Friday, 28 December 2012

Rotterdam to Brussels in Fyra High-speed Train: Service Review


Do you wish to travel from Rotterdam to Brussels in 1 hour and around 20 Euros? Fyra high speed train is your answer. I have the first hand experience in the Fyra high-speed train service during my recent trip to the capital of Belgium: Brussels. This new high-speed train service that links Amsterdam to Brussels was launched in early December and I would like to share my humble review.
Fyra High-speed train
Fyra High-speed Train
Fyra high-speed train set was designed by Pininfarina, the world renowned Italian design house that also designed a number of Ferrari super cars. The maximum speed for version v250 of Fyra train is up to 250 KM/h but only reached on certain stretch of the journey between Rotterdam and Antwerp. Operating up to 10 times a day, Fyra train service can slash an hour off the journey from Amsterdam to Brussels.

Getting a ticket for Fyra is simple. Tickets could be purchased securely online with credit card anytime of the day via NSHispeed.nl website, NS Hispeed Telesales via 0900-9296, or at the traditional ticket & service office at major train stations. You may purchase an advance ticket up to 3 months before your intended journey and typically the cheapest 'Super Saver' tickets are available if you procure earlier.

I bought my tickets online a couple of days before my departure and paid 44 Euros for the return train ticket. The train arrived on time at Rotterdam central station and I was impressed by the aerodynamic while quirky train design that coupled with a rather striking paint job. Boarding was a breeze even though the train is rather full.

Rotterdam Central & Brussels Central station
Rotterdam Central & Brussels Central Station


The blue colored seats on the 2nd class carriage is rather plush and wide with comfortable head rest. There was also ample leg room unlike the cramped economy class seats in a typical airline. Cabin noise is kept to minimal and the overall ride quality is superb. If you feel a little peckish, fear not as there are light snacks and hot beverages sold via a mobile cart on-board. I can hardly feel time flew-by as the 150 KM journey was completed quicker than I originally anticipated.

Although not the longest nor the fastest high-speed train service in the world, Fyra can certainly give the European best a run for their money. I look forward to another journey on-board of Fyra high-speed train in the near future.

Book your tickets now via nshispeed.nl to experience this fast and fuss-free Fyra high-speed train service.  


For more info and tickets, visit:
http://www.nshispeed.nl/
http://www.fyra.com/Travel

2 comments:

  1. Nice! I've never traveled by train in the Netherlands but quite extensively in Germany and some outbound routes from London.

    Amsterdam Centraal Station is pretty close to where I usually stay though (Flying Pig Hostel, only one with a coffeeshop *inside* the backpackers).

    I will check this out next time I'm there. The Rotterdam hard EDM scene is great - went to a gabba rave there.

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  2. Thanks for dropping by. Yes, you should try taking the trains in the Netherlands and explore the nearby towns such as Leiden, Delft, Harlem etc.

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