On the surface, the drive from Brussels to Antwerp seems like an ordinary 34-mile road trip. But if you scratch beneath the surface, you'll discover the path to the Diamond Capital of the World is studded with gems!
From the moment you weave around the gothic spires of Belgium's capital, you'll flow along the smooth E19 highway with vibrant trees hugging the roadside. Everything seems laid-back and functional, with plenty of eateries to fuel your wanderlust. But as traditional Flemish villages appear far in the distance, it signals your chance to get off the beaten path and explore historical cities dating back thousands of years.
Whether you take the direct or scenic route, you'll know you've reached the end of this trip when mouthwatering confectionary stores stand on almost every corner. This short and sweet voyage resembles Antwerp's most sought-after features: diamonds and chocolate. To uncover how to make the most of this Belgian road trip, continue reading our in-depth guide with insider travel tips and tricks below!
About Antwerp
After you relax or explore on your Brussels to Antwerp transfer, you'll arrive in Belgium's second-most populous city. Although it's only a mid-sized town by European standards, it has a population of over 530,000. To find Antwerp on a map, follow the Scheldt River near the Dutch border, where flat plains make up the famous Flanders region.
History of Antwerp
Celtic tribes were the first people to settle in Belgium. But the oldest pieces of evidence left by civilization were from the Romans in the 2nd century. After the empire fell, the city remained under the radar for centuries until the Holy Roman Empire utilized its port in the Middle Ages.
Due to its location and vast size, it became a crucial hub for trade between the British, German, and French empires. Although wines, clothes, and spices were arguably its most significant exchanges during this period, the diamond market put it on course for what people most know the city for today.
### Recent and modern Antwerp
Sandwiched between France and Germany, Antwerp was the epicenter of WW1 and WW2. Nazi Germany had invaded on both occasions, and it became one of the nation's most heavily inflicted cities, with over 3,000 deaths in the first six months. Fortunately, British troops liberated the town in September 1944. From then on, Antwerp's economy underwent an exceptional economic resurgence, most notably with the help of its diamond industry.
Today, Antwerp still has close ties to its historical roots. It has one of the world's largest ports, serving over 800 destinations, and many welcome cruise liners from across the globe. The city also has the most extensive diamond district worldwide. Whether it's lavish megastores or cozy shops, it's just rows and rows of dazzling jewelry stands. Although Antwerp is a wealthy city, it retains a lively personality, especially in its old town, where beautiful Renaissance-style buildings hide its bustling Red Light District.
Language: Dutch, German, French
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time zone: GMT+1
Climate: temperate maritime
Plug types: C and E
Fun Fact: Antwerp trades over 85% of the world's production of rough diamonds
From Brussels to Antwerp: travel tips
On a short 1-hour ride, planning and organizing can go to the back of your mind. So be sure to uncover our insider's travel tips and tricks before you book your Brussels to Antwerp transfer!
Travel off-peak hours
Brussels is continental Europe's fifth-most congested city for traffic. Antwerp also has its problems. So avoid traveling outside the peak hours to ensure you don't waste valuable vacation time in a car.
Try to travel during the weekend and avoid the rush hours of 6:30–9:00 AM and 3:30–6:00 PM. Also, consider visiting the cities during the shoulder seasons rather than the busy summer months.
### Delve back in time
Believe it or not, some modes of transportation can transport you back thousands of years (sort of). Just a stone's throw from the free-flowing E19 Brussels to Antwerp highway, you can visit sights that illustrate what life was like in previous centuries.
The Waterloo battlefield showcases the location that ended Napoleon's reign through Europe. Fort Breendonk, a former German concentration camp, gives a small insight into the dark side of modern history.
### Understand Flanders
Although Belgium is one small nation, it has three distinctly unique regions with different cultures and ways of life. When you travel from Brussels to Antwerp, you'll ride from the capital region, where most people speak French, to the Flemish territory, where Dutch is the mother tongue.
The food, architecture, and tipping culture change as you cross this imaginary border. So, speak to your local Daytrip driver to uncover the secrets, or bring a reliable travel guide if you opt for public transport.
How to get from Brussels to Antwerp
Unsurprisingly, two of Belgium's most populous cities, separated by only 34 miles, have several transportation methods. But the best option for your Brussels to Antwerp transfer depends on your travel preferences!
Trains from Brussels to Antwerp
The train is the most popular way for locals and tourists to travel from Brussels to Antwerp. It's also the fastest option, with SNCB offering quick and punctual services in under an hour.
You can purchase a ticket online or at the station from Brussel-Centraal Railway Station to Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station. On average, 72 direct services run between the cities daily, but traveling outside peak hours will be quieter and more wallet-friendly.
Cheapest/highest train fare: $12-$30
Fastest/average train duration: 34 minutes; 46 minutes
First/last departure times: 12:30 AM-11:56 PM
### Buses from Brussels to Antwerp
If you're traveling on a budget, the bus is the best mode of transportation for you. Thanks to numerous budget-friendly bus firms operating on this journey, you can find seats for rock-bottom prices.
Flixbus and Infobus are the two primary providers. The most convenient route for most travelers is from Brussels Gare du Nord to Antwerp van Ertbornstraat, both centrally located. However, there are dozens of pickup points around the city. So, double-check your ticket before the day of travel.
If you're arriving at or staying near Brussels Airport, you can travel directly to Antwerp with Flibco without a transfer to downtown Brussels.
