Travel from Brussels to Maastricht Netherlands

Google maps says 1:15 but they are very optimistic and usually unrealistic.

Personally I would suggest the train.

Thank you very !

The trains I’m seeing from Brussels airport have 2 changes. Are you comfortable with that? Journey is over an hour.

Ooophs .... being senior and my husband walks with a cane we would like direct ride. Thanks for the info Sandra.
Looks like I'll need to research further on the private auto/taxi rides.

You used the word safe twice, once in block caps.

Other than the fact that the drive would be in Belgium and Belgian drivers are renowned for their different take on driving (I've moaned about it several times over the years here on the Forum) most people get from point A to point B in one piece.

I am concerned about the two mentions of Safe. What exactly worries you? What about the drive is of concern? The car? The other drivers? Your driver? Getting in and out of the car? The Virus? The weather and road?

If you can express your fears we can tell you if those things are likely to be issues for that journey. I and several others here drive in Belgium and Netherland frequently (although I haven't for a year and a half for obvious reasons).

It may also be helpful to say how long you expect to be away from California, and in which cities you desire to sleep. Have you been to Europe before? Do you go to enough live events that you understand about coming early enough to allow for transport delays and crowd control?

My wife used to hire a corporate car service for Antwerp-BRU several times a year, and it was very expensive but quite reliable. Are you talking about a bunch of computer app-based car services you have never used before? We can’t promise that any given gig-economy driver will serve you well.

Even if I were younger and renting a car at BRU, I would not drive directly to the concert the same day. I would fly in earlier, just like meeting a cruise, or a group tour. I do not consider Maastricht to be a suburb of Brussels. On the plus side, there is an annual high end art fair in Maastricht, so I am sure there is an infrastructure of expensive luxury transport from BRU.

Some posters who are concerned about safety are unwilling to give information that helps answer their questions, out of misplaced fear of identity theft or stalking. You haven’t even given the arrival date in Brussels yet. Please don’t make us beg for the information we need to help you.

https://www.belgiantrain.be/en?journey=1I

Youi can see hourly trains, taking 1 hour 45 min including one transfer.
I would feel "safe", both with the train itself and the transfer. I would be "happy" to spare the expense of private transport. I'm a senior too.
Enjoy Maastricht, a city full of history. both as capital of the Hoy Roman Empire and as a central command post in WW2.

Nigel ... thank you for your thoughts.

Tim ... though not in this part, we have been traveling to Europe annually for the last 15 years with guided tours, cruises or at times driving on our own. Yes we are arriving at Maastricht 2 days prior, staying 4 days after & proceeding to another country. Thanks for your thoughts as well.

Southam ... your senior thoughts are very much appreciated. After further research I am actually comfortable with either taking the train or private auto transfer which to me is like a "door to door" package delivery from point A to B with no train change or train station transfers to hotel. Because of my husband's physical limitation today this may be the better choice but should his condition change by Dec we could take the train. Thanks once again.

I share your concern about feeling Safe in this day and age.
I would recommend "Taxi Fenomeen" https://www.taxifenomeen.nl/taxi-fenomeen/
I have used his services on many occasions while visiting relatives in and around Maastricht.
He is very reliable, trustworthy and a safe driver. He has set prices for trips to and from
airports in Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. (see link Airport service)

Tip: Aachen (in Germany) just a few miles from Maastricht is worth a visit as well.

Happy Travels,
Emily

Thank you Emily, just received confirmation from Andre Rieu Travel for our concert tickets and accommodations, will definitely visit the link you provided for Brussels transfer options. Your recommendation is very much appreciated.

Just be a little careful about advice from a first time poster recommending a specific company. My internal spam warning system thinks it is a bit suspicious. Might be a perfectly good an honest advice, but take it with a grain of salt.

Badger from Sweden

Just to clarify......................
I am not in the habit of recommending person/business (hence my FIRST post) due to setting High standards personally.

I just want my FELLOW AMERICANS to experience Europe at its best in every aspect of their travel journey
in the Safest possible Way!

Greetings,
Emily