Trains to Amsterdam - a long wait in Brussels?

Savvy_Sue

We're planning our next trip to Amsterdam, and our preference is to use the train. 

However, there are no longer direct trains to and from Amsterdam, we need to change at Brussels. 

Some of the times we're being offered have a couple of hours wait in Brussels - has anyone done this, and would we be able to leave our luggage anywhere and do a whistle stop explore? 

some of those times are both cheaper and civilised, hence the attraction ...

Voyager2002

See if this link tells you what you need to know:
https://www.brussels.info/luggage-storage/

Savvy_Sue

Brilliant, TYVM. Brain clearly not fully engaged ...

Although I guess the next question is whether an hour in Brussels will be enjoyable, or frustrating...

lr1277

I don't know if this gives you a viable alternative, but if you are not aware, Greater Anglia offer a Rail and Sail service to Amsterdam. Have never taken it, but I presume you would have to 'start' at a Greater Anglia station. Then you would get the train to the ferry and then the ferry to Amsterdam.

Emmia

Savvy_Sue said:

Brilliant, TYVM. Brain clearly not fully engaged ...

Although I guess the next question is whether an hour in Brussels will be enjoyable, or frustrating...

By the time you've checked your luggage in, got out of the station, and got somewhere in Brussels, you'd need to leave, to collect your luggage and catch your next train. 

I think that would be frustrating. 

If you do want to explore Brussels a bit, I'd consider getting the Eurostar to Brussels, then checking into a hotel for a night or two, then getting an onward train to Amsterdam - that would increase the costs though.

Edit: the stuff nearest the station can be a bit overpriced beer tourist trap. 

eDicky

lr1277 said:

I don't know if this gives you a viable alternative, but if you are not aware, Greater Anglia offer a Rail and Sail service to Amsterdam. Have never taken it, but I presume you would have to 'start' at a Greater Anglia station. Then you would get the train to the ferry and then the ferry to Amsterdam.

The Stena Line ferry arrives at Hoek van Holland, near Rotterdam, not to Amsterdam. 

Although it used to be possible to book a through ticket from London to Amsterdam (or other Dutch cities) with passage on the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry, it seems to be no longer the case. Onward rail travel from the Dutch port can be separately arranged.

https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/tickets-fares/discounts/rail-and-sail-holland

Doshwaster

Savvy_Sue said:

Brilliant, TYVM. Brain clearly not fully engaged ...

Although I guess the next question is whether an hour in Brussels will be enjoyable, or frustrating...

An hour in Brussels sounds quite enjoyable. You can't move for beer, chocolate, waffles and frites. Rather than try to explore just find a cafe and have some fun.

JGB1955

I think you need to allow 45 to 60 minutes before departure at Brussels Midi to go through passport control (on the London-bound part of your journey).

Savvy_Sue

Lots more to explore, clearly. 

Emmia

eDicky said:

lr1277 said:

I don't know if this gives you a viable alternative, but if you are not aware, Greater Anglia offer a Rail and Sail service to Amsterdam. Have never taken it, but I presume you would have to 'start' at a Greater Anglia station. Then you would get the train to the ferry and then the ferry to Amsterdam.

The Stena Line ferry arrives at Hoek van Holland, near Rotterdam, not to Amsterdam. 

Although it used to be possible to book a through ticket from London to Amsterdam (or other Dutch cities) with passage on the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry, it seems to be no longer the case. Onward rail travel from the Dutch port can be separately arranged.

https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/tickets-fares/discounts/rail-and-sail-holland

The Dutch rail service is good, and it would be fairly easy to get to Amsterdam by train (they do contactless payments too, so no need to book/pay upfront).

Alternatively you could consider The Hague which is close to Rotterdam (which also has it's charms) and very lovely to explore for a few days.

martindow

Depending on when you arrive in Brussels luggage lockers can be all full at Midi.  In the past I've had to try Central or North to find a free one (which would use up your hour!).

I suspect that the cafes across the road from the station are used to people coming in with their luggage.  Although you wouldn't get to see the town it would be a pleasanter spot to wait and have a drink than the terminal waiting room.