Cheapest/average bus fare: $3.50-$12
Fastest/highest bus duration: 40 minutes; 1 hour, 10 minutes
First/last departure times: 12:20 AM-10:25 PM
### Daytrip from Brussels to Antwerp
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is by far the easiest and most comfortable travel method from Brussels to Antwerp. In an hour, your professional driver will greet you at your hotel, manage your luggage, and whisk you directly to your new accommodation in Antwerp. As this is your private vehicle, you don't need to worry about noisy passengers and can unwind with modern conveniences like reclinable seats and air conditioning.
But you're not obliged to go straight from Brussels to Antwerp. At Daytrip, we add luxury but never compromise on adventure. Our optional sightseeing packages allow you to appreciate fascinating cities you have arguably never heard of. You can stop at Mechelen, home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or Leuven, housing two UNESCO landmarks and the Stella Artois Brewery, a must for beer enthusiasts!
Wherever you choose, you can do it in the vacationing spirit. With your luggage safely stored in the trunk, you won't need to hurdle it over brick-paved lanes or search for a storage locker!
Seats from: $29
Flexible schedule
English-speaking driver
Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
24/7 customer support
* Free cancelation 24 hours before departing
Things to do when you get to Antwerp
From its historic old town to its chic shopping district, Belgium's second city promises an exciting city break for every type of traveler. But before you get caught in a daze admiring jewelry stores, remember to put the highlights on your travel schedule after your Brussels to Antwerp transfer!
Admire the Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts an impressive spire, soaring 123 meters high, making it a central feature of Antwerp's skyline.
Inside, you can admire magnificent works by the renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens, including The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross. The cathedral's grandeur and stunning stained glass windows make it a must-visit.
### Stroll through Zoo Antwerpen
Dating back to the 1840s, Antwerp Zoo is the oldest animal park in Belgium. Since World War II, the space has dedicated itself to helping wildlife meet aesthetic standards.
Today, it’s home to over 5,000 animals on its vast 25 hectares of land. You can be part of the 1.1 million visitors witnessing various creatures, from buffalos to reptiles and apes to lions. When traveling as a family, you better ensure you have enough space on your timetable for this animal-lover paradise!
### Learn history at Het Steen
Het Steen will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting history lessons you've ever experienced. Don't worry if you're not a history buff, as you can get lost in its eerie alleyways and enjoy the scenes from the panoramic terrace.
This might not seem like the largest medieval castle in Europe. However, what you see today was just the gateway to the collapsed structure that housed the Dukes of Brabant! You can learn about how a fire destroyed this fort and much more in your free self-tour!
### Climb the MAS Museum
Built in 2011, the MAS Museum was and still is the most extensive museum in the city. Its eye-catching artistic style hides exhibitions displaying artifacts and stories about the Antwerp Port's rich history.
But the highlight of this building is the rooftop terrace, which gives a 360-degree view of the city and is where you'll find locals gathering for a picnic in the sunshine!
When is the best time to visit Antwerp?
Most people visit Belgium's second city in the summer. However, hotels are pricier, tourist groups clog the streets, and the beating sun can sometimes feel overwhelming. As a result, spring is the best time to travel from Brussels to Antwerp!
The daily high temperature in spring is 67° Fahrenheit, which is comfortable on a city break, exploring museums, and taking walking tours. As the gray overcast makes way for blue skies, locals can enjoy a coffee on the terrace or a picnic outdoors for the first time in months. Sprinkle in cultural events and farmers' markets, and you have a carnival atmosphere in town.
Residents will also appreciate you visiting in the shoulder months rather than the busy season. In the summer, crowds can interfere with daily lives, whether on public transportation or finding a seat on their lunch breaks. So, by visiting from mid-May to mid-June, you'll contribute to sustainable travel and help businesses become less reliant on the peak season!
Although you can get a taxi from Brussels to Antwerp, it's a costly experience. The cheapest fare between the two cities is $84, with the average price being $129. Alternatively, you can book a private door-to-door ride with Daytrip for as little as $28 per person.
Getting from Brussels to Antwerp is straightforward due to the distance and robust transportation network between the cities. There are three modes of transportation, each with benefits. The train is the fastest method, the bus is the cheapest, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the easiest and most comfortable.
A day trip from Brussels to Antwerp is possible and recommended! You can get from A to B within an hour with public transportation or a private door-to-door service. All of Antwerp's highlights are within the downtown area, so you can easily explore on foot!
Expect to pay between $12 and $30 for a one-way adult ticket from Brussels to Antwerp. SNCB is the only train provider from Brussel-Centraal Railway Station to Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station. Go online, check the timetable, and book in advance for the lowest fare.
Experts ranked Antwerp as Belgium's second-most expensive city after Bruges, making it more expensive for tourists than Brussels. The average hotel price in Antwerp is $113, while the median cost in the capital is only $91. Eating and drinking are also slightly more affordable in Antwerp, with the average traveler spending $38 per day rather than $39 in Brussels.
Antwerp is worth visiting due to its diverse food, beautiful old town, thriving art scene, and festive nightlife. It's one of Europe's most underrated cities, as many tourists only focus on its diamond industry. Although you can take a day trip from Brussels, you'll need a night or two to explore its offerings and spare time to relax.
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This World War I fort was used as a notoriously cruel Nazi prison camp. A Citadel of Cruelty
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With 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Belgium’s finest cathedral, and picturesque canals, this historic city rivals anywhere else in Belgium, but without the crowds. The Prime Alternative
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2023年9月17日
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United States
2022年8月26日
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2018年10月6日
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