Berlin to Amsterdam train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,RE,RB)

Transportation experience

I booked my ticket on Omio, which made it easy to compare travel options and complete the purchase. You can pay using various international methods, and best of all, your ticket is delivered digitally, ready for boarding. The DB InterCity train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Amsterdam Centraal is a convenient experience, thanks to centrally located stations at both ends. You are picked up in the heart of the city of Berlin and dropped off in the tourist center of Amsterdam. What a perfect way to travel!

Schedule & frequency

Trains from Berlin to Amsterdam depart throughout the day at two-hour intervals. Departures start early in the morning, with the last service leaving in the late afternoon, resulting in a total of six trains to choose from. You can also travel overnight by European Sleeper, which departs at night and has a longer journey time to allow a good night of sleep. However, this service only runs three times a week. I traveled on IC 144, which departed at 12:06 and had a journey time of 5 hours and 52 minutes. Keep in mind that trains in Germany can occasionally face disruptions, so it’s wise not to schedule anything important immediately after your arrival.

Onboard experience & services

I booked a First Class ticket for this journey on the DB InterCity from Berlin to Amsterdam. First Class features spacious compartments for up to six passengers, making it a very pleasant and civilized way to travel. I loved the seating, too. With great ergonomics and good padding, it made the ride very comfortable. Along the way, the scenery is nothing spectacular, though I found it very relaxing to watch the rolling hills and smaller German and Dutch towns speed past at up to 160km/h as the hours pass. You’ll know you’ve arrived in the Netherlands once you start seeing so many cycle paths running alongside the railway line! Second Class is also a great option, offering similarly comfortable seating in a more traditional airline-style layout. All classes feature reclining seats with padded headrests, air conditioning, and access to tables. These carriages date back to the 1980s but were extensively rebuilt around 2015, making them perfect for the modern traveler. The train is hauled by a modern Siemens Vectron locomotive, which is capable of operating across various international systems to cross borders without delays. Note that due to new regulations, these trains no longer have a dining car. Be sure to pack enough snacks and drinks for the journey. There are plenty of shops at the station in Berlin where you can stock up before boarding. Free Wi-Fi is available, and I found this to be pretty fast, allowing me to browse the web and keep in contact with friends. Luggage storage is available throughout the train, with large overhead luggage racks and larger shelves at the end of carriages. Further space can also be found between seats that face apart from one another.

Second Class interior of a DB InterCity train

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

Train tickets from Berlin to Amsterdam on Omio vary based on demand. Therefore, it’s best to book far ahead and secure the best deal. Here’s what I paid when booking six weeks ahead: Second Class: €40.00 First Class Upgrade: +€16.00 Seat Reservation (Optional) +€6.00 Total: €62.00 During the summer season, seat reservations are compulsory and included in the ticket price. At other times of the year, they are optional and can be added for a fee of €6.

Top tips & recommendations

• Pack some food and drinks — the train does not have a dining car.
• Choose First Class — and enjoy a classic journey in a compartment.
• Reserve a seat — even if you are traveling in the off-season. You can use the seat selector on Omio to choose your favorite.
• Delays do happen — so plan ahead by not making any important plans immediately after your train’s arrival in Amsterdam.

Conclusion

Overall, taking the DB InterCity train from Berlin to Amsterdam was a fantastic experience and easily the best way to travel between these two great European capitals. With frequent departures and comfortable seating, it’s a great way to see the countryside along the way. Book your train ticket on Omio now to secure your seat at the best price.