We will be traveling around Netherlands by train... but we will be leaving Delft to Bruges on a Thursday for 2 days then on to Brussels. Should be we get a car for that part of our trip? We are flying home from Brussels. Is there a need for an international driver's license? Is it more expensive to rent a car? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Dana Point
1218 posts
If your only transportation need is to travel between Delft/Bruges/Brussels, then stick with trains. Did this same routing as part of a trip in 2012 and it was easy, and I didn't have to worry about parking.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Using the Intercity Brussel connection from Rotterdam to Antwerpen (which I find a nicer station to change trains to Gent/Brugge than Bruxelles Midi) the train costs you EUR 25. No hassle with getting to and from car rentals, paper work and all that. You can buy those tickets at the NS International site, but also at the railway stations Den Haag Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal. The train comes without reservation and your ticket is valid for all trains on that day. Have a coffee between trains in Antwerpen and enjoy their wonderful station.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7936 posts
Highway traffic in Belgium is tough, just like in the U.S. Can you drive a standard transmission? Use the train if you can. Note that your IDP question might have different answers in TWO countries. We didn't bother with one in Belgium. If you weren't flying home from Brussels, I would suggest doing Brussels first, since many trains call for a change there. If you should decided to stay in more interesting Antwerp, and visit Brussels one day by four times an hour train, there is an hourly direct bus to BRU from the side of the main train station.
Posted by
OP
Ridgefield
52 posts
Thanks All for the information. .... train it is! Antwerp is now on our radar too.