How to Get from Brussels to Antwerp & Vice Versa
This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer.
Are you looking for ways to get from Brussels to Antwerp, or vice versa? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Putting both Brussels and Antwerp in your Belgium itinerary is a great idea and quite an obvious one since they are the two biggest cities in the country!
Brussels combines its rich history with its status as the capital of Europe, while Antwerp retains a strong medieval ambience and is surrounded by trendy neighbourhoods.
Both cities have a strong multicultural feeling, which adds to their charm!
🏅 Our Top Pick: Train from Brussels to Antwerp
Travelling between Brussels and Antwerp is hassle-free, with seamless transportation options available.
Whether you choose to drive or take the train, you’ll find reliable and efficient routes for a smooth journey between these two cities.
We’ll discuss each option so you can pick the one that is right for you! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to travel between these two fantastic cities.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING FROM BRUSSELS TO ANTWERP
If you’re planning a trip from Brussels to Antwerp, it’s important to have the necessary information at hand.
Understanding your transportation options, travel durations, and must-visit attractions will simplify your travel planning process.
Whether you’re organizing a day trip or a longer stay, let’s make your journey from Brussels to Antwerp hassle-free and ensure that it’s a memorable experience.
💡 Where is Antwerp Located?
Antwerp is located in northern Belgium, about 55 kilometres north of Brussels.
Situated on the eastern bank of the Scheldt River, it is a historic port city known for its charm and cultural significance.
With good transportation connections, Antwerp is easily accessible from various destinations, making it a convenient place to visit.
💡 What is the Distance from Brussels to Antwerp?
The distance from Brussels to Antwerp by road is approximately 43 kilometres, but it can vary depending on the route and traffic conditions.
💡 How Long Does it Take to Get from Brussels to Antwerp?
The average travel time from Brussels to Antwerp is around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the mode of transportation and factors like traffic and road conditions.
💡 What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Brussels to Antwerp?
The cheapest way to travel from Brussels to Antwerp is typically by train. Belgium’s well-connected rail network offers frequent departures from various stations in Brussels.
💡 What is the Fastest Way to Get from Brussels to Antwerp?
The fastest way to travel from Brussels to Antwerp is by taking a direct train.
Trains between the two cities run frequently, and the journey usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour which makes it the fastest option available.
🏅 Best option TO GET from Brussels to Antwerp
🚉If you are looking for the most convenient way to reach Antwerp when you’re coming from Brussels, we recommend catching the train.
Both cities have a low traffic centre and parking is rather costly. Besides, the journey will only take about 30-50 minutes while driving takes you at least an hour. Click here to book your train ticket!
However, booking a private transport car is a close second if you’re travelling with four people or more. Besides, it’s pretty convenient to get picked up and dropped off at your destination with all your luggage. Check out the prices for private transport here.
How to get from Brussels to Antwerp: 4 Ways
Option 1: Brussels to Antwerp by car
Many people travel in their own car while in Belgium. In that case, you’ll obviously want to bring it along with you.
And even if you’re flying in, if you prefer to have your own means of transport, renting a car is a pretty popular choice to travel around the country.
The distance between Brussels and Antwerp is roughly 50 km which should take you about 45-50 minutes with regular traffic.
However, the two main routes you’ll want to use to cover the Brussels to Antwerp distance are often filled with traffic jams, so the driving time can add up to 70 to 80 minutes.
The drive itself is pretty straightforward, as you only have to take one of the two highways connecting both cities.
This is either the E19 Brussels – Antwerp or the A12 Brussels – Boom – Antwerp. Make sure to check which one will bring you to your destination the quickest (this will depend on the traffic of that day!)
Don’t forget that busy traffic is a common issue. Overall, the usual problematic zones in Belgium are the highways around Brussels and Antwerp.
This will definitely be the case during rush hours in the morning and evening but calculate possible traffic jams on weekdays between 7 AM and 7 PM.
Only if you can cover the Brussels – Antwerp distance late in the evening, at night or on Sundays, you can be quite sure not to get stuck.
