Best Direct Trains From Amsterdam To European Cities In 2024

Are you in Amsterdam and looking to visit a new European destination? As a world traveler and a tour manager guiding US groups through Europe, I’ve taken many trains, including those from Amsterdam. 

So this article will introduce you to the best direct trains from Amsterdam to other European cities. Some of them can be a perfect day trip from Amsterdam for you. Others will take longer, but you can save time changing trains during your journey. All of these trains depart from Amsterdam-Centraal, the main station in Amsterdam.

Let’s explore Europe from Amsterdam!

List Of Direct Trains From Amsterdam To European Cities

These are all direct trains from Amsterdam to other European cities. I’ve ranked them from the trains that have the shortest distance to those with the longest distance from Amsterdam:

🚇 1. AMSTERDAM BRUSSELS
🚇 2. AMSTERDAM COLOGNE
🚇 3. AMSTERDAM PARIS
🚇 4. AMSTERDAM LONDON
🚇 5. AMSTERDAM FRANKFURT
🚇 6. AMSTERDAM BERLIN
🚇 7. AMSTERDAM BASEL

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1. AMSTERDAM BRUSSELS (Belgium)

The first and the shortest direct train you can take from Amsterdam to another European city is to Brussels. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and has a lot to offer.

From tasting samples of Belgium’s beer to seeing the famous Peeing Man on the street, eating delicious waffles loaded with sweets, tasting their chocolate, or seeing the famous Atomium and its Town Hall in the historical center… Brussels won’t disappoint you.

Traveling by direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels can be a perfect day trip.

This route is operated by two different trains, IC Brussels and Thalys. The former train takes about 2 hours & 50 minutes from Amsterdam to Brussels. It’s more affordable. The latter will take you from Amsterdam to Brussels within an hour, but it’s slightly more expensive.

With both trains, you’ll arrive at the Bruxelles-Midi station, the main train station in Brussels.

QUICK GUIDE:
⏰ TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour with Thalys or 2 hours & 50 minutes by IC Brussels
🚇 OPERATED BY: IC Brussels train or by Thalys
📍 END STATION: Bruxelles-Midi

➡ Book a direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels here.

👉 READ ALSO: How Many Countries To Visit In Europe In 2 Weeks: Full Itinerary

2. AMSTERDAM COLOGNE (Germany)

Cologne, located in Germany, is our next city on the list for direct trains from Amsterdam. Don’t get confused; you might also spot the name Köln. It’s the official German name for the city.

Cologne attracts visitors with the largest Gothic Church in Europe, the Cathedral of Cologne. Just come in and stand in front of it. It’s so huge that you might not even see the top. Walk up to the highest point and enjoy incredible views of the city. Afterward, head downtown to taste some delicacies in a local German bakery.

A German train company operates the route from Amsterdam to Cologne called Deutsche Bahn (DB). This direct train takes you to Cologne within 3 hours and 10 minutes.

The final station is called (in the German language) Köln Hbf. HBf stands for Hauptbahnhof, a German word for the main train station.

QUICK GUIDE:
⏰ TRAVEL TIME: 3 hours & 10 minutes
🚇 OPERATED BY: DB (ICE train)
📍 END STATION: Köln Hbf

➡ Book a direct train from Amsterdam to Cologne here.

3. AMSTERDAM PARIS (France)

Paris, Paris…. the city of lights and romance. Who wouldn’t want to come here? Now I have great news for you. You can visit this beautiful metropolis on a day trip from Amsterdam by train.

We know you can’t see everything in Paris within a day. But if you’re running out of time and have one more spare day in Europe, why not see Paris?

You can at least take a cruise on River Seine, have a crepe underneath the Eiffel Tower, walk up to the Tower for stunning views, and visit the Louvre Museum.

A direct train by Thalys takes you from Amsterdam to Paris within 3 hours & 30 minutes. The final station in Paris is called Gare-du-Nord, the northern train station. From there, you can catch a metro to any attraction you want to see.

QUICK GUIDE:
⏰ TRAVEL TIME: 3 hours & 30 minutes
🚇 OPERATED BY: Thalys
📍 END STATION: Paris Gare-du-Nord

➡ Book a direct train from Amsterdam to Paris here.

👉 READ ALSO: Epic South Of France Itinerary: 14 Days With Tips

4. AMSTERDAM LONDON (England)

Let’s honor the Eurostar train that takes you directly from the Dutch capital to London within less than 4 hours. It’s a very popular route, so book your tickets in advance.

Eurostar train runs through the big tunnel built underneath the English Channel. Even though you won’t see any fish (like some clients on my tours ask sometimes), it’s a pretty cool experience when you think about it.

The Channel Tunnel, called the Eurotunnel, is 31.3 miles (50 km) long. It takes 35 minutes to go through by train. This direct connection takes you to London St-Pancras station.

Again, once you arrive in London, you can easily get to any place you want to see by tube (London’s metro). I recommend getting the Oyster Card. It’s a convenient way to use the tube in London and more economical. Or book a sightseeing bus and see the city within a few hours.

Go on the London Eye, visit the Harry Potter Studio, get up to the Sky Garden for amazing views (book in advance), or check out Tower Of London with London Bridge. London has special vibes, so it’ll capture you even if you only have a little time.

QUICK GUIDE:
⏰ TRAVEL TIME: 3 hours & 56 minutes
🚇 OPERATED BY: Eurostar
📍 END STATION: London St-Pancras

➡ Book a direct train from Amsterdam to London here.

