What are trains in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg like?

The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg all feature an extremely dense railway network with very frequent connections. On this page you'll find all information about trains in these countries, their comforts, how to book them, and use rail passes.

All tickets and passes for the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg are available via Happyrail. Check out our Rail Tour packages, with hotels, tickets and all reservations included, all available from Belgium or the Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg all feature a network of frequent and efficient national trains, as well as international connections to France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Only international services like TGV, ICE, Eurostar and Ouigo require reservations. All other trains do not have reserved seats; you are free to take whatever connection you like, unless otherwise stated on your ticket.

Trains operate at least every 30 minutes everywhere in the Netherlands, even on weekends. In Belgium and Luxemburg trains operate at least every 30 minutes on busy connections during the week and every 60 minutes in the weekend.
Eurail Global Passes and Benelux Passes bought via Happyrail are valid on all trains in and to the Netherlands, Belgium and Benelux.
All tickets for the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg can be bought via the Happyrail planner.
All our Rail Tours can be booked starting in the Netherlands or Belgium.

Dutch national trains

Dutch national trains are classified as either Intercity (IC), Intercity Direct (ICD), Sprinter (Spr) or Stoptrein (St), depending on how much stops they make. The type of train makes no difference for your ticket; it is valid on any connection on any train type*.

Seat reservations are not possible. Take any free seat on any train you like*.
Eurail Global and Eurail Netherlands passes are valid on all Dutch national trains, regardless of operator or train type.
Many stations have ticket gates, where you'll need to scan your Eurail barcode to pass through.

*Interational Eurostar trains (to France, UK), ICE trains (to Germany) and Nightjet sleeper trains (to Germany/Austria) are exceptions, where you need a ticket for the specific connection you want to take.

Second-class features non-adjustable seats in a 2+2 configuration. Free wifi is always available, power sockets are available on newer train types.
Toilets are available on all trains except a few local services in the east of the country.
Catering is not available on board of trains, but all stations (especially larger ones) have plenty of shops and café's for buying snacks, drinks and meals, sometimes even on the platforms themselves.
First class features wider, more comfortable (often adjustable) seats with increased legroom in a 2+1 configuration (2+2 on some local trains). First class is generally emptier and quieter, as second class can be busy during peak hours.
Some local trains in the north and east of the country don't have first class, in which case your ticket is valid in second class.
Catering is not available on board of trains, but all stations (especially larger ones) have plenty of shops and café's for buying snacks, drinks and meals, sometimes even on the platforms themselves.

Belgian national trains

Belgian national trains are classified as either IC, L, S or P trains. These categories only indicate how many stops the train makes. The types of train and ticket types are the same for all categories, and you are free to take any connection on the day your ticket is valid*.

Seat reservations are not possible*.
Eurail Global and Eurail Benelux passes are valid on all national and international trains in Belgium.

Second class features seats in a 2+3 or 2+2 configuration.
Power sockets are available at a few, but not all seats. Wifi is not available.
Catering is not available on any national connections, but all stations (especially larger ones) have plenty of shops and café's for buying snacks, drinks and meals.
First class features more plush, comfortable seats in a 2+1 or 2+2 configuration, and a generally quieter atmopshere than in second class.
Power sockets are available at a few, but not all seats. Wifi is not available.
Catering is not available on any national connections, but all stations (especially larger ones) have plenty of shops and café's for buying snacks, drinks and meals.

Luxemburg national trains

Luxemburgish trains are categorised as either IC, Re or RB trains. These categories only indicate how many stops the train makes.

Second class train travel is free in the entire country of Luxemburg. Tickets only need to be bought for international services and for 1st class.
Tickets for 1st class or international services can be used on any connection on the day of your ticket's validity, except for TGV services to France (see below: TGV Luxemburg-France) on which your ticket is valid on a specific cnnection.

Second class (which is free in all trains within Luxemburg) features seats in a 2+2 configuration in mostly double-decker trains.
Toilets are available on all Luxemburgish trains. Trains don't feature wifi, but all train stations are equipped with free wifi. No catering is available onboard. Photo credit: CFL Group.
First class features more comfortable seats, in a more quiet atmosphere, also in a 2+2 configuration.
Toilets are available on all Luxemburgish trains. Trains don't feature wifi, but all train stations are equipped with free wifi. No catering is available onboard. Photo credit: CFL Group.

EC and ECD Netherlands-Brussels trains

In addition to cross-border high-speed Eurostar services, two other train types operatore between the Netherlands and Belgium, free of reservations and with cheaper tickets than Eurostar services.

Normal-speed Eurocity (EC) Rotterdam - Antwerp - Brussels, making multiple intermediate stops.
High-speed Eurocity Direct (ECD) Amsterdam - Schiphol (airport) - Rotterdam - Antwerp - Brussels, with no intermediate stops.

All tickets are available via the Happyrail platform. Both trains have no seat reservations and Eurail passes are valid on both trains, which both run every hour. Different tickets type are available: Flex is valid on any connection on the day shown, while Saver is only valid on the connection as shown on the ticket. In either case no seat reservation is possible.

Eurocity trains feature comfortable 2+2 seating in second class and 2+1 seating in 1st class, with wider seats and a more quiet atmopshere.
Toilets and power sockets are available, but wifi is not. Catering is not available on trains, but there is plenty of availability at train stations.
Eurocity Direct run with extremely modern trains featuring comfortable 2+2 seating in second class and 2+1 seating in 1st class, with wider seats and a more quiet atmopshere. Dedicated luggage spaces are available in almost every coach.
Free wifi, power sockets at every seats, and multiple barrier-free toilets are available. Catering is not avilable on trains, but there is plenty of availability at train stations.