If you don’t have a free parking space included in your accommodation, it might be a good idea to leave your car at one of the 9 park + ride parking zones.
These free car parks on the edge of Antwerp allow you to drop your car close to the highways and use public transport to get into the city.
Keep in mind that these car parks are not secured/guarded (however, we’ve never had any issues). This page shows a clear overview of the different park + ride spaces and their respective means of public transport to bring you to the centre.
The easiest P+R when you’re coming from the A12 is Park and Ride Schoonselhof, while if you’re coming to Antwerp from Brussels via the E19, Park and Ride E19.
Option 2: Brussels to Antwerp train
A lot of travellers will prefer to travel around Belgium by train because it’s such a convenient way of transportation.
Travelling from Brussels to Antwerp by train is very straightforward with direct intercity trains between both cities.
Brussels is a fairly large city and has 3 main train stations to choose from (there is also a Brussels Airport train station and a couple of smaller ones in the suburbs). All intercity trains stop at these three stations.
The train stations in Brussels are called Brussel-Noord/Nord (North Station), Brussel-Centraal/Central (Central Station) and Brussel-Zuid/Midi (South Station). The last one is where international trains such as Thalys, Eurostar, TGV and ICE serve from.
Antwerp has 2 train stations, with Antwerpen-Centraal being the main hub, while Antwerpen-Berchem is a bit outside of the city centre. All trains from Brussels to Antwerp pass the latter on their way to Antwerpen-Centraal.
If you’re travelling by train to Antwerp from Brussels, you’ll want to get off at Antwerpen-Centraal, as it’s in the middle of the centre (not the historic centre though, that’s still a 15-minute walk away).
Antwerpen-Centraal is also the best place to start your trip to other countries like Paris, France. Here’s a complete guide from Antwerp to Paris and vice versa.
There are 4 direct Brussels to Antwerp trains every hour. The ones at .24 and .54 take only 41 minutes, while the ones at .01 and .31 are a tad slower at 53 minutes. These are the timetables from Brussels Central.
If you leave from Brussels South Station it will be a longer trip (46-57 min) and if you leave from Brussels North Station it will be shorter (33-45 min).
The earliest Brussels – Antwerp train departs at 4.54 A.M., while the last one leaves at 00.01 A.M (on weekdays, weekends might be different).
Always make sure to check the Brussels to Antwerp train schedule, because trains are often less frequent in the early morning or late in the evening.
You can check the trains Brussels – Antwerp timetable here.
The train Brussels to Antwerp costs €9,50 for a single ticket, while a return is € 19. If you’re under 26, a single ticket (Go pass 1) is €6,60 and a return € 13,20. For every paying adult, 4 children under 12 travel for free. It is convenient to book your train ticket online, this way you don’t have to wait in line. Click here to book your tickets.
Option 3: Brussels – Antwerp bus
The bus connection between Brussels and Antwerp is long and complicated. The only reason you should do this is if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option.
For the first leg of the journey, take bus #65 from Brussels Central Station towards Machelen.
Get off after 22 minutes at Diegem Kasteel Beaulieu. Then continue on with bus #282 towards Mechelen. Drive all the way to Mechelen Station.
This will take 40 minutes. Ultimately, take bus #500 that goes from Mechelen to Antwerp South Station, which takes approximately 1,5 hours.
This means the total time for the bus from Brussels to Antwerp is 2,5 hours without transfer times.
Belgian buses are not convenient to transport luggage.
I’m not saying it isn’t possible (because it is, we’ve done it a lot of times), but there is no room to store your suitcase, you should put it in the middle section of the bus and stay there to keep it from falling.
Especially during school rush hours, the Belgian buses tend to get busy.
