Taking the train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal
Soak up waterside history and charm by jumping on an NS train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal. There's no easier way to travel between these two Dutch cities. After all, with up to six departures an hour, a short journey time of around half an hour and a service that runs from the early hours well into the evening taking the scenic route by train is the only way to go.
The train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal departs from and arrives in the city centres, so soaking up the culture of both cities can easily be done in a day. Your Netherlands Intercity train transports you from the museums of Utrecht to the delights of Van Gogh and Rembrandt in the time it takes to catch up on a few emails.
Travel Standard or First Class to enjoy comfortable seats, luggage space, WiFi and power sockets and once you reach Amsterdam Centraal, you have a wealth of travel options right outside the station but, in our book, hopping on a water taxi or exploring on foot are the only options in this watery city. Get speeding on your journey now by scrolling down further for train times, ticket prices and useful FAQs.
Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal by train
| Journey time | From 25m |
|---|---|
| Price | From €8.20 |
| Distance | 22 miles (36 km) |
| Frequency | 15 trains per day |
| First train | 12:03 |
| Last train | 14:08 |
| Departure station | Utrecht |
| Arrival station | Amsterdam-Centraal |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train and bus operators | NS, BlaBlaBus |
NS trains from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
More information
Cheap train tickets from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal
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 Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal 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.
Journey details
How long does the train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal take?
The average journey time by train between Utrecht and Amsterdam-Centraal is 26 minutes, with around 15 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 Utrecht and Amsterdam-Centraal by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal is 25 minutes.
How much does the train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal cost?
Train ticket prices from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal can start from as little as €8.20 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.
Is there a direct train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal without having to change trains. There are 15 direct trains from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal leave?
The first train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal leaves at 12:03. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal leave?
The last train from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal leaves at 14:08. 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 Utrecht and Amsterdam-Centraal by train?
Trains travelling from Utrecht to Amsterdam-Centraal cover a distance of around 22 miles (36 km) during the journey.