5. AMSTERDAM FRANKFURT (Germany)

Frankfurt is another great city you can visit on a direct train from Amsterdam. As one of the most important financial hubs in Europe, it offers everything.

You’ll love this city, from huge buildings and modern skyscrapers to the historical center with cute, colorful houses, beautiful parks, boat rides on the River Main, and walks. Don’t forget to go up to the Main Tower with its observation deck on the 53rd floor.

Most of the time, when taking the train from Amsterdam to Frankfurt, you have to change. However, one direct train connection leaves Amsterdam around midday.

In this case, you might have to overnight in the city, which is okay. Go up to the Main Tower at night. The views with all the lights will leave you speechless.

The train to Frankfurt is operated by Deutsche Bahn ICE train and takes 4 hour & 30 minutes. The final station is the main station in Frankfurt (again, the German word HBf):

QUICK GUIDE:
⏰ TRAVEL TIME: 4 hours & 23 minutes
🚇 OPERATED BY: DB (ICE train)
📍 END STATION: Frankfurt HBf

➡ Book a direct train from Amsterdam to Frankfurt here.

6. AMSTERDAM BERLIN (Germany)

If you’ve been looking to visit the young vibe of Germany’s capital, here you have it. Berlin also has a direct train connection to Amsterdam (and vice-versa),

It might not be a day trip from the Dutch capital, but since it takes more than 6 hours, it’s a great way to see Berlin.

From the Berlin Wall to the exciting streets full of young people and delicious German sausages to drinking beer and learning about the history of this place. Berlin is a special place full of interesting stories.

A direct IC train from Amsterdam takes you to the German capital within 6 hours and 30 minutes. However, there are only a few trains daily, so plan ahead.

QUICK GUIDE:
⏰ TRAVEL TIME: 6 hours & 25 minutes
🚇 OPERATED BY: DB (IC train)
📍 END STATION: Berlin HBf

➡ Book a direct train from Amsterdam to Berlin here.

7. AMSTERDAM BASEL (Switzerland)

Last but not least, Switzerland also makes it to our list. Once you’re in Europe, this country can’t be missing in your travel diary. Basel is a Swiss city on the border with France and Germany.

You must see its red Town Hall, walk through its streets, and get great food. Basel has amazing restaurants, beautiful architecture, and a young vibe. If you’re in the city, visit at least one more location in Switzerland. I recommend the Jungfrau region.

Similarly to Frankfurt, there is only one direct train daily from Amsterdam to Basel. It’s also a long journey, so buy a snack and something to entertain yourself.

The journey operates the Deutsche Bahn ICE train, and the final station is Basel SBB. SBB stands for Schweizerische Bundesbahnen – the Swiss Federal Railways.

QUICK GUIDE:
⏰ TRAVEL TIME: 6 hours & 40 minutes
🚇 OPERATED BY: DB (ICE train)
📍 END STATION: Basel SBB

➡ Book a direct train from Amsterdam to Basel here.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days By Train

Where To Book Train Tickets?

Generally, the best place to book train tickets for European destinations is online. Not only is it more convenient and faster, but it’s also cheaper. On some frequent train routes in Europe, it’s also necessary or the tickets will sell out.

I always book my train tickets via the website called Trainline. They have the best fares with various connections. Just type in your destinations and departure time; it’ll show you all available trains, including prices. Trainline has the most affordable train tickets.

Once you find your train connection, you can select it and book it online. You’ll get the train ticket via email, and you can save it to your phone. Keep it in your phone (it has a QR code), and show it to the train controller. Usually, he also asks you for your ID or passport. That’s it. It’s straightforward.

➡ Book your train tickets via Trainline here.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some frequently asked questions about trains in Europe. Check my answers below:

Which Cities Can yYu Get A Train To From Amsterdam?

You can get a direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels (Belgium), Paris (France), London (UK), Basel (Switzerland), Cologne (Germany), Berlin (Germany), and Frankfurt (Germany).

Which Country Is Close To The Netherlands By Train?

Belgium and Germany are the closest countries to the Netherlands by train. The closest city to Amsterdam is Brussels in Belgium, which you can reach just within an hour from Amsterdam. Another direct train you can take from Amsterdam to Cologne in Germany takes about 3 hours.

Is There A Direct Train From Amsterdam To Switzerland?

Yes, a direct train is from Amsterdam to Basel (a Swiss city). There is only 1 train connection per day to Basel. The train is operated by Deutsche Bahn IC train and takes over 6 hours.

Is There A Direct Train From Amsterdam To Copenhagen?

No, there aren’t direct trains to Copenhagen from Amsterdam. You’ll have to change trains at least once in Hamburg.

Is There A Direct Train From Amsterdam To Germany?

Yes, there are a couple of direct trains from Amsterdam to Germany. These trains will take you to Cologne, Frankfurt, and Berlin.

How To Get From Amsterdam To Brussels Easily?

Take the Thalys train from Amsterdam to Brussels. It only takes 1 hour to reach Brussels, the most convenient and fastest journey between these two cities.

WRAP-UP: Best Direct Trains From Amsterdam To European Cities

These are the best direct trains from Amsterdam to explore other European cities. The cities are amazing, and I’m sure you’ll love them. Plan your journey ahead of time, as some trains only leave once per day. So secure your tickets and organize your trip. I also recommend staying a few nights in a city and exploring more of the country.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you. Or check out my favorite travel resources to organize your trips.

Happy Travels!