Is it Better to Fly or Take the Train From Paris to Amsterdam 2024
Is it better to fly or take the train from Paris to Amsterdam?
This was the exact question I was asking myself while planning our recent trip to Europe.
Just like me, I am sure you are looking for the fastest and best way to travel from Paris to Amsterdam. I wanted to minimize our travel time, so we could have more time to explore the wonderful city of Amsterdam.
Continue reading, and I will break down the differences between your transportation options. You will discover what is the quickest way to get to Paris from Amsterdam and ultimately answer the question, is it better to fly or take the train from Paris to Amsterdam?
How Long Does it Take to Get to Amsterdam From Paris
Paris and Amsterdam are both very popular tourist destinations to visit in Europe. They are approximately 517 km from each other, so there are numerous options for transportation that you could plan to travel between the two countries.
How Long Does it Take to Get to Amsterdam From Paris:
- 🚆 How far is Amsterdam from Paris by Train: The distance is 431 km and the average time is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Unless you take a high-speed train, which is 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- ✈️ How far is Amsterdam from Paris by Plane: The flight distance from Paris to Amsterdam is 430 km and is about an hour and 20 minutes flight.
- 🚌 How far is Amsterdam from Paris by Bus: The bus trip is about 511 km and approximately 6 to 7 hours.
- 🚗 How far is Amsterdam from Paris by Car: The distance is 515 to 610 km and approximately a 5.5 to 6.5-hour drive.
💡Tip: Renting a car in France to cross borders to the Netherlands for a one-way trip can be tricky to plan. And also very pricey. I have found that most car rentals will not allow a one-way trip from Paris to Amsterdam. If this is something that you would want to do, I would try contacting them personally and asking if you can make special arrangements.
Is It Better to Fly or Take the Train From Paris to Amsterdam
As I mentioned earlier in this post, deciding if it was better to fly or take the train from Paris to Amsterdam was a question I heavily researched before our international trip to Europe.
At the time of our trip, I was 30 weeks pregnant, so I was not messing around with figuring out the best way to get to Amsterdam from Paris.
If you are looking for the fastest and most efficient way to get to Amsterdam from Paris then the train is your best option.
Taking a train is the better option over flying because it will save you time, the train offers comfortable seats with wifi, and if booked in advance, it is usually reasonably priced.
The train is the option that we decided to book. However, things turned out a little different than we expected. More about that later.
Amsterdam From Paris by Train 🚆
One of the best ways to get around Europe is by taking the train. Europe’s rail network is very expansive, and trains are typically offered to most destinations multiple times a day. It is extremely easy to do and has many perks over flying.
For example, if you are traveling by train, you do not have to worry about arriving hours before your flight to go through security lines and check in.
Also, instead of checking your bag and picking it up from baggage claim, you can bring your bags with you (always check that the size of your bag will fit) and store them above your seat on the train.
Most trains offered in Europe are also very comfortable. The seats are typically larger than airplane seats, and the majority of the trains offer free wifi. So you can spend your trip resting or catching up on some work.
Tips for Booking Your Train From Paris to Amsterdam
To get the best and cheapest price for your train ride from Paris to Amsterdam, you will want to purchase your ticket in advance. You can book the day of your trip. However, it is risky. You will need to be flexible with your time, and there may not be anything available.
Booking availability times vary between countries and rail operators, but four to three months in advance is a great time to start booking your train.
⭐ I personally like to book my train tickets through Rail Europe or Trainline. Both are easy-to-use and reliable train booking platforms.
The difference between the two:
With Rail Europe, I will typically find more direct trains and routes to our destination. They also offer three levels of classes economy, comfort, and premier.
✅ Book your train ticket with Rail Europe here
I have found that Trainline provides direct trains as well. However, they will also show cheaper routes that may have more stops but will be big money savers. Trainline offers a standard ticket and a first-class ticket.
✅ Book your train ticket with Trainline here
Once I have decided on the time and train that I would like to book, I find that Rail Europe and Trainline’s prices are usually pretty similar. However, I always like to compare the two before booking my tickets.
Is There a Direct Train From Paris to Amsterdam
There is a direct train from Paris to Amsterdam offered by the high-speed train operator Thalys. A direct train from Paris to Amsterdam is a 3-hour and 20-minute journey.
There are 11 direct trains from Paris to Amsterdam scheduled each day. Booking a direct train is typically more expensive. However, it can be worth it to arrive at your destination in a timely manner.
When booking your train tickets, you will want your destinations to be Paris Nord and Amsterdam Centraal.
