Train - Belgium/The Netherlands

You might find my trip report help. Look for the public transportation section.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-the-netherlands-and-belgium-my-trip-report

You don’t need any tickets for the Netherlands.

Over or under age 60 in Belgium?

No real advantage buying ahead, unless you really want to take the Eurostar (I wouldn't). For Belgium, just use the SNCB app, or if crossing over to the Netherlands, the SNCB International app. Within the Netherlands, just tap in and out with your credit card.

Thank you for your responses. 2 of us are under 60. One is over. Very good information. We want to get a train from the Brussels airport headed to Leiden.
Thanks.

thanks for more information. I'm sorry but it opens more questions - we need more information.

Do you want to get off the plane and go direct to Leiden without seeing any of Belgium? Your original question seems you will be travelling around Belgium?

These 5 one ways in 10 days.... are they all in the Netherlands once you get to Leiden?

It would help to see if the pass might make sense if we actually knew which trips you do have planned.

How soon is soon.

Thanks for your interest. Soon - as in next week. We are going from the Brussels airport to a little town on the way to Leiden. We will do day trips via train to places in the Netherlands for a week. Then we will train back to Belgium and sight-see there for a few days via train day trips - ending in Brussels. Thank you.

is the little town on the way to Leiden in Belgium or Netherlands? It will make a difference

Leiden, Netherlands
Sorry for being unclear.
Peggy

Use SNCB International to buy the tickets. https://www.b-europe.com/EN You can indicate one passenger over 60 for a small discount.

Note that while you are prompted to pick a train and time, your ticket can be used for any train, other than Eurostar, going in the direction of Leiden that day, so no worries about picking a time with having to go through immigration, etc.. You can leave from the airport without going into Brussels itself.

Most solutions likely require a change in Antwerp, possibly in Rotterdam.

In that case I'd get the EuroCity from Zaventem Airport to Rotterdam (calling at Mechelen, Antwerp Berchem, Antwerp Central, Noorderkempen, Breda and Rotterdam Centraal), and the change for Leiden or the mystery town (depending on how you get to the mystery town).

That is likely less confusing than the other alternative of train 3 stops from the airport to Brussels Zuid/Midi, then change to Eurocity Direct which only calls at Antwerp Central and Rotterdam, then as above.

With only 2 long distance international journeys and the others inexpensive and easily purchased by a tap credit card (tap in and tap out) in the Netherlands I'd be surprised if you would get value from the BeNeLux pass.

Thank you for all your advice. I appreciate you for taking the time. You have answered my question.
We’ll have a fun time.

I was recently on a trip in Belgium and the Netherlands with six people, and wanted to add that in Belgium, if you are five or more you can save a bit by getting a group saver ticket. We didn't know about this beforehand but a very helpful railway staff member at Antwerp station explained this to us and helped us buy it from the machine. I would definitely look into this if there are at least five of you (ask a staff member). During our trip, the only tickets we booked in advance were the international ones (between Belgium and the Netherlands), the rest we purchased on the day. I also wanted to note there have been a series of strikes on the Belgian railways lately so check the website for the latest info and be prepared to make alternate plans (we wound up having to rent a car one day). Good luck and enjoy your trip!

That is very helpful. Always good to be prepared.

I think you may have, accidentally, not answered Nigel's question. (I have no idea if there is a Leiden, Belgium.)

Is the mystery, undisclosed town where you are stopping on the way to Leiden, located in Belgium or is that town located in the Netherlands? Why is the name secret, BTW?