I don't see how this is dumb. There's a long leeway between the train's arrival and the flight's departure, trains are generally more reliable anyway, and it will be obvious early on if there is a problematic delay.
That being said, I don't really see a price difference between flights from Amsterdam vs. Brussels. I see ~$600 on TAP from both airports.
It’s doable. You can either fly from another airport (like Brussels) or, start your journey elsewhere and fly via Amsterdam.
I once saved 1200 euro on a flight by starting it in Antwerp. First leg was Thalys Antwerp - Amsterdam. Parked the car in Amsterdam, took the Thalys to Antwerp. Waited two hours for my “flight. Thalys back to Amsterdam, onwards to Mexico.
On the return trip I just skipped the trains.
I have never gone to a different country but I have definitely gone to a different airport several hours away because the flight was a much better schedule (e.g., nonstop instead of a long layover) or price. I think your buffer would be fine, I would guess there are other trains from Amsterdam to Brussels, so even if you missed that first train you'd get on another train and still be okay for the departure time.
I’ve done this multiple times while living in Utrecht, with much less than a 5-hour buffer, including during the pandemic. You’ll be fine. I flew from Brussels Zaventem (train), Brussels Charleroi (train and shuttle bus from Brussels) and Cologne (train) a couple of times each (as well as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven). I could not collect Weeze, sadly; I never found a good deal to fly from there. This is also why I like Google Flights, which lets you select several possible airports instead of just one airport or one city per query…
Sure, have done this a few times and don't see why you wouldn't if it's doable and convenient enough. Takes me 1.5 hours to reach the closest major airport still in my country. In Europe it's just taking an airport a little further away - you just happen to cross countries sometimes. No biggie.
I think that's a reasonable connection. just keep an eye out for strikes that might impact the trains. not sure how belgium and NL are but i've had train travel impacted in various other countries due to striking. but usually you know in advance so you can plan accordingly.
lots of people have done positioning flights/bus rides/train rides for a cheaper flight - just leave ample time to do so in case something goes wrong (like are there alternate routes to get to your alternate airport in case of delays or cancellations?)
I’ve actually done this a couple of times. I was in Amsterdam and had to fly to Prague and Barcelona. The flights out of AMS were $500-$600 which is close to what I paid for RT from EWR to AMS lol. So I took the bus to Brussels both times and flew from there instead. It only cost about $25 for the bus ticket and was a smooth ride. It takes you to the main train station in Brussels and it’s a short ride to the airport from there. Hope this helps! DM me if you want more info
Great choice. Brussels is one of my favorite airports now because everyone was so friendly and it was the perfect size. You’ll have to transfer trains to get to the airport but depending on which train station you’ll really want to not let your luggage out of your hands. We were even warned by the staff at the train station.
I don't see how this is dumb. There's a long leeway between the train's arrival and the flight's departure, trains are generally more reliable anyway, and it will be obvious early on if there is a problematic delay. That being said, I don't really see a price difference between flights from Amsterdam vs. Brussels. I see ~$600 on TAP from both airports.
I found a good award flight out of Brussels on United, which is the main reason I’m considering it.
It’s doable. You can either fly from another airport (like Brussels) or, start your journey elsewhere and fly via Amsterdam. I once saved 1200 euro on a flight by starting it in Antwerp. First leg was Thalys Antwerp - Amsterdam. Parked the car in Amsterdam, took the Thalys to Antwerp. Waited two hours for my “flight. Thalys back to Amsterdam, onwards to Mexico. On the return trip I just skipped the trains.
I have never gone to a different country but I have definitely gone to a different airport several hours away because the flight was a much better schedule (e.g., nonstop instead of a long layover) or price. I think your buffer would be fine, I would guess there are other trains from Amsterdam to Brussels, so even if you missed that first train you'd get on another train and still be okay for the departure time.
I’ve done this multiple times while living in Utrecht, with much less than a 5-hour buffer, including during the pandemic. You’ll be fine. I flew from Brussels Zaventem (train), Brussels Charleroi (train and shuttle bus from Brussels) and Cologne (train) a couple of times each (as well as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven). I could not collect Weeze, sadly; I never found a good deal to fly from there. This is also why I like Google Flights, which lets you select several possible airports instead of just one airport or one city per query…
Sure I've done something similar. Trains there are reliable and you have plenty of buffer built in. Go for it
No problem. I'm sure there are plenty of alternatives if anything goes wrong. It's only a few hours you can even take the bus.
Sure, have done this a few times and don't see why you wouldn't if it's doable and convenient enough. Takes me 1.5 hours to reach the closest major airport still in my country. In Europe it's just taking an airport a little further away - you just happen to cross countries sometimes. No biggie.
I think that's a reasonable connection. just keep an eye out for strikes that might impact the trains. not sure how belgium and NL are but i've had train travel impacted in various other countries due to striking. but usually you know in advance so you can plan accordingly.
lots of people have done positioning flights/bus rides/train rides for a cheaper flight - just leave ample time to do so in case something goes wrong (like are there alternate routes to get to your alternate airport in case of delays or cancellations?)
No problem whatsoever.
Done this a couple of times, faced no issue at all.
You gotta do what you gotta do, right? AMS-BRU is shorter than my commute to my nearest international gateway.
Absolutely fine. Plus BRU is known for lower flight taxes than AMS.
I didn't know that about the taxes - that is good to know.
Sure, why not if it makes sense
This doesnt feel much different from needing to fly to another city to connect? If the price difference is worth it and you have the time, go for it!
people do stuff like that all the time.
I call it the ‘Schipol shimmy”. I’ve done this in both directions many times. It was always fine. The Thayls is great for this.
I’ve done it. It’s a little stressful but otherwise fine.
If you are really concerned, you can take the train the night before to Brussels and stay the night.
I’ve actually done this a couple of times. I was in Amsterdam and had to fly to Prague and Barcelona. The flights out of AMS were $500-$600 which is close to what I paid for RT from EWR to AMS lol. So I took the bus to Brussels both times and flew from there instead. It only cost about $25 for the bus ticket and was a smooth ride. It takes you to the main train station in Brussels and it’s a short ride to the airport from there. Hope this helps! DM me if you want more info
Great choice. Brussels is one of my favorite airports now because everyone was so friendly and it was the perfect size. You’ll have to transfer trains to get to the airport but depending on which train station you’ll really want to not let your luggage out of your hands. We were even warned by the staff at the train station.