How to travel from Paris to Amsterdam (4 options)

Ready to swap your croissants for stroopwafels?

I’m here to guide you through all the options for traveling from Paris to Amsterdam and help you choose which is most efficient for you.

Think of me as your travel buddy who’s been there, done that, and is eager to share all the insider tips. No need for a Ph.D. in map-reading or a crash course in Dutch – I’ve got you covered with straightforward, savvy advice.

We’ll explore options ranging from the classic train ride, to flying high in the sky. For the road warriors among us, I’ll dive into the scenic road trip routes or how to get to Amsterdam by bus.

Let’s dive into the 4 best ways to journey from the City of Lights to the Venice of the North.

Choosing Your Mode of Transportation

First things first: let’s talk about the different ways to get from Paris to Amsterdam.

The journey between these two cities is approximately 316 miles (509 km), and there are four main modes of transportation: train, bus, plane, and car.

Each option has its own pros and cons, so let’s break it down.

By Train

The best way (and the most popular choice for this route) is taking a high-speed train like the Thalys or Eurostar, and both companies offer direct trains from Paris to Amsterdam.

The train journey usually takes around 3h 24m and costs between €115 – €227.

When catching the train, think of it as hopping on a cozy mobile office. You get to enjoy the scenery, free WiFi on-board, and the overall train experience. You can even choose seats near a power outlet for easy charging of your devices.

However, be prepared for higher costs and a fixed schedule.

• Pros: Comfortable, scenic, fast
• Cons: More expensive, fixed schedule

By Plane

If you’re all about speed, direct flights from Orly or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport might be your jam. The flight time averages around 1h 20m.

However, keep in mind that you will have to account for check-in times and airport transfers!

Getting to and from the airport can take up to an hour or more, depending on the time of day and traffic. And while this might be the fastest way, it’s not the most eco-friendly choice considering the carbon footprint.

Prices also vary greatly, so you’ll need to hunt for the best deals. And with some airlines, you’ll have to factor in the potential extra fee for baggage or seat selections.

• Pros: Fastest option, time-saving
• Cons: Often expensive, environmental impact, airport hassles

By Bus

Channeling those inner budget vibes, traveling by bus is hands-down the cheapest way to journey between Paris and Amsterdam. Consider this the ideal choice for both your wallet and the environment!

Flixbus is a popular bus company that often does routes from Paris to Amsterdam and all over Europe. Bus fares range from €32 – €58, and the travel time is about 6h 55m.

Just note, it may not be the most comfortable option for everyone.

• Pros: Budget-friendly, eco-conscious
• Cons: Longer travel time, less comfortable

By Car

If you enjoy a good road trip, put the pedal to the metal and drive from Paris to Amsterdam.

Traveling to Amsterdam from Paris will take you, on average, 6.5 hours.

However, factor in the potential costs of gas, tolls, and car rentals, as well as navigating a foreign country.

This option allows for spontaneity and flexibility, but it can be more expensive and complicated depending on your driving experience.

• Pros: Flexible schedule, scenic road trip
• Cons: Potentially expensive, navigation challenges

Train Travel Options: Thalys & Eurostar

When it comes to zipping from the city of love to the land of canals, the Thalys high-speed train is definitely your best pal!

With travel times just over 3 hours, you’ll be swapping baguettes for Dutch stroopwafels in no time. Rumor has it that the Eurostar train services have heard our commuting prayers.

Now that Thalys has become Eurostar, traveling from Paris to Amsterdam is as easy as pie. The train takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to go direct from city center to city center.

On-Board Amenities and Services

When you’re traveling from Paris to Amsterdam, there’s no need to compromise on comfort or convenience.

In this section, I’ll walk you through all the on-board amenities and services you can expect during your trip.

Hungry? You’re in luck! Most trains and buses offering this route provide catering services, so you can indulge in a gourmet meal or simply grab a cold drink and a snack.

Your journey shouldn’t feel like a chore, and that’s why on-board amenities are designed to make your travel as relaxing as possible. The comfortable seats really make a difference when you’re on a long trip, giving you the chance to stretch out and get cozy.

Need to stay connected or charge your devices? Most means of transport offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets. Just imagine all the Instagram stories you can upload without worrying about battery life!

For Eurostar passengers wanting a little extra luxury, you can access the Eurostar lounges in both Paris and Amsterdam. Here, you’ll find even more comfortable seating, additional power sockets, and a selection of complimentary drinks and snacks.

Paris to Amsterdam Train Ticket Types and Prices

Now, let’s talk comfort. Paris to Amsterdam trains offer a variety of classes to suit your style – and budget.

• Standard Class: Simple, yet elegant – like a perfectly brewed café au lait. It offers all the basics you need for a cozy ride. More of a Euro-budget traveler? This is the one for you.
• Second Class: The middle sibling of train classes – not too extravagant, but keeps you feeling relaxed.
• Business Class: The crème de la crème of train travel. Recline in your luxurious seat and enjoy top-notch service. Go ahead, you deserve it!
• First & Premium Class: The VIP of train classes. Some may call it “traveling in style”. Chef’s kiss.

Finding Cheap Train Tickets

Want a good deal on your train tickets? Just like scoring that perfect vintage dress, it takes a little bit of digging to find the best rate.

But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips for you:

1. Book early: Daily departures usually have more availability the earlier you book, which means better chances for you to find the cheapest fares.
2. Flexible departure date: If you can play around with your travel dates, you might find that the best prices are just a day or two away from your initial choice. A little flexibility can go a long way in saving you some bucks.
3. Compare ticket platforms: Don’t put all your money on one platform. Instead, shop around to find the best prices for your route. Remember, a penny saved is a penny for that fancy Dutch stroopwafel!

For example, you can find cheap train tickets from Rail Europe or Trainline. Both offer services to help you find the best deals for your journey. 

Planning Your Departure

Let’s get to the heart of planning your journey from Paris to Amsterdam and dive into the essential departure stations in Paris and arrival stations in Amsterdam.

Paris Departure Stations

There are two main stations in Paris where you can hop on a train to whisk you towards Amsterdam:

• Gare du Nord: This station is not only a beauty but also the crème de la crème for train departures to Amsterdam. Located near the city center, it’s easily accessible by public transport, so you can take a selfie with the Eiffel Tower beforehand. Trains from Paris Gare du Nord station take approximately 3h 21m to reach Amsterdam.
• Marne-la-Vallée Chessy: If you happen to be exploring Disneyland Paris and want to make a quick exit, this station offers departures to Amsterdam as well. However, expect a bit of a longer journey compared to Gare du Nord.

Remember to check the departure time and book your tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute faux pas.

Amsterdam Arrival Stations

As you say au revoir to Paris and hallo to Amsterdam, there are two main stations to look out for as your train rolls into the Dutch capital:

• Amsterdam Centraal Station: This is your go-to spot for arriving right in the heart of the city. Amsterdam Central Station is a buzzing hub that connects you to the city centers and beyond. As soon as you step out, you’ll be greeted with the charm of canals and bicycles waiting to be explored.
• Amsterdam City Center – Sloterdijk: While not as central as its sibling, Sloterdijk still offers a fantastic connection for those eager to explore without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle. Bus trips from Paris will generally arrive at Sloterdijk, taking around 6h 40m.

Now that you’re equipped with the essential knowledge of Parisian and Amsterdam stations, you’re all set to embark on a smooth, picturesque journey between these two captivating cities.

À bientôt!