soul of Amsterdam in just one day.
Other options for travelling to Amsterdam on your own
By train
The train is a fast and comfortable way to travel between Brussels and Amsterdam. There are frequent connections between these two capitals, running roughly every 1 to 2 hours.
Unfortunately, tickets are not the cheapest, but you can easily buy them online on the Belgian and Dutchtrain websites or at the train station itself.
- Duration: just under 3 hours for the longest journey.
- Price: between £26 and £48, depending on dates, routes and how far in advance you book.
- Recommended if... You are looking for comfort, speed and affordability.
By bus
There are frequent bus connections between Brussels and Amsterdam; however, some connections, despite being direct, can take much longer than others, so keep this in mind.
The main company operating this route is Flixbus, which is also the fastest.
- Duration: between 2 hours 50 minutes and 3 hours 50 minutes
- Price: from £9. The price depends on the time of departure and how far in advance you buy your ticket.
- Recommended if... You are looking for the cheapest option.
By plane
Although Brussels and Amsterdam are just over 200 km apart, there are direct flights between these two capitals. KLM connects the cities five times a day with a flight time of just under an hour.
This is a good option if you enjoy flying and love wandering around airports, as Amsterdam Airport is one of the best in Europe.
If you choose this option, I recommend this post on transfers between the airport and Amsterdam.
- Duration: less than an hour
- Price: between £50 and £100, depending on how far in advance you buy your ticket.
- Recommended if... You want to get there as quickly as possible.
Car sharing
Car sharing is a very popular way to travel around Europe, but the route from Brussels to Amsterdam is not one of the most popular for this mode of transport.
If you are still interested in travelling between Brussels and Amsterdam in this way, I recommend visiting the BlaBlaCar website and searching for trips there.
- Duration: between 2.5 and 3 hours.
- Price: around £15
- Recommended if: you are looking for a quick and economical option.
By rental car
Brussels and Amsterdam are only 200 km apart, so you can get from one capital to the other in just over 2 hours. Of course, if you choose this option, you'll also be interested in the area between these two cities, so don't rush. There is a lot to see, such as Leuven, famous for its university and Stella Artois beer, Antwerp, or Kinderdijk: one of the biggest attractions in the Netherlands with 19 windmills built around 1740.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: approximately £50.
- Recommended if... You want to plan your itinerary without depending on public transport timetables or you want to make stops along the way.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a fun way to travel from Brussels to Amsterdam, and if you're lucky, you may not have to wait long.
First, you need to go to Ambereselaan, where cars head north towards Belgium and the Netherlands. To get there, take tram no. 3, 9 or 23 to De Wand. Once there, you'll have to walk a little further, and that's it.
You might be lucky and get a lift all the way to Amsterdam, but you can also shorten the distance by getting to other places closer by, such as Antwerp or Rotterdam. In the opposite direction, from Amsterdam to Brussels, the best place to try your luck is at Utrechtsebrug.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: Free
- Recommended if... You like adventure and are looking for an experience rather than just a trip.
By bike
Remember that both the Netherlands and Belgium are countries where cycling is part of everyday life. That's why many people don't think twice about travelling from one capital city to the other. You'll also find excellent cycle paths along most of the route.
Travelling by bike from Brussels to Amsterdam is an experience in itself. There are several interesting places to stop along the way, and you can even make detours, such as following the North Sea coast.
- Duration: 2 days
- Price: £12
- Recommended if... You like sports and want to enjoy the scenery from a closer angle.