All,
Just found this site. Planning day trip to Antwerp and Brussels from Amsterdam hotel 10/27 via WASP train or bus. Any idea how the strike could impact travel as the article I read this morning states negotiations could be pushed back to late October or early November?
TY
Sorry, I am a bit confused - the strike is today, not 27/10. I don't expect it to affect travel at all on the 27th, but if there is another strike announced, they have to tell you ahead of time so that you can make plans. Normally during strikes service is reduced rather than cancelled altogether, but for this one there are a number of trams out completely. Google it and you will find a full list of services cut or minimised.
Lavandula
I referenced 10/27 because article mentioned that talks may not happen until end of October. Unfortunately I am seeing departure and return time slots are filling up and need to make a decision on early booking.
Regardless of the train strike, I would seriously reconsider visiting both Brussels and Antwerp as a day trip from Amsterdam. Both cities are worth much more time than a rushed couple of hours.
Also, I have no idea what you mean by WASP trains, but there are plenty of trains between Amsterdam and Belgium that don’t require a booking in advance and that can’t sell out. So there is no reason to buy your tickets now.
If you are really concerned you can invest in a flex fare which allows you to recoup your money if you have to cancel up to a day ahead - NS International has those. Also Eurostar has flex, but they have different classes of flex. I would not be too worried but perhaps the flex will give you peace of mind.
Lavandula
And I have to agree with Dutch Traveler - Antwerp and Brussels are worth days each. If you really must, then not a half-day each, pick one of them.
Lavandula
Also, I have no idea what you mean by WASP trains
Really? WASP is the nick name for the yellow-blue Eurocity trains between Amsterdam and Brussels ;-
We decided to stay in Amsterdam 2 additional nights after our. Viking cruise ends. We are staying in city center and thought it might be nice to get a glimpse of Belgium for the 1st time.
If you are really concerned you can invest in a flex fare which allows you to recoup your money if you have to cancel up to a day ahead - NS International has those. Also Eurostar has flex, but they have different classes of flex.
A strike makes your Eurocity or Eurocity Direct ticket flexible. You may take any Eurocity or Eurocity Direct train on the same day, or even a day earlier or later. You do not need to change your ticket to do so.
Please note: if you have a Saver ticket, this may still result in additional costs.
If you have a Eurostar ticket, you can request a refund if your train is canceled due to a railway strike in Belgium or the Netherlands.
By the way, there is NO chance of another railroad strike in Belgium this month, since the unions won't meet until November 9 to assess the situation.
Perfect information and thank you.