Usually, the cheapest bus tickets are the ones you can buy in the De Lijn-app. Buying a 10-card is the cheapest way to go as this will cost you €16. A regular m-ticket is €1,8. A €2,5 (+ cost) sms-ticket is an option too. All these tickets are valid for 60 minutes, which means you’ll need to use at least 3 but likely 4 for the distance from Brussels to Antwerp. You can also buy 10-cards or regular tickets at De Lijn sale points or vending machines (find where they are on this website). It’s not possible to buy tickets from the driver.
Option 4: Taxi from Brussels to Antwerp
A taxi from Brussels to Antwerp will definitely be the most expensive way to travel.
However, if you do not wish to rent a car and prefer to have a private means of transport, a taxi or private transport company might be the best choice for you.
If you wish to visit Brussels and Antwerp in one day, a private transfer is a good option.
Also, if you’re travelling from Brussels to Antwerp as a family or with friends, it might end up being cheaper than taking the train.
The Brussels to Antwerp taxi fare is €45 (a 3-person standard car) or €57 (for an 8-person minivan). Click here to book your private transfer.
How to get from Antwerp to Brussels
If you’d like to take this trip the other way around, the same options as above are available.
For travellers with their own car or a rental, driving from Antwerp to Brussels is pretty straightforward. The Antwerp to Brussels distance is 50 km and should take you about 45-50 minutes in regular traffic.
If you prefer private transport but don’t want to drive yourself, you could travel by taxi. This will cost you € 45 for a regular car (3p) or €57 for a minivan (8p). Click here to book your private transport.
The third and best option is to travel from Antwerp to Brussels by train. The train from Antwerp to Brussels takes between 33 and 53 minutes, depending on your destination in Brussels and the type of train.
The Antwerp to Brussels train costs €9,50 for a regular single ticket. Click here to book your ticket online.
The last option is taking the Antwerp to Brussels bus which is only an option if you’re looking for the absolute cheapest option.
It will take a lot longer than the train (about 2,5 hours and transfer time is not included) and it’s not very convenient with luggage. Plan your trip here.
Getting to and from the airports
How to get from Brussels Airport to Antwerp and back
The first option is to go from Brussels Airport to Antwerp by train. There’s a short and direct train between the airport in Zaventem and Belgium’s second city.
The Brussels Airport to Antwerp train takes only 30 minutes and costs €14 for a single trip. This fare includes the Brussels Airport Supplement.
The train terminal is situated at the airport, which makes it very convenient! You can book your ticket here.
The other way around, getting from Antwerp to Brussels Airport by train, is just as easy with the same timeframe and price.
The second option is taking the Brussels Airport bus to Antwerp.
The Airport Express leaves Brussels Airport and has 2 stops: the first at Hotel Crowne Plaza in Berchem and the second one at the Koningin Astridplein, next to Antwerp Central Station.
The bus leaves every 2 hours between 4 A.M. to 0.00 A.M. (although that might change again after Covid-19 because it used to be every hour).
The bus from Brussels Airport to Antwerp takes 35/45 minutes (depending on your stop) and costs €10. Kids under 12 pay €5.
In the other direction, the Antwerp to Brussels Airport bus leaves every 2 hours between 3 A.M. and 11 P.M. from Koningin Astridplein and arrives at the Crowne Plaza Hotel 10 minutes later. 45 (or 35) minutes later, you’ll already be standing at the airport! You can book your tickets directly on the bus, there’s no need to make a reservation!
The third and ultimate option is covering the Brussels Airport – Antwerp distance by booking a private transfer. This is especially a good option if you’re travelling with a couple of people. Booking a private transfer online is a lot cheaper than the regular Brussels Airport to Antwerp taxi fare. A car for 3 adults costs €37, while an 8-person minivan is €48. Check prices and book your transfer here!
From Brussels Charleroi Airport to Antwerp and back
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a lot less easy to connect with Antwerp than the previous locations.
The first option to get from Brussels Charleroi to Antwerp is to take public transport. This means it will take you roughly 2 hours to reach your destination. From Charleroi Airport, first, take shuttle bus A to Charleroi-Sud (20 minutes) and then, step on the direct intercity train to Antwerp (100 minutes). You can buy a combined train + bus ticket (Charleroi Airport ticket). This ticket will cost you €21,10.
