[MartynSinclair]

Just looking for some ‘travel reassurance’. Staying in Rotterdam city center and flying back to London from Brussels over the weekend.

Is the train service from Rotterdam to Brussels airport good and direct. Also is it a commuter style service where prices are fixed or do I need to get a ticket in advance…

Many thanks

[capetonianm]

I travel between BRU and AMS/RTM quite often, did this journey (in reverse) a few weeks ago. One direct train an hour, about 1.5 hours, and about €40 (2nd class). For some reason tickets from BE>NL are usually cheaper than the other way if you take the walk up price.

The trains can be very busy, specially on Sundays, if you’re as anti-social as I am I suggest paying 1st. class.

http://www.ns.nl or http://www.sncb.be

[Charles-P]

Martyn

Very reliable service and the trains are generally clean and safe. I use the following site for booking –

http://www.b-europe.com/EN

The train arrives in the basement of Zaventem and there is both escalators and lifts to the departure area. The security at Zaventem is still extensive so be prepared for Belgian soldiers with FN SCAR rifles.

You might also want to look at Thalys to Brussels Midi and then a local connection to the airport.

http://WWW.thalys.com

[MartynSinclair]

thank you both, much appreciated..

[LuganoPirate]

I’ll also confirm what has been said, but I would go 1st class for about eur 20 extra. Much more comfortable with spacious seats.
the dutch rail website is http://www.ns.nl and it’s also in English. You can book directly off it.

I’m half guessing you’re staying at the Hilton Martyn? There are some great restaurants nearby and I forget the name but it’s very close to the Hilton, upstairs, where they do a great Rijsttafel. Try it if you’ve never had it.

[MartynSinclair]

@LP – I am SPG thru and thru…:)

BUT… I am solo on Saturday night….. any ideas or opportunities, would be welcome…. 🙂

[x2000traveller]

Yes, the train service takes you straight there every hour although check with http://www.ns.nl to make sure the train is running that hour (there are occasional delays, although the service is much better than it used to be). If you go 1st class, you will also have access to the Lounge at Rotterdam C. station, which is small but very relaxing. The train goes via Breda, where it reverses direction. The interiors are a bit spartan, even in 1st, and they have had occasional problems with pickpockets/luggage thieves on the trains so keep an eye on your bags. I have never had any problems, though. The ticket inspection is infrequent (indeed, I have often gone all the way to Brux without any inspection at all!) and there is limited drinks service available as far as Antwerp.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Flightlevel, Ahmad

[FDOS_UK]

[quote quote=877005]@LP – I am SPG thru and thru…:)

BUT… I am solo on Saturday night….. any ideas or opportunities, would be welcome…. 🙂[/quote]

As LP suggests, ask your concierge to recommend a good Indonesian restaurant and try the Rijsttaffel – its a selection of dishes (literal meaning rice table) and knowing some of the cuisine you like, this should hit the mark.

Also, the Splash bus tour is fun

[MartynSinclair]

[quote quote=876900]The trains can be very busy, specially on Sundays[/quote]

Busy is an understatement.. for the second time in 5 weeks, despite having a first class ticket, got nowhere near a first class carriage. Managed to get a seat, just. The aisle in the carriage I was in was standing room only, except the students who were sitting on the floor, phoning their friends in other carriages…

Ticket inspector wouldn’t have been able to pass through the carriage – with so many bodies and cases blocking the way…

Emptied out at Antwerp..

[LuganoPirate]

I recall a lot of people go to Antwerp for shopping and it’s an easy destination for a day trip for tourists. Also the Dutch believing all are equal tend to wander into first class if the train is full (or partly full) in 2nd! Sorry you had to experience this Martyn. Glad you got back ok though.

[first_class_please]

Martyn, Don’t BA have flights from RTM to London?

[MartynSinclair]

[quote quote=877347]Martyn, Don’t BA have flights from RTM to London?[/quote]

Yes they do from LCY and am becoming a frequent user. But I wont pay E300+ for a 35 minute flight on a Sunday, when 4,500 avios + £13 tax + E33 train fare does the same job. Time was not an issue..

[Author]

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