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

Transportation experience

I booked my ticket through Omio in less than five minutes: selected the date, filtered by fastest connection, and it was done. I went for First Class this time, and it really made a difference. My seat was in a compartment with a sliding door, which gave me extra space and peace. I got the seat right by the door and was quite happy with the extra legroom. At 196 cm tall, I usually struggle a bit in tight spots—but here, I could really stretch out. As you approach Berlin, you want to sit on the left side of the train. The urban landscape unfolds beautifully on that side, especially during the final 30 minutes before arrival. It was like the city slowly revealed itself as we rolled in.

Schedule & frequency

The ICE runs multiple times a day, generally from early morning until around 6 PM. My train left Amsterdam at 10:00 AM and arrived in Berlin just after 4:00 PM. We passed through cities like Osnabrück and Hannover, with smooth stops along the way. I barely noticed the time passing. It was one of those rides where you can zone out and enjoy the rhythm of the tracks.

Onboard experience & services

I booked a First Class train ticket, and that was a great choice. The seats were wide, reclinable, and came with power outlets. The table, however, was only for the window and middle seats. I did get some extra legroom by sitting next to the door, though. I also had Wi-Fi for the entirety of the trip. There is also a restaurant/bar on the train. I found the food to be too expensive, though, and I didn't get any complimentary snacks or drinks. So, before boarding in Amsterdam, get yourself some food and drinks! There is an Albert Heijn ToGo in the station, where you can do just that. On ICE trains from Amsterdam to Berlin, passengers can bring luggage for free as long as they can carry it themselves and store it safely. Recommended dimensions are up to 70×50×30 cm for standard luggage and 85×85×85 cm (max 30 kg) for larger items like instruments or folded bikes. As we got closer to Berlin, I noticed the scenery shifting from farmland to suburbs and, finally, into the denser cityscape. As I looked out of the left-side window, I could see us entering Berlin alongside the S-bahn metros. For travel on the ICE train from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Berlin (Germany), passport or ID requirements depend on your nationality and residency status, as both countries are part of the Schengen Area, where internal border controls are generally not enforced.

The interior of a First Class compartment on the ICE train, showing two rows of seats.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

I booked my First Class train ticket about ten days in advance through Omio and paid €64. Second Class would have cost around €45, but: I chose First Class for the extra space and comfort. It was summer, so I expected the train to be crowded, making First Class feel worth it. If you're traveling on a budget, Second Class is still a great option: You’ll enjoy the same scenic views. Seats are comfortable, but with less legroom and fewer perks.

Top tips & recommendations

• Sit on the left side of the train for the best views coming into Berlin.
• If you’re tall, try booking the door seat in First Class for extra legroom.
• Download your ticket before boarding, just in case you lose signal during the ride.
• If you need to catch a connection in Berlin, make sure to have enough time, as Berlin Hbf can be very busy and confusing to navigate.

Conclusion

The Amsterdam to Berlin by train journey was the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and scenery. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and stress-free way to travel between these two great historical cities, skip the plane and go for the train. Book your train tickets on Omio, settle in, and enjoy the ride.