The second option, especially if you’re travelling by yourself, is booking a seat in a private car with BlaBlaCar. This will cost you between €3 and €7. It takes about 50 minutes with regular traffic to get from Brussels Charleroi Airport to Antwerp. You can check the availability here!
The last option, the easiest but most expensive one, is booking a private transfer. A regular car for 3 people costs €68 to get from Antwerp to Brussels Charleroi Airport or €119 for an 8-person minivan. Check prices and book your transport here.
FAQs About Getting from Brussels to Antwerp & Vice Versa
Which is more beautiful Antwerp or Brussels?
Antwerp and Brussels each possess their own unique beauty and charm. Antwerp is renowned for its art, fashion, and architecture, while Brussels offers a blend of historical and modern attractions in a diverse setting. Both cities provide distinct experiences that showcase different aspects of Belgian culture.
Is Antwerp worth visiting?
The city is rich in history and culture, with stunning architecture, artistic heritage, and a vibrant art scene. It is also known for its fashion and design, making it a great destination for fashion enthusiasts. In addition, the culinary offerings in Antwerp are diverse and delicious.
Which Brussels station is Antwerp?
For travelling from Brussels to Antwerp, the most convenient train station in Brussels is Brussels-Central (Brussel-Centraal) station. It offers direct connections to Antwerp with frequent train services. Brussels-Central is centrally located and easily accessible. It is a popular choice for travellers heading to Antwerp.
How many days do you need to visit Antwerp?
To get a good overview of Antwerp and its attractions, it is recommended to spend at least two to three days in the city. However, the duration of your visit ultimately depends on your interests and the amount of time you have available.
Why is Antwerp famous?
Antwerp is renowned for its diamond industry, rich artistic heritage, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a popular destination for travellers globally.
IS IT CHEAP TO VISIT ANTWERP?
The cost of visiting Antwerp can vary, but generally, it is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities.
How do you pay for the train in Brussels?
In Brussels, you have multiple options for purchasing train tickets, such as ticket machines, manned counters, mobile apps, and the official website. These convenient methods allow you to buy and validate your tickets before boarding the train.
HOW MUCH IS THE TRAIN FROM BRUSSELS TO ANTWERP?
Train fares from Brussels to Antwerp vary depending on factors like train type, class, and ticket type. Generally, prices range from approximately 6 to 15 euros for a standard one-way ticket. It’s recommended to check the current fares at the train station or online for the most accurate pricing information.
Is it cheaper to buy train tickets online or at the station in Belgium?
In Belgium, train tickets are generally priced the same whether you purchase them online or at the station. However, buying tickets online can have certain advantages. Online ticket purchases allow you to plan your journey in advance and secure your desired train and seat. Additionally, some online platforms may offer discounted fares or promotional offers.
Final Thoughts About Getting from Brussels to Antwerp
When deciding your way of transportation between Brussels and Antwerp, consider your preferences.
Do you like to reach your destination as quickly as possible or would it be nice to be able to stop along the way? Do you mind travelling with others, possibly having to stand up if you’re travelling during rush hour?
Is the budget important or do you not mind spending a little extra for more comfort?
Although travelling by car is easy and convenient, parking in the cities can be quite a hassle.
If you don’t need the freedom of your own car, we’d recommend taking the train to travel from Antwerp to Brussels or vice versa.
Trains in Belgium are convenient, fast and not overly expensive. Getting from Brussels to Antwerp by train is easy peasy.
The only reason to take the bus is if you’re looking for a local experience and the most budget-friendly option. But there are much more convenient ways to travel between both cities.
If you prefer your own transport and don’t mind spending a little extra, hiring a private driver or taxi is a good idea. Especially for people travelling in a bigger group, this might be an interesting option.
No matter which option you utilise, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time in Brussels and in Antwerp!
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
If this helped you plan your adventure, a coffee would go a long way in fueling my next guide! 😉
