is it adviseable to travel via bus in July? WIll the British olympics complicate? Does one need advance purchase? Can any size luggage be brought aboard? thanks
From Brussels to Amsterdam best to go via rail. You have two choices: Inter-city trains, and the high-speed Thalys train; both have departures every hour.
For the IC train simply purchase your ticket at the station on the day of your journey. For Thalys train you need to book in advance to get the cheapest fares at http://www.thalys.com. No problems with bags on either train.....the London Olympics have no bearing on any of this;)
The IC trains also sell some discounted tickets, but the best option is an advanced purchase of a Thalys ticket, which is much more modern, and 1h34 faster than the crappy Benelux trains - which are often curtailed at Rotterdam due to delays.
thanks for the info...busses i take it are not recommended for international travel?
The train is recommended since it is an easy and quick trip from Brussels to Amsterdam, there are numerous trains everyday, at least that's my opinion, why sit on a bus when you can ride a train and walk around on it if you so desire. The Olympics in London shouldn't effect train travel between these 2 cities.
If you want a combination of comfort and speed, take the train. If saving money is the most important factor, then take a Eurolines bus. Booked well in advance, you can get a discount fare as low as €9.00. The trip takes four hours.