Trains from Paris to Amsterdam
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Traveling from Paris to Amsterdam by train
Looking for more information on how to travel by train from Paris to Amsterdam? You’ve come to the right place!
The train from Paris to Amsterdam usually takes 4 hours and 37 minutes. Each day, around 13 trains run on this popular route, with the fastest service taking you from Paris to Amsterdam in just 3 hours and 19 minutes.
You’ll be traveling direct on this route with Eurostar's high-speed trains. All services depart from Paris Gare du Nord station and arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station. Whichever class you travel in, you’ll enjoy comfortable seating, free WiFi and power outlets. If you want to treat yourself, opt for Eurostar's Premium (First Class) for that bit of extra luxury and space, including at-seat dining and access to the Eurostar Lounge in Paris prior to boarding.
While you can choose to travel from Paris to Amsterdam by train, plane or car, taking the train is by far the quickest option when planning city-to-city journeys. Not only will it take less time, traveling by train is the environmentally friendly option too.
Once you’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal station, you can start exploring the city, as the main landmarks are only a few minutes away - as are some of Amsterdam's best hotels! For inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam or our guide to the Amsterdam Light Festival this winter. You can even wander round some of the filming locations used in Ted Lasso on your visit to Amsterdam!
Eager to start your journey? Use our Journey Planner to search for your train tickets from Paris to Amsterdam – we’ll show you train times and highlight the cheapest fares. If you’d like to learn more about the train journey from Paris to Amsterdam first, keep reading for more information on:
- Eurostar classes
- Onboard services on Eurostar trains
- Traveling from the airport to central Paris
- How to get to Paris Gare du Nord
- Arriving in Amsterdam
- Things to do in Amsterdam
- Exploring Europe with a Eurail Pass
- Popular train journeys from Amsterdam
- Traveling from central Amsterdam to the airport
Alternatively, you can read a review from one of our travel writers if you want to learn more about what it’s like to travel from Paris to Amsterdam by train.
Paris to Amsterdam by train
It takes an average of 5h 12m to travel from Paris to Amsterdam by train, over a distance of around 268 miles (431 km). There are normally 17 trains per day traveling from Paris to Amsterdam and tickets for this journey start from $39.33 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:25 | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Amsterdam | |
| Journey time | From 3h 16m | |
| Distance | 268 miles (431 km) | |
| Frequency | 17 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $39.33 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Eurostar trains from Paris to Amsterdam
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On October 1, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red color scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
Eurostar classes from Paris to Amsterdam
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar when traveling from Paris to Amsterdam.
Standard
In Standard class, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard bar car.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
Standard Premier
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Standard Class, in Eurostar Standard Premier you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Instead of Standard Premier, Red trains traveling around Europe have Comfort Class. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal (1)
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains traveling to or from the United Kingdom.
Business Premier
For trains to and from London, Business Premier gives you the freedom to travel on your own timetable, with speedy boarding and Eurostar's exclusive Business Premier lounges where you can relax before your trip. In Premium Class, exclusively on trains in Europe, you'll benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access (2)
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
- (2) Access to the Business Premier lounge is only available for passengers traveling between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Onboard services on Eurostar
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Amsterdam.
Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).
Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat. Travel in Business Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.
- Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
- Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
- If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
- Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
- 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
- You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.
The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
Cheap train tickets from Paris to Amsterdam
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Paris to Amsterdam by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Traveling from Paris airports to the city center
If you’re visiting Paris from abroad, chances are you’ll be arriving at one of Paris’ airports. Want to know how to get to central Paris from the airport? Keep reading for more details.
Paris has three major airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CGD)
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais Tille Airport (BVA)
All airports offer bus and taxi services, while only Charles de Gaulle and Orly have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tille is nearby in Beauvais).
How to get from CDG Airport to the city center
How to get from Orly Airport to the city center
How to get from Beauvais Tille Airport to the city center
How to get to Paris Gare du Nord station
With its central location in the city, Paris Gare du Nord station is easy to reach by all modes of transport.
Public transport to Paris Gare du Nord
- Trains: TER and TGV trains from the northern suburbs of Paris, and cities like Calais and Lille run into the station regularly. Paris Gare du Nord station is also close to Gare de L’Est train station, around a 5-10-minute walk
- Metro: Metro lines 4 and 5 stop at Gare du Nord, as do RER lines B, D and E
- Buses: A lot of the local buses stop at or near Gare du Nord station
- Taxis: There is a dedicated cabstand outside the front of the station for drop-offs.
Facilities at the station
- Food and drink outlets
- Shops
- Toilets
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
Arriving for your Eurostar train to Amsterdam
You should aim to arrive around 20 minutes before your train to Amsterdam is due to leave. Eurostar trains usually depart from platforms 7 and 8, and you’ll need to pass through a security gate to get onto the platform. There may also be baggage and security checks before boarding the train.
Arriving in Amsterdam from Paris
Eurostar trains usually arrive at platforms 13, 14 or 15 at Amsterdam Centraal station. From here, you’ll find yourself right into the IJhal (the main station area) as soon as you step off the platform.
Facilities at the station
- Food and drink outlets
- Shops
- Toilets
- A pharmacy
- Currency exchange
- Bike rental
- Tourist shop selling excursion and attraction tickets
Public transport in Amsterdam
- Metro, bus, and tram: You can reach the metro and bus station via the IJhal. For the metro, there are entrances in the hall and outside on the city-center side. For buses, take the escalators to get to the bus platform. Trams depart outside the station.
- Taxis: There are usually plenty of taxis waiting outside the station.
- Walking: It's also easy to walk from the station to the city's main sights.
- Bicycles: The main way to get around in Amsterdam, you can hire bikes from a shop within the station.
Nearby attractions
- Anne Frank House: 20-minute walk
- Dam Square: 10-minute walk
- NEMO Science Museum: 13-minute walk
- Royal Palace Amsterdam: 10-minute walk
And of course, you don’t have to walk far to admire the miles of picturesque canals that loop the city.
What to do once you get to Amsterdam
Taking the train from Paris to Amsterdam is just the start. This vibrant city is full of amazing ways to spend your time there. Take a look at some of our inspirational guides to Amsterdam to help plan your visit.
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Amsterdam, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead. For more information, read our dedicated Eurail Pass article.
Popular train journeys from Amsterdam
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Amsterdam and want to explore more, you can easily reach nearby cities in Europe by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Amsterdam:
Traveling from the city center to Amsterdam airport
If you’re traveling abroad from Amsterdam, you’ll most likely depart from the city’s main airport, Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Read on for more information on how to get from the city center to the airport.
Trains to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The train from Amsterdam Centraal station to Schiphol airport is the fastest and cheapest way to get from the city center to the airport. Trains are operated by NS, the main rail operator in the Netherlands. Services run every 10-15 minutes from 06:00 am to 01:00 am (they depart every hour during other times). The journey takes only 15 minutes. Once you get off your train, you’ll need to walk for just a couple of minutes to get to the departures area.
Buses to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The Amsterdam Airport Express, or Bus 397, departs from different parts of the city center (they have stops near Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, and Leidseplein) to Schiphol Airport. Services run daily between 5:00 am and 12:30 am. You can buy a ticket online or pay with a contactless card on the bus.
FAQs for Paris to Amsterdam
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Amsterdam? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Paris to Amsterdam take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and Amsterdam is 5 hours and 12 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paris and Amsterdam by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Amsterdam is 3 hours and 16 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to Amsterdam cost?
Train tickets from Paris to Amsterdam can start from as little as $39.33 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Amsterdam?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Amsterdam without having to change trains. There are 11 direct trains from Paris to Amsterdam each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to Amsterdam leave?
The first train from Paris to Amsterdam leaves at 06:21. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to Amsterdam leave?
The last train from Paris to Amsterdam leaves at 21:25. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paris and Amsterdam by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to Amsterdam cover a distance of around 268 miles (431 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Amsterdam to Paris.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
Getting from Paris to Amsterdam, fast.
Note: This review was written before Thalys became Eurostar in October 2023. See our Eurostar page for more information.
Traveling from Paris to Amsterdam is much easier and faster than we first thought it would be. Planning for a week in Europe starting in Paris and then heading further afield, Amsterdam became a serious option, with Thalys high-speed trains taking around 3 hours and 20 minutes to whisk us from Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal. It seemed like a no-brainer, so off we went.
Traveling with Thalys
Thalys have 3 classes of travel onboard and we found out reservations were mandatory as this will guarantee a seat at the time of booking. Whilst each class includes things such as WiFi, for a 3-hour trip we opted for the “Premium” ticket (or First Class to most travelers). Included in the price of the ticket is an at-seat hot meal service and drinks. Deciding to get two good full days in Amsterdam, we opted for one of the early morning services and enjoyed breakfast on the train.
Boarding at Paris Gare du Nord station
Gare du Nord is a hive of activity and there’s plenty at the station to keep you occupied, from cafes, shops or people-watching. There’s always something going on here. We found the platform information easy to find as it's displayed on the large screens around the station. Eurostar trains running from France to the Netherlands are easy to spot as well, as their deep red color and slick styling mean they stand out among all the other trains.
Before boarding at Gare du Nord, it's worth noting that there’s a small security check, although not long. I’d recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before departure to give yourself enough time to pass security, board and get settled.
The train journey from Paris to Amsterdam
Once on board, the time begins to fly and as you gaze out the window, Paris passes you by before the countryside begins to surround you, and everything turns green.
As it's a direct train service to Amsterdam Centraal, there's no need to change trains and there are only a few stops along the way. As you head north of Paris, the first calling point is Lille, a brief stop and then on to Belgium and the capital, Brussels. Again, we’re soon flying along and heading into the Netherlands via Antwerp and Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a great place to see something a little unusual out of a train window. Just outside the station, Rotterdam Zoo straddles the railway on either side. Here we caught a glimpse of some of the animals living there and lots of storks nesting on top of telegraph poles.
Arriving at Amsterdam Centraal station
As soon as we arrived at Amsterdam Centraal, we couldn’t help but notice its stunning architecture inspired by Gothic and Dutch Renaissance – look up as you walk out through the ticket hall, the ceilings are impressive! Before you head off down the canals and towards the heart of the city, consider heading across the lake on one of the free ferries. You will head across the IJ where you can get a truly panoramic view of Amsterdam and its surroundings from the viewing platform on top of A’DAM Lookout.
Amsterdam is a terrific city and one we’ll return to in the future, hopefully by train!
About Richard
Richard, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Paris and Amsterdam.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.