Getting from Amsterdam to Antwerp (and return)
· Updated · BootsnAll
Antwerp is a city located in the Belgium region of Flanders and is known for being the world’s leading “diamond city”. It is also a very relaxing city to visit. Due to its long history, Antwerp has many interesting historical buildings to see. Lately, it has become a trendy city, offering the perfect mix of history and modern life.
Antwerp does have its own small airport, but as of 2026 it mostly handles a few TUI holiday flights to Spain, and TUI plans to stop flying there in 2027. Both Brussels Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport are located close by and are well connected to the city of Antwerp.
Regardless of why you need to travel between Amsterdam and Antwerp, you should know the means of transport available and how much it would cost before you start making any vacation plans.
Quick summary
The cheapest option to travel between Amsterdam and Antwerp is by bus. You’ll travel for about 2 hours, and FlixBus fares start at around €11 as of 2026.
Trains from Amsterdam to Antwerp
There are direct trains from Amsterdam to Antwerp (Antwerpen Centraal). The EuroCity Direct runs 16 times a day from Amsterdam Zuid (not Centraal) and takes about 1h 20 min. You don’t need a seat reservation, and as of 2026 advance fares start at €20.
The other option is Eurostar (the train that used to be called Thalys), which leaves from Amsterdam Centraal, takes about the same time and has fares from €29. You can book both through NS International.
>>read more about the Amsterdam Centraal Station area
Buses from Amsterdam to Antwerp
FlixBus, which took over Eurolines’ Dutch and Belgian routes in 2019, runs direct buses between Amsterdam and Antwerp. As of 2026 there are around 27 departures a day, from Centraal Station and also from Sloterdijk, Schiphol and Bijlmer ArenA, so check which stop your bus uses. The trip takes about 2 hours.
Buses run just as often from Antwerp to Amsterdam, and fares go up as the bus fills, so book early for the cheap seats.
Driving from Amsterdam to Antwerp
Another option is to rent a car and drive the 160 km between Amsterdam and Antwerp. It should take about 1h 45 min and you’ll drive on A2 and A27, which are not toll roads.