Paris to Amsterdam train with Eurostar

Traveling from Paris to Amsterdam by Train

Introduction

I’ve taken my fair share of trains across Europe, but the ride from Paris to Amsterdam was one I won’t forget. Smooth, scenic, and surprisingly quick, this route makes traveling between two major European cities feel effortless. If you're considering the best way to get from Paris to Amsterdam, here's how my train journey went and everything I wish I had known before booking.

Route Overview

The train from Paris to Amsterdam connects two iconic capitals in under 3.5 hours. Departing from Paris Gare du Nord and arriving at Amsterdam Centraal, this international high-speed route cuts across northern France, Belgium, and into the Netherlands, all without the airport hassle. If you’re deciding between flights or a train, I’d say take the train at least once. It’s city-center to city-center, there’s no luggage limit stress, and the ride itself is part of the adventure. I used Omio to book my Paris to Amsterdam train, and it made comparing times and prices super easy.

Booking & Travel Experience

I booked my Paris to Amsterdam train trip via Omio a few weeks before my trip. The interface helped me see options from Thalys (now Eurostar), which was the fastest and most popular choice. The ride itself felt like a moving lounge, and it was quiet, clean, and comfy. For those wondering, “Should I take the train or fly from Paris to Amsterdam?” The train wins for convenience and comfort. Check out flights from Paris to Amsterdam on Omio if you're short on time, but for me, the train was the better experience.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Paris Gare du Nord is one of the busiest rail hubs in Europe. Passport control and security are mandatory here since you're crossing borders, so arrive at least 30 minutes before your train. The station has cafés, shops, and plenty of signage in English.

Amsterdam Centraal sits right on the edge of the historic center. Once you arrive, you’re within walking distance of the canals, trams, and countless cafés. No need for taxis unless your bags are heavy.

Schedule & Frequency

There are direct trains roughly every hour throughout the day, mostly operated by Eurostar. My 10:25 AM departure reached Amsterdam just before 2 PM, with minimal delays. Morning and midday slots tend to be more relaxed, and booking earlier often means lower fares.

Onboard Experience & Services

I traveled in Second Class, and honestly? It was more than enough.

• Seats: Reclining, with pull-down tables and decent legroom. I had a window seat and was able to enjoy views of the Belgian countryside rolling by.
• Wi-Fi: Free onboard Wi-Fi worked well enough to check emails and scroll socials, though it dropped occasionally near the border.
• Luggage: No strict weight limits, just space for one large suitcase and one smaller item. Overhead racks and luggage shelves near the doors made things simple.
• Food: There's a small café bar onboard with drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. I grabbed a coffee and a croissant, but next time, I’d pack a better lunch.
• Restrooms: Clean and spacious enough for a long ride.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

For this route, prices vary based on timing and demand. I booked three weeks in advance and paid €49 for a Standard Class ticket. Here’s how the total cost looked:

Booking tip: Use Omio to compare train times and fares early, as fares can jump closer to departure. If you're flexible, traveling mid-week is often cheaper.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Bring your passport: You’ll go through border control at Gare du Nord.
• Download entertainment: Wi-Fi works, but can cut out.
• Arrive early: 30–45 minutes ahead is ideal due to security checks.
• Choose a window seat: The route crosses some beautiful countryside.
• Bring food: The onboard café is okay, though limited.

Best Moment of the Trip

Somewhere between Brussels and Rotterdam, the landscape shifted into open fields, windmills, and clear skies. I put on a playlist and just soaked it in. Traveling from Paris to Amsterdam by train turned out to be more than transport; it was an unexpectedly peaceful reset.

Conclusion

If you're heading from Paris to Amsterdam and value comfort, speed, and a stress-free journey, take the train. It’s direct, scenic, and lets you avoid airports altogether. I’d absolutely take this route again, especially thanks to how easy it was to book everything on Omio.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

Job Title: Travel and Lifestyle Content Creator Bio: Travel and lifestyle content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in solo travel, digital nomad life, and creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.