Just a quick question... how long does the InterCity take to Amsterdam from Brussels as opposed to the Thalys option?
Example timetable:
(Intercity)
Amsterdam 0746 - Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid 1042 (2 hours 56 minutes)
(Thalys)
Amsterdam 0816 - Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid 1010 (1 hour 54 minutes)
The two services take much the same time between Brussels and Antwerp, and between Amsterdam and Schiphol, as conventional lines are used on these sections, but Thalys uses the high speed line between Antwerp and Schiphol, thus saving an hour. The Thalys route is also shorter as it doesn't go via The Hague, which is a signficant diversion from the direct line from Rotterdam to Schiphol.
Eventually the Intercity service will be withdrawn in favour of the Fyra high speed train which will take a similar time to Thalys. If you want to continue using the slow (i.e. cheap) route you will have to change at least once, if not twice, at Roosendaal and/or Antwerp. I believe this is meant to happen during the current timetable. I don't know if a final decision has been made as to when Frya will start running to Brussels and if there will be some kind of replacement for the Intercity train, for example extending some Belgian IC trains from Antwerp to Roosendaal to connect with Dutch domestic Intercity trains.
Anyone know more?
Belgian Railways have an offer from Any Belgian station to Any Dutch station for 19 euros 2nd class, 25 euros 1st class at the moment. You just have to book 3 days in advance. You may travel on any train en route between your chosen stations that day as long as you go via Antwerp and Roosendaal.