Brussels-Amsterdam by train? High-speed trains immediately spring to mind Thalys. The current circuit eight times a day between the two cities in 1 hour 52 minutes. In comparison NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), in cooperation with the Belgian railway company SNCB, connects 11 times a day. on average between the two cities. But with a direct journey time of 2 hours 49 minutes. And with a change in Antwerp: 2h43.
As far as fares are concerned, for a journey taken at the last minute (for example, a booking made for the following day), NS/SNCB Intercity is still more competitive than Thalys. Less than 50 euros for a single ticket in second class compared with 82 euros for the lowest fare available for a Thalys convoy. But with an extra hour added to the journey...
However, competition could become more intense with the modernisation rolling stock and a new route. In an article published in SpoorPro.nl, a Dutch-language publication specialising in rail transport, NS reveals the future route of the Intercity trains.
Fewer stops and a new generation of trains
NS and SNCB want to alter the current train routes to make them faster. The convoys would then link Brussels South to Amsterdam South and no longer Amsterdam Central. The trains would then mark only one stops in Rotterdam and Antwerp to Brussels. This would mean eliminating stops at Breda in the Netherlands, Noorderkempen, Antwerp-Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport and Brussels North.
This streamlined service will enable future New Generation Intercity (ICNG) to run at 200 km/h instead of 160 km/h currently. Thanks to these measures, the 2.43-hour journey time will be reduced to 2.03 hours. This will bring the journey time closer to that of current Thalys trains.
From 2025 onwards, the Amsterdam - Brussels route will be home to some of the twenty new ICNG trainsets. These will consist of eight 410 seats, extra toilets and extra luggage space. The two rail companies will be consulting users to find out whether the future section will be well received...
