Flying home with 23 hour layover in Brussels. Have never been to Amsterdam and don’t want to pass up the opportunity, if only for a day.
How long is the train ride? Is it worth the time of the trip, since there’s plenty to see in Brussels?
Have always wanted to see Amsterdam.
Use Google maps to see the various long rail itineraries between Brussels Airport and Amsterdam Centraal. That's a lot of time to spend on a train.
Have you an interest in Brussels? What about Ghent, Antwerp, or Bruges?
When all factors are considered, you would have about 4.5 hours to do 'tourist' stuff in Amsterdam.. The fastest train service is 2 hours each way. That is just the station to station time. ( sleep cycle, 3 hours pre-flight check in, travel to/from train stations, eating, to/from hotel, etc., leaves about 4-5 useful hours in AMS.)
I suggest looking at using your time somewhere closer to BRU.
A'dam!!! With a layover your luggage should be checked through to destination, and you should be able to get your boarding pass out of BRU. Just make sure your luggage is tagged to your final destination and ask for both boarding passes when you check in. Then you should be able to walk off the plane, through passport control and to the train. On return, you won't need to check in, just go through security and passport control and straight to your gate.
Use bahn.com for train schedules.
I wouldn't feel comfortable with wandering so far from the airport: the slightest problem on the railway can result in missing your return flight. Stay in Brussels.
Thanks for responses.
Guess I have a decision to make. Always wanted to see Amsterdam, but also believe that sometimes you find great things where you’re not looking for them.
I agree with following the serendipity that's taking you to Brussels this time and not taking you to Amsterdam. Amsterdam would be better enjoyed with more time on another trip. For some people, one day in Brussels is adequate and then you won't need to return for a while. If you want to get out of that big city to a smaller one like Ghent or Bruges, train travel is shorter, cheaper, more frequent, and less common to book ahead than trains to/from Amsterdam.