Eurostar international high-speed trains

Eurostar high-speed trains run on the routes Amsterdam - Brussels - Paris, Amsterdam - Brussels - London and Germany - Paris. The trains are modern and very comfortable. Three classes are available: Standard, Eurostar Plus, Eurostar Premier.

Seat reservations are mandatory, and always included in tickets bought via the Happyrail planning service. Eurail passes, available via Happyrail, are also valid, but only together with a mandatory seat reservation. You can book seat reservations via the Happyrail planner by selecting 'Reservations' after buying your Eurail pass. You can see an overview of Eurostar seat reservations in France: Eurail Reservations.

Please note that Eurostar trains to/from London have an extended check in-time to allow for customs and luggage checks; see the check-in time as noted on your ticket.

Standard class features comfortable seats in a 2+2 configuration, with dedicated luggage space, power sockets and free wifi. Trains to London have a bar/café car, while trains to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany only have vending machines for drinks and snacks.
Eurostar Plus features wider seats with more legroom, a quieter atmosphere, and complimentary drinks and a light meal served at your seat. Power sockets, free wifi and more than enough luggage space are available.
Eurostar Premier features the same seats as in Eurostar Plus but has a much shorter check-in time with a priority customs line, complimentary champagne, drinks, and a more luxurious hot meal served at your seat.

ICE high-speed trains Brussels/Amsterdam - Cologne/Frankfurt/Munich

German high-speed ICE trains run from both Amsterdam and Brussels to Cologne and Frankfurt, plus a daily connection from Amsterdam to Munich. The newest type of ICE trains run on these connections, with a very modern and comfortable interior.

Tickets for all connections are available via Happyrail. Reservations are mandatory on international routes, which can be booked alongside tickets in Happyrail (select your seat via the seat map). Eurail passes are also valid; after buying your pass via Happyrail, seat reservations can be bought via the Happyrail planner.

Second class features comfortable cotton-lined adjustable seats in a 2+2 configuration, with free wifi, power sockets at every seat, and dedicated luggage space. A dedicated family coach with a children's compartments with large tables and space to play is available.
First class features even more comfortable adjustable seats, wider and with more legroom, in a 2+1 configuration. Free wifi, power sockets and dedicated luggage space are available. You can order drinks and meals from the wifi portal to be brought to your seat (not included in the ticket price).
A dining car is available for passengers of both classes, both for at-seat service and takeaway. Only card payment is accepted. In first class, drinks and meals can be ordered to br brought to your seat (not included in the ticket price).

Intercity (IC) trains Amsterdam-Berlin

Regular-speed Intercity trains run several times a day between Amsterdam and Berlin. Tickets are available via Happyrail. Reservations are mandatory on international routes, which can be booked alongside tickets in Happyrail (select your seat via the seat map). Eurail passes are also valid; after buying your pass via Happyrail, seat reservations can be bought via the Happyrail planner.

Second class features adjustable seats in a 2+2 configuration in open-plan coaches. Power sockets and wifi are available. No catering is available, so make sure to bring your own catering for long Amsterdam-Berlin journeys.
First class feeatures adjustable leather seats in 6-person compartments. Power sockets and wifi are available. No catering is available, so make sure to bring your own catering for long Amsterdam-Berlin journeys.

OUIGO low-cost train Brussels-Paris

In addition to high-speed Eurostar trains, low-cost 'Ouigo' trains run between Brussels and Paris. Although journey times are slower, fares are much cheaper and start from €10 for one-way tickets bought in advance.

Ouigo tickets will be available to book via Happyrail from mid-2025. Eurail passes are not valid on Ouigo trains to/from Brussels. Ouigo features second-class seats only, although in the future wider seats with more legroom will be sold as XL seats. The amount of luggage permitted differs depending on the date; sometimes large luggage items may require an extra surcharge, so echk the terms and conditions of your ticket.

Regular Ouigo coaches feature plush comfortable seats in a 2+2 configuration, with luggage space and power sockets available. No wifi or catering are available.
Ouigo XL seats are wider seats with more legroom in a 2+1 configuration, with luggage space and power sockets available. No wifi or catering are available.

TGV trains Brussels/Luxemburg - France

French high-speed TGV trains run from Brussels and Luxemburg to multiple destinations in France, like Paris, Lyon and Marseille. All tickets are available via the Happyrail platform, with a seat reservation included as standard. Eurail passes are also valid on all connections, but only together with an additional seat reservation. This can be booked via the Happyrail planner after booking your Eurail pass; for more information please see France Eurail Reservations.

For more information on TGV trains please see France: what are TGV Trains like.

Nightjet international sleeper trains

Austrian 'Nightjet' sleeper trains run on the routes Amsterdam-Vienna, Brussels-Vienna, Brussels-Berlin, Amsterdam-Innsbruck and Amsterdam-Zürich. All tickets for Nightjet, as well as Eurail seat/sleeping cabin reservations can be booked via the Happyrail Planner.

These trains are the same as other Austrian Nightjet trains and feature second-class seating, couchette and sleeping cabins. For more detailed information please see What are Nightjet Trains like?