Thalys Train Paris to Amsterdam
Thalys is the only train that provides a nonstop direct train from Paris to Amsterdam. Thalys trains are well known for their efficient travel times and excellent service. Each train offers free wifi, individual power outlets, and you can take two items of luggage and one hand luggage with you on your trip.
Another huge perk of traveling with Thalys is that they are environmentally friendly. They have been committed to balancing their energy footprint since 2020. Traveling by Thalys trains emits at least 20 times less CO2 than by car and at least 30 times less CO2 than by plane.
How Much is Thalys Train From Paris to Amsterdam
Prices of train tickets vary and change frequently. It also depends on the time of day you want to travel, the day of the week, what class you favor, and if you want a direct train.
To find the best price for your train ticket from Paris to Amsterdam you should book your trip in advance. The closer you get to the date, the more expensive it will be.
If you book months in advance, a standard train ticket from Paris to Amsterdam could be as low as €35. If you book the day of or the day before, you are looking at prices around €140 or more.
Is The Train Ride From Paris to Amsterdam Scenic
Most would say the train ride from Paris to Amsterdam is not the most scenic journey. It is mostly the French countryside, but the high-speed train on a lowered track, surrounded by concrete walls, makes it difficult to see.
But don’t worry! You will have plenty of opportunities to see beautiful scenery once you arrive in Amsterdam.
Paris to Amsterdam by Plane ✈️
The other popular option of transportation from Paris to Amsterdam is by airplane. Flying in Europe can be incredibly cheap and affordable. I am always so surprised by some of the prices, especially when you book ahead of time.
However, the main difference between flying or taking the train to Amsterdam is time. And sometimes your time is more valuable.
Flying requires you to arrive at the airport early to check in and go through security. You will need to get there in enough time to board your flight. If you have checked your luggage, you will then have to waste even more time collecting your bags at baggage claim, and then you can finally be on your way to Amsterdam.
Our Experience When Traveling From Paris to Amsterdam
So remember when I mentioned things turned a little different for us than I expected?
Well, after all of my research and deciding to book a train from Paris to Amsterdam. On the day of our trip, we missed our train! We got stuck in Paris traffic and were frantically trying to figure out what to do.
All of the later trains were full, and our next best option was to last minute book a flight from Paris to Amsterdam. Lucky for us, there was one flight available with two seats left. We had our taxi redirected to the Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport.
If you are planning on flying like we ended up doing. You can check out my post Is There Uber in Amsterdam: Tips to Get From Airport to Amsterdam. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in Europe. This valuable guide will help you plan the best and fastest way to get from the airport to the city of Amsterdam.
Looking for the cheapest price for your flight? Compare prices from other airlines and providers to find the best price for your upcoming trip.
How Long Does a Flight From Paris to Amsterdam Take
The flight from Paris to Amsterdam is a quick and easy 1 hour and 20-minute nonstop flight. The direct flight from Paris to Amsterdam covers 420 km by plane.
What is the Cheapest Way to Get From Amsterdam to Paris
If you are looking for the best bargain deal to get from Paris to Amsterdam it would be by bus. A bus trip from Paris to Amsterdam costs between $15 – $30 and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Now You Have Finally Arrived in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is historically known for its beautiful canal systems that cover over 60 miles of the city. Find out the perfect number of days you need to see the best of Amsterdam and a 3 day itinerary with many great travel tips!
In my post, Are Canal Cruises in Amsterdam Worth it, discover the seven top canal tours that offer unique experiences, and helpful tips on booking your canal cruise.
In Conclusion: Is It Better to Fly or Take the Train From Paris to Amsterdam
Is it better to fly or take the train from Paris to Amsterdam? In my personal experience, it is best to take the train from Paris to Amsterdam. A train trip will save you valuable time and if booked in advance can be a very affordable option for transportation.
Amsterdam:
- Is There Uber in Amsterdam: Tips to Get From Airport to Amsterdam
- Are Canal Cruises Worth it in Amsterdam: 7 Unique Tours
- 7 Hour Layover in Amsterdam: What To Do On a Long Layover
Paris:
- Paris Bucket List: 40 Best Things to Do in Paris
- Is Paris Overrated: Why You Should Or Should Not Visit
More Europe Destinations:
Italy:
- Saturnia Hot Springs Italy: Don’t Make These 11 Mistakes
- Is It Worth It to Climb the Duomo in Florence: Tips & Guide
- Is There Uber in Florence Italy: How to Get Around in Florence
