Brussels - Amsterdam by train (not Thalys)
 

Hello!
What are the other train options to get from Brussels to Amsterdam? I have already booked Thalys tickets for Amsterdam-Paris and Paris-Brussels, but I was told I can go to Brussels station and buy the local train service ticket at the window to go to Amsterdam, as we are not looking at any superfast / luxury drain options for this leg of the journey.

I tried checking online and this is only showing the Thalys for advance booking.
Is it easy to go to the window and buy train tickets for the journey on the day of travel? Approximate fares for adults and children (<11 years) would be useful.
Thanks!

Hey Saff,

Did you check the Belgian rail system http://www.belgianrail.be/en/Default.aspx

Or the Netherlands site:

https://www.nsinternational.nl/en

Yeah, that's the regular train between Brussels and Amsterdam. What they told is true. You can just buy a ticket on the spot. No advance booking necessary.

First, I would compare fares for Thalys vs. Intercity.
The Intercity is the "local train".

The Intercity fare (non-restricted, no reservations) is always € 44.60.
But when you book Thalys in advance (restricted to a certain train), you can go for as little as € 29.

If you still want the Intercity, you can buy the ticket in advance, too.
It won't save you money, but time at the ticket window.
The booking website may force you to pick a certain departure time, but the ticket will be valid on any Intercity on the same day.

An advantage of the Intercity is that it also calls at Bxl-Midi, Bxl-Central and Bxl-Nord - while the Thalys only calls at Bxl-Midi.
A disadvantage of the Intercity may be that is a "regular train" and can be used with regular tickets so it can get pretty crowded during the evening commute hours between Bxl and Antwerpen.

Thank you very much for the responses.

those 29 euro thalys tickets are few and far between. I've got a frequent traveler thalys card, so I receive advance notice, and even then, those really deep bargains are usually gone before I can book them, or booking slots and travel slots are restricted so their use is limited.