Antwerp to Nijmegen Road Trip: Best Stops & Scenic Drives

The A16/E19 from Antwerp to Nijmegen cuts through the Campine region, a landscape shaped by ancient dunes and peat bogs. This route passes through Breda, the city of the Nassau family, where the Dutch royal line began.

At exactly 135 km door-to-door, the drive typically takes 1 hour 40 minutes without stops. But the real journey lies in its diversions: the Biesbosch wetlands, the fortified town of Heusden, and the medieval 's-Hertogenbosch.

For those wondering how long to drive Antwerp to Nijmegen, plan 2–3 hours with breaks. The answer to is it worth driving Antwerp to Nijmegen is a clear yes—the route offers a rich tapestry of Belgian and Dutch culture.

Find the best stops and hidden gems between cities with this guide.

Just 20 km off the A16, the Biesbosch National Park offers a maze of creeks and willow forests. Rent a canoe or join a boat tour to spot beavers and bitterns. The park is free to enter; parking costs €6.

Closer to the route, the Loonse en Drunense Duinen (Loon and Drunen Dunes) is a 4000-hectare drifting sand desert—a bizarre sight in the flat Netherlands. Great for hiking and dog walking.

• Biesbosch: canoe rental €15/hour, open 9am-6pm
• Loonse Duinen: free entry, parking €4
• Best season: April–October for flora and fauna

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Oosterhout and Vlijmen. The weekly market in 's-Hertogenbosch (Wednesday and Saturday) sells local cheese, stroopwafels, and artisan bread. Try the Bossche bol—a giant cream-filled chocolate pastry.

For souvenirs, buy 's-Hertogenbosch biscuits or a bottle of Jenever from local distillery Van Wees. Prices are moderate; cards widely accepted.

The A16/E19 from Antwerp to Breda is a well-maintained motorway with a 130 km/h speed limit in Belgium (120 km/h in rain). After the border, the A16 becomes the A27 and then the A2 near Den Bosch.

Tolls: None. Both Belgium and the Netherlands use vignettes for trucks only. Fuel prices are generally lower in Belgium; consider filling up near Antwerp.

• Total distance: 135 km
• Driving time without stops: 1h40
• Recommended fuel stop: Breda (Shell or Total)
• Border crossing: smooth, no checkpoints

Road quality is excellent throughout, with regular rest areas every 15–20 km. Notable rest stops: 'De Kik' near Breda (has a playground) and 'De Lucht' near Den Bosch (panoramic view).

For electric vehicles, fast chargers are available at many gas stations and at the Breda McDonalds (Ionity). Plan charging to avoid peak times.

The A16/E19 is one of the safest motorways in the Benelux. However, watch for sudden congestion near the Belgian-Dutch border, especially on Friday afternoons. Use traffic apps like Flitsmeister for real-time alerts.

Speed cameras are frequent: fixed ones at the border (E19) and mobile units near Breda. The Dutch A2 has average speed checks between Den Bosch and Nijmegen.

• Emergency contact: 112 (EU-wide)
• Breakdown service: VAB (Belgium) + ANWB (Netherlands)
• Medical facilities: hospitals in Breda, Den Bosch, Nijmegen

Family stops: The Efteling theme park (just off the A2 near Tilburg) is a top family attraction—a fairy-tale forest and roller coasters. For smaller kids, the Speelpark de Splinter in Breda offers free entry and a petting zoo.

Fatigue management: Take a break every 90 minutes. Recommended spots: Breda's city park (Valkenberg) for a walk, or the Den Bosch city center for a coffee break. Both are 5 minutes off the highway.

Pet-friendly framework: Many rest stops allow dogs; the Loonse Duinen is a designated off-leash area. In hotels, animal policy varies: Van der Valk Breda charges €15/night for pets; Fletcher Hotel in Den Bosch allows free of charge.