The average journey time by train between Paris and Amsterdam is 4 hours and 15 minutes, with around 26 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.
While it's possible to travel from Paris to Amsterdam by train, plane and automobile – taking the train is by far the quickest option when planning city centre to city centre journeys. Not only that, it’s much kinder on the environment, and you can arrive and depart from both city centres – so you’ll be swapping croissants for canals in just over three hours. What's more, it'll be easier for you to get to the city's major museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and the Rembrandt House Museum.
If you want to travel direct from France to Amsterdam, Thalys high-speed trains can whisk you there at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Whichever class you choose to travel in, you’ll enjoy free WiFi, comfortable seating and plug sockets to keep your electronics charged during your journey. Opt for Thalys’ Premium (First Class) tickets if you want that bit of extra luxury and space – including at-seat dining and access to the Thalys lounge in Paris before you board.
There are also indirect train routes that include a quick stopover in Brussels, where you’ll swap to either another Thalys train, an NS or SNCB Intercity train, or even the Eurostar.
Ready to book? Start your search for train tickets from Paris to Amsterdam in our Journey Planner at the top of the page – we’ll show you times and costs and highlight the cheapest tickets. Keep reading to find FAQs about the journey and tips on how to keep the cost of train travel from Paris to Amsterdam as low as possible.
Thalys is the railway company connecting four European countries – France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Thalys trains run at a speed of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) and have three comfort classes on all services called – Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to the First Class, with access to the Thalys Lounge). All Thalys trains have a car restaurant (called Thalys Welcome Bar) and a free WiFi connection.
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.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Paris and Amsterdam is 7 hours and 18 minutes, with around 11 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.
Thalys high-speed trains from Paris to Amsterdam can travel at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Amsterdam is 3 hours and 21 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Paris to Amsterdam can start from as little as €20 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes. There are 1 direct Thalys trains that travel from Paris to Amsterdam each day with an average journey time of 7 hours and 18 minutes.
The first train from Paris to Amsterdam leaves at 11:25 from Paris Gare du Nord. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Paris to Amsterdam leaves at 10:25 from Paris Gare du Nord. 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.
Trains travelling from Paris to Amsterdam cover a distance of around 268 miles (431 km) during the journey.
All trains from Paris to Amsterdam are operated by Thalys – a high-speed train company connecting